October 2023 Whale Sightings

October 31
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Tue, Oct 31 - Discovery Bay  - 13:00 - Approximately five orcas sighted at Beckett Point. They traveled deep into Discovery Bay toward Mill Point. They hung out around Mill Point for an hour or two. Long down times and then a lot of splashing. I was too far away to see details of their behavior but I think there was some tail slapping and maybe a few breaches. Maybe a post-kill celebration after a stealthy hunt? They reappeared at Beckett Point around 16:15. Taken from a bluff about a mile away from Beckett Point into glaring sunlight with a 2000 mm zoom lens. Looked like they headed out of Discovery Bay toward Miller Peninsula or Protection Island around 16:15. -photos by Steve Grace, October 31, 2023
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Tue, Oct 31 - Puget Sound - 15:37 - Three to four orca, one big male passing Mukilteo ferry terminal headed north. Twenty minutes ago. -Janet Chaykin
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12:05 - Saw one blow looking from Haines Wharf to Possession Beach. No fins seen. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Gina Cohen
Date of Sighting: October 31, 2023
Time: 8:45 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Between Southern tip of Whidbey and Edmonds ferry dock mid channel
Direction of travel : East
Behaviors observed: Hunting
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Feeding with seagulls following
Photos available?:
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Tue, Oct 31 - Haro Strait
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Humpback Sighting:
Sighting Time: Tue Oct 31 16:00 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.55846,-123.17318 
Submitted Comments: south bound, 100 m offshore
Submitter Name: Val Veirs
Whale Alert App
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09:07 - Thanks to Ambur Lee for messaging again today with another report a humpback is again feeding in Haro Strait off Lime Kiln. Viewed via the webcam.
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08:00 - Humpback feeding north of Lime Kiln. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]

October 30
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Mon, Oct 30 - Possession Sound (T109A2s) - 18:13 - I can’t actually believe my eyes but they are in the exact same spot I saw them this morning, about midway between Clinton and Sandy Point, mid channel. Milling and possibly hunting with long down times. An absolute gift. I can still see them, roughly in the same area, and I think they may be heading to bed soon. Mostly just under the surface and they appear to alternating between being on their backs and sides. -Sarah Sadid
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17:20 - The T109A2 pod flipped northbound towards Tulalip along the edge of the delta.
17:10 - The T109A2 pod passed Tulalip and are swimming along the Snohomish delta eastbound toward Everett.
16:24 - The T109A2 pod is southeastbound exiting Port Susan on the mainland side. Aiming towards Everett. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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15:42 - Small group of orcas moving from south from southern part of Mckees Beach, mid channel but definitely mainland side. -Brent Enloe [PSWW]
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09:50 - Lori reported eastbound once they hit top of Hat, will be interesting to see where they show up.
9:50 - Three orcas at northwest corner heading east, close in very active. These are transients. -Lori Christopher [HIWS]
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09:35 - Sarah Sadid called to report seeing at least three orcas (no males visible) approximately mid way between Clinton and Sandy Point heading northwest slowly. As viewed from Hat Island.
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HUMPBCK WHALES - Mon, Oct 30 - Haro Strait - 17:28 - Haro Strait humpback. Thanks to Ambur Lee for messaging about spotting this humpback while watching the Lime Kiln webcam.
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13:26 - Humpback breach north of Lime Kiln.
12:07 - Humpback off Bellevue Point from Lime Kiln feed. Heading south. -Cheryl Kolb [WSSJI]
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08:50 - Humpback heading up island third plus mile from shore. -Michelline Halliday [WSSJI]
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07:40 - Humpback traveling up island from Eagle Point. Close to shore. -Jenny Stands Wilson [WSSJI]
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Mon, Oct 30 - Saratoga Passage (HW-MN0510662)
HW-MN0510662 -ID by Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
17:35 - Now heading more towards Camano State Park. Mid channel.
17:00 - One and a half miles north of Hidden Beach now heading south. Per Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network, the ID is HW-MN0510662 who's been seen many times inland Puget Sound this month. -photos by Aaron Gill, October 30, 2023
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17:04 - Volunteer Heather A called to report the humpback is milling around in Saratoga Passage about a mile north of Hidden Beach, Whidbey Island. Whidbey side of mid channel. Hanging around but was facing north last dive.
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11:09 - Just saw a humpback from shore, close in, northbound, from Camano State Park.  -Coni Jones Carrothers 

October 29
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sun, Oct 29 - SJIs (T34s, T36Bs, & T37s) - T34, T37, T36Bs. -Yanwei Cai
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13:23 - Donna Sanders, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 13:24 to report: KITSAP Captains reports 12 Orca heading SB near LOPEZ/SHAW. 
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12:05 - T34s/T37s southbound in San Juan Channel near Point Caution. Per Sara Hysong-Shimazu, 36Bs are also in the mix. -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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Sun, Oct 29 - Possession Sound (T109A2s) - 14:00 - They headed north toward Camano, per folks watching at Sandy Point. -Caitlyn Blair
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14:00 - I just got here and briefly had a glimpse, they seemed to be going to Port Susan. -Hongming Zheng
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13:40 - My last post as we leave the T109A2 pod. Nearing Sandy Point northwest direction. T109A2A was very playful and turned around, swam over towards us, breached three times and circled around the boat, before heading back over to join the rest of the pod again. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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This weekend while running errands on the mainland, we of course had to take a quick detour to see the T109A2s nearby in Saratoga Passage! It was a classic Pacific Northwest scene complete with autumn sunshine and Mount Baker in the distance. -Orca Behavior Institute -photo by Monika Wieland Shields, October 29, 2023
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13:40 - Passing Sandy Point northbound now, lots of surface activity - maybe a mile offshore now; can’t tell if they might be heading to Port Susan. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
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13:22 - Update northwest direction [approx. 48.006444, -122.366538].
12:58 - All five of the family members are together now near shore just northwest of my last map. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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12:59 - Just saw three orcas heading north into Saratoga Passage. That was from the Clinton ferry terminal. -photo by Alyssa Casassa, October 29, 2023
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12:49 - Viewing from home now a distance away from Mukilteo side but able to see them surface! I see a whale watching boat also - such calm waters for enjoying the viewings.  -Mary Ann Macomber
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: George Simmel
Date of Sighting: October 29, 2023
Time: 12:35 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Saratoga Passage just north of ferry route
Direction of travel : N
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Ferry left the Clinton terminal very slowly and there was a whale-watching tour near to the whales.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org -photo by George Simmel, October 29, 2023
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12:45 - Update northwest direction. T109A2A, B, and C are closer to Whidbey than my mark. 109A2A and her youngest 109A2D are spread out from the others to the northeast of my mark last time we saw them [approx. 47.978103, -122.346464].
12:28 - T109A2 pod northbound at my map spot [approx. 47.964680, -122.345047]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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11:49 - Per Natalie in WIWS: Orcas just passed Possession Point going northbound toward Clinton.
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09:55 - Whales headed north off Apple Tree Point in Kingston! Unsure what type, but looks like at least three. Blowing! -John Butler [PSWS]
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09:55 - Sara called back to say saw more orcas to the north surface active. Saw three to four blows. Hasn't seen original group again. Sea is rough. Sara added “around the Eglon area, mid channel, surface activity then disappeared.”
09:44 - Sara Frey called to report at least three to four orcas southbound out in the channel out from Apple Tree Point, Kingston.
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Sun, Oct 29 - Haro Strait - 17:49 - Small humpback passing County Park northbound currently! -Devid Neiwert [WSSJI]
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11:20 - Humpback passing by San Juan County Park moving north, not far from shore. -Ursula Valdez [WSSJI] 
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Sun, Oct 29 - Puget Sound - 15:05 - We’ve spotted a young humpback whale at my map spot northbound [approx. 47.637771, -122.475699]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Humpback Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sun Oct 29 15:03 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.64323,-122.46353 (mid outer Elliott Bay)
Number Sighted: 1
Submitter Name: John
Whale Alert App
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10:00 - Donna Sanders, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 10:09 to report: Captain [of PUYALLUP] reports one Humpback Whale, 1.3 miles off tyee heading North. 
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MINKE WHALES - Sun, Oct 29 - Strait of Juan de Fuca
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Minke Whale Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sun Oct 29 11:00 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.09562,-122.92518
Number Sighted: 1
Submitted Comments: One large very shy minke between Diamond Point and Protection island headed west fast
Submitter Name: Marta 
Whale Alert App

October 28
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sat, Oct 28 - San Juans (T46C2 & T123s) - Per Monika Wieland Shields, OBI, in WSSJI, T46C2 is also traveling with the T123s.
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13:45 - Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 14:09 to report: KITSAP Master reports a small pod of orca (6) by FHBR and headed NB. 
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15:00 - Still northbound offshore off Reuben Tarte.
14:00 - Just passed Point Caution heading north FAST. -Cindy Hansen, Orca Network [WSSJI] 
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15:22 - Northbound [approx. 48.648809, -123.064368].
14:25 - Northwest steadily [approx. 48.590098, -123.063153].
13:40 - At the mouth of Friday Harbor. 
12:54 - Southwest bound [approx. 48.563317, -122.900800].
12:43 - They turned to follow the west side of Lopez. Southbound. -Smith Siromaskul
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13:00 - T123s and T46C2 heading southwest down Upright Channel. -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sam Garson
Date of Sighting: October 28, 2023
Time: 12:34 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Next to Lopez
Direction of travel : West
Behaviors observed: Jumping
If orcas, any males?: 1
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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12:23 - Approaching Lopez Island ferry terminal slowly. -Smith Siromaskul
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11:45 - Six Bigg’s between Lopez and Blakely Islands heading northwest. -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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11:39 - Several orcas seen off west side of Blakely Island from ferry. -Kevin McPhee
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11:20 - Donna Sanders, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 11:22 to report: Captain [of KALEETAN] reports 4 Orca near Blakely Island milling about. 
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T123A Stanley & T123 Sidney -IDs by Rachel Haight & Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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11:21 - Found a pod of orca. At least six between us and the shoreline to the northeast [Blakely Island]. No real direction. Sort of northwest. Very very active. -photos by Smith Siromaskul, October 28, 2023
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Sat, Oct 28 - Puget Sound (T109A2s) - 17:08 - We can see them from Picnic Point with binoculars. They are much closer to Point No Point. They are still milling about! -Erin Hochschild
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16:09 - They appear to be heading northwest at the moment towards Admiralty.  -Missy Main
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15:52 - Missy Main called Orca Network to report seeing pod of at least four orcas, including male, off Possession Point - first the orcas were east of the green buoy off the point and now to the west of the buoy. Possible trend west but appear to be milling around.
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12:28 - They changed direction a bit aiming towards Possession Point now and picked up the pace northbound [approx. 47.820473, -122.479768]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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12:30 - Fast travel east/northeast off Apple Tree Point Kingston. Southbound shipping lanes.
12:15 - Stalled at Apple Tree Point Kingston [for] ten minutes and now heading directly east/northeast. -photos by Sara Frey, October 28, 2023
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12:15 - Apple Tree Point. -photos by Donna Green Van Renselaar, October 28, 2023
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12:12 - Update on the T109A2 pod. They just made a quick kill, ate their meal, and are now northbound again [approx. 47.813606, -122.474095].
11:49 - The T109A2 pod is northbound at my map spot [approx. 47.793316, -122.466944]. -Bart Rulon
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11:03 - A pod just went by Jefferson Head headed north. At least one male didn’t get a good count, probably around six. -Tanner Ibara
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Sat, Oct 28 - Active Pass - 17:30 - Two humpbacks leisurely swam eastward in Active Pass with the setting sun illuminating their blows. Photos taken from the shore of Galiano Island.  -photos by Karoline Cullen, October 28, 2023
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Sat, Oct 28 - Haro Strait - 15:35 - 15:45, Viewing from 1 mile south of Landbank, a single humpback in a big hurry traveling north/ up-island, 1/4 mile from shore. It was chilly out and in combination with how fast and vigorous the humpback was moving, the blow towered huge and white above the whale. Very impressive! The humpback was traveling fast; as fast as an orca who's in a hurry. Photographed from shore. -Michelline Halliday, SJI -photos by Michelline Halliday, October 28, 2023
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17:13 - Large humpback heading south from Snug Harbor area. -Michael Wojciechowski [WSSJI]
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12:00 - Humpback at Lime Kiln right now. -Patrick McAnn [WSSJI]
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08:58 - Tuned back in (couldn’t take the super loud ship noise) and hearing intermittent vocals again.
08:11- Humpback whale has been vocalizing in Haro Strait off west side San Juan Island. Audible on the Orcasound Lab hydrophone this morning of and on with more vocals again now (and increasing ship noise too). Thanks to Jason Lee Bell for original hearing on SJ group.  -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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07:55 - Hearing fish groans and grunts! -Scott Veirs, Orcasound [WSSJI]
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07:44 - Some nice loud vocals now. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network [WSSJI]

October 27
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Fri, Oct 27 - Admiralty Inlet (J Pod) - J44 Moby - J46 Star - J26 Mike -IDs by Melisa Pinnow - J pod in the 'hood! Chilly day (time to get out the winter whale watch gear!). Got down to Bush Point in time to see them streaming by, mostly mid-channel to the west side, so pretty distant, and very spread out, coming by in ones and two's, maybe a few more together. Choppy and a lot of glare, but so great to see them! Some big breaches and tail slaps, and they were playing in the wake of some big ships and a tug - fun to see that! I couldn't identify any except possibly J47 Notch, who's dorsal fin is growing and his notch is widening.  -photos by Bonnie Gretz, October 27, 2023
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Some very distant glimpses of J-pod as they exited Admiralty last night - so fun to see many of them porpoising so much, too bad they were so far off! Some of them may have been riding the wake of a container ship and a tug, but too far away to tell. -photos by Jill Hein, October 27, 2023
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Two weeks following their last exit from Puget Sound (October 13), after spending time in Possession Triangle foraging and socializing, J pod once again bucked the tide riding high as they porpoised north in Admiralty Inlet. Any viewing distortion on the water was offset by the sunshine and wind highlighting the whales' blows as they fought the current on their outbound journey. Their magic never fades, and as always they were a beautiful sight to behold. -photos by Sandy Pollard, October 27, 2023
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17:36 - Watching them from Fort Casey lighthouse. They booked it west. -Erin Hochschild
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17:35 - Looking from Ebey. They just passing Fort Casey ferry lane. Northbound. Lots of splashing and a few hops. Spread out. -Anya Sika
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17:26 - Starting to hear calls on Port Townsend hydrophone again, guessing these are the trailers. -Orca Network
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16:48 - So sweet hearing J pod while we go about our day. Many calls, faint but audible. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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16:46 - Lots of surface activity (and on Port Townsend hydrophone) approaching lighthouse at Fort Worden. Northbound - mid channel. -Amy Smith Norris
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16:36 - Closer to Port Townsend side. Saw blows before fins. Maybe four of them? Watching from Whidbey and backlit. -Jennifer Fulton Carpenter
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16:30 - Small group heading northeast (it looks). -Jill M Rotset
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16:24 - Hearing J pod calls on the Port Townsend hydrophone. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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16:21 - Just heard a single SRKW call (S01) on the Port Townsend Marine Science Center live hydrophone. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
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16:24 - Just heard faint calls on the Port Townsend hydrophone. -Jennifer Fulton Carpenter
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16:23 - I heard a single S1 call. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
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16:20 - From our vantage point on Whidbey (high bluff directly east of northern tip of Marrowstone), some appear to be approaching Fort Worden. Hearing vocalizations on Port Townsend hydrophone now. -Amy Smith Norris
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16:10 - Presumed trailing whale passed going north - viewing from south public Lagoon Point beach. -Emily Wandres
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15:59 - Now moving fast northeast, four to six of them approaching mid-channel directly off Lagoon Point. 
15:51 - Several orca close in off east side of Marrowstone. From Lagoon Point they look to be spread out, jumping, and mingling. Too far to see detail. -Bill Setter
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15:47 - Seeing multiple blows southwest of Fort Casey. Wayyy out there. Northbound. -Kat Martin
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15:48 - At least one passing slowly north on the Whidbey side.
15:40 - Some directly west of Lagoon Point, east of midchannel - heading north.
15:30 - Seeing them all over - ones at my map are heading north but the others might be going south [approx. 48.048825, -122.615310]. -Emily Wandres
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14:30 - 15:30 - Took video above Bush Point. When the tugboat was just south of Bush Point, two of the orcas were right at its side doing kind of this same thing. I thought they were wake surfing on the side of the tug. Link to video. -Marilyn Armbruster 
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15:25 - Seeing them from the south beach of Lagoon Point now too! The ones that are south of Lagoon Point are still heading north fighting the tide. Not sure about the other ones.
15:10 - Viewing from Lagoon Point north beach - spread out throughout the channel, lots of surface activity and directional changes. Still fighting the tide - maybe drifting south? -Emily Wandres
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15:00 - Pretty sure the last three trailers passed Bush Point. This one being closer to Bush Point with the two others mid channel. Viewed from Scurlock Road above Bush Point northbound. -Marilyn Armbruster
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15:00 - Many more coming from the south still looking from the cliff at Marrowstone Point. Mid channel.
14:43 - Appear to be foraging in multi directions.
14:39 - Can see them from Marrowstone Point mid channel. -Rebecca Berger
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14:39 - Spotted from south of Bush Point, two or three orcas heading north. -Jen Wuest
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14:20 - Just saw a couple of blows and a head from westbound Whidbey Island ferry. Too far off to see more. -Fell Cheston
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14:17 - Some still passing Bush Point but mid to west side. Very spread out, some activity. -Bonnie Gretz
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14:01 - Six orca northbound across from Bush Point, Marrowstone side. -Jan Bell
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13:58 - [SRKWs] Most passed Bush Point, but a few still way out from the lighthouse [northbound]. -Howard Garrett, Orca Network
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14:03 - But they are spread out - looked up and saw a male, then as few more with him, saw another group coming about now.
13:57 - And one more, last? little group [SRKWs] went by [northbound] just now! [about one mile south of Bush Point]. -Susan Berta, Orca Network
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13:46 - Passing Bush Point but more mid channel, spread out, stalling? -Bonnie Gretz
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Fast approaching Bush Point. -Sandy Pollard
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13:31 - More [SRKWs] coming, close in! Little red research boat on scene.
13:21 - [SRKW] Male passing our place now northbound [Orca Network headquarters]. -Susan Berta, Orca Network
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13:28 - Waiting at Lagoon Point and we can see blows off Bush Point. -Amy Smith Norris
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13:24 - Sara McDougal called to report seeing orcas [SRKWs] out from Adams Road, Freeland, Whidbey Island. Observed at least 10 orcas, in two groups (one closer to Whidbey side and one more mid-channel) heading northbound quickly. Seeing males and females. They are breaching and playing as they continue north. It’s wonderful.
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13:06 - [SRKWs] At Bush Point now, I'm seeing multiple blows and airborne whales between Bush Point and Double Bluff [both Whidbey Island].
12:44 - Seeing breaches and tail lobs in Admiralty Inlet just north of Mutiny Bay on the Whidbey side headed north to Bush Point, likely within the hour [if continue].
12:40 - I just saw a breach straight out from Mutiny Bay, actually north of, on Whidbey side and another fin headed north.  -Howard Garrett, Orca Network
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12:15 - We just encountered SRKWs northbound at my map spot [north side Double Bluff] and we are leaving the scene in Swiftsure. Good luck out there. -Bart Rulon, PSE
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Fri, Oct 27 - Active Pass (T37s) - 13:30 - The T037s went eastward on a fast tide through Active Pass. -photos by Karoline Cullen, October 27, 2023
*Fri, Oct 27 - Admiralty Inlet (T99s) - T99B Holly on left - 16:00 - A group of us at Fort Flagler/Marrowstone cliffs watched a small group of orcas heading northbound west of mid-channel yesterday. They were originally spotted southbound in northbound shipping lanes, then flipped after a freighter and navy shipped passed northbound. Looks like they could have been members of the T99 group! Southern residents were east of midchannel having a breachfest off Lagoon Point fifteen minutes later. -photos by Sue Surowiec Larkin, October 27, 2023
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15:03 - Orcas southbound from Marrowstone. I've counted at least five. Seems to be on a hunt. Viewing from Lagoon Point. Still haven't seen residents pass us. They are very committed southbound. -Kevin Phillips
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Fri, Oct 27 - Haro Strait - 15:15 - Humpback reported northwest of County Park/southeast of D'Arcy Island, Canadian side of Haro. No direction noted.
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Fri, Oct 27 - Haro Strait 
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Humpback Sighting:
Sighting Time: Fri Oct 27 15:13 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.55000,-123.24000 [SE of D’Arcy Island]
Number Sighted: 1
Submitter Name: Scott
Whale Alert App
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Fri, Oct 27 - Puget Sound - 17:00 - It was really spouting, up and out of water moving at steady speed - was fun to watch but blinded by the sun as far as capturing a picture with cell phone. Off Mukilteo Lighthouse Park not far off shore/direction steady east. -photo by Mary Ann Macomber, October 27, 2023
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15:48 - Just saw a few blows headed south from Richmond Beach. [How many?:] Not sure, two I thought. -Charity Aki
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09:30 - From a friend earlier today - north of Edmonds-Kingston at the time. -Tony Bahnick
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08:10 - Marie Waterman, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 08:15 to report: 10/27 0810 hrs: MV ISSAQUAH Captain reports one (1) humpback, NB off Edmonds, near the traffic lanes. 

October 26
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Thu, Oct 26 - Puget Sound (J Pod)
17:50 - Saw at least two to three fins midchannel or further passing Bush Point.
17:25 - Apparently near Shore Meadows northbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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16:59 - Aaron Peland (sp?) Currently on the west side Whidbey Island by Maxwelton looking at Hansville. We’ve been tracking at least ten orcas, a few males at least, been coasting along the water, heading north at a pretty good clip. 
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16:35 - Message from Brad Hanson, NOAA/NWFSC with update: “Leaving them as they slowly head into Mutiny Bay. Just Js. Lots of social today.”
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16:41 - They were milling about slowly going northbound.
15:55 - Just saw them in this area from Eglon. Going to Point No Point now to see if I can see them better. -Kelly Kauffman Wisniewski
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15:55 - Not much has changed. They’re still just hanging out. Trending north of last update. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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15:00 - Looks like Js are still in the triangle and both NOAA and Soundwatch are still with them. Seem to be very slowly milling with no real committed direction. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
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14:32 - Not sure if these are Js or the Ts, so I’m putting in both posts. There is a group in front of the NOAA boat with a lot of surface activity. It almost looks like Ts on a kill, but way too far for me to tell. No clear direction of travel. Other whales are south of that spread out along Eglon. -Tamara Kelley, Orca Conservancy
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14:08 - I see a big male fin way out from Elgon headed south. -Kelly Kauffman Wisniewski
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14:05 - They’re still out in the triangle just shuffling back and forth. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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13:27 - More faint calls on the Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Orca Network
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13:07 - I think I still hear very faint calls on the hydrophone. -Kat Maloney
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12:52 - There are a few that have been milling in the triangle for a long time and the ones that were near Possession Point seem to have flipped and are now heading back south. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
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12:50 - J pod still spread. Lead group turned back now westbound inside green buoy off Possession Point, others foraging around to the south. Lots of milling not committed direction at this time. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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12:49 - They aren't aiming Possession anymore.
12:35 - Seeing some northbound from Possession Point State Park. Edit: milling, directional changes. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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12:36 - Messaged with Brad Hanson, NOAA, NWFSC who says just Js confirmed so far.
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12:13 - Very spread, but now are trending more northeast. Some are traveling pretty quickly towards Possession Point. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
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12:13 - They’re all over the place just foraging around. One of them was just upside down with with tail out of the water for like five seconds! -Alice Thuy Talbot
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11:52 - Looks like a group of eight to twelve-ish grouped up by the NOAA boat and then a handful more slightly further north. All seem to be lazily heading back south/southeast. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
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11:40 - From Cultus Bay seeing several orcas heading south quickly mid-channel north west side of Possession triangle. Looks like NOAA boat with them. -Sandy Pollard
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11:40 - Yes, I see the rest of them coming back from Admiralty Inlet.
11:38 - I think they flipped again. Looks like a research zodiac with them? Many heading south. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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11:37 - Spread really far out, here-ish, seem to still be milling & feeding. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
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11:36 - I see maybe seven milling around the south end of Possession Point. Many facing south. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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11:30 - Still milling and foraging in your same area. Seeing at least two males in that area from Point No Point.
11:05 - Just spotted first whale from Point No Point. Heading north. -Sue Surowiec Larkin
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10:56 - Seeing whole bunch of J pod blows beyond the bazillion birds lined up for mile or more due south of Cultus Bay, South Whidbey. Js probably milling but maybe trend northwest.  -Orca Network
*
10:52 - They’ve all trended more north but still lots of directional changes. 
10:34 - They’re milling around here and one breached and scared about a thousand birds into the air. That was cool.  -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
10:33 - Seeing what looks like the residents feeding in the triangle. Running up to Stamm to get a better view. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
*
10:11 - I see some on the west side of triangle traveling north almost to Eglon. -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
10:06 - Faint echolocation clicks and calls back on the hydrophone. -Orca Conservancy
*
10:06 - Confirmed SRKW most likely J’s, with a J26 sighting in southbound lane. Wide spread group, general northbound with milling east of traffic lanes. Estimate four to eight whales - R/V WDFW 572. -Kwasi Addae
*
10:00 - J pod getting more difficult to see from mainland. I did just spot some still northbound west side of Sound north of my map last update. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
09:45 - Big spread in between Sunset Ave and Eglon, mostly traveling northwest, but some milling & breaching in the mix. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
*
09:44 - There are two or more groups of orcas, some north of the little unknown boat and some south. Definitely heading north in general.
09:39 - I see them from Edmonds with 20x binoculars. Southbound. -Joe Foos
*
09:38 - Seeing large group and trailing male at least due west Sunset Ave, Edmonds, sightline Eglon. Mid channel northbound, with angle at this time more northwest. Others west of them. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
09:30 - Leaders appear to be trending towards Admiralty. Probably too soon to tell if they will take a right and head into the triangle but for now, they appear to be heading towards Point No Point. They continue steady north on the west side of midchannel.
09:24 - Seeing at least some of them northbound in the shipping lanes. Slow travel. -Sara Frey
*
09:20 - Spotted. They definitely flipped, heading slowly northbound, north of Kingston.
08:50 - J Pod visible from Marina Beach Park, approaching Kingston, still southbound & spread out.
08:35 - Still steady south. Leaders (that I can see) are out from Brackett’s Landing. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
*
08:34 - Sara Frey called to report she is seeing orcas (J pod) southbound directly out from Apple Tree Point, Kingston. Clipper just transiting by as well as a container ship which is west of those orcas she is seeing who are mid channel and to east side.
*
08:24 - Seem to be in slow travel mode, very spread out.
08:20 - Seeing them from Stamm Overlook, in between here and Eglon, mainland side. Currently southbound, but I just got here, so I’ll see if they’re milling or actually traveling. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
*
07:59 - Still hearing faint calls (& radio).
07:50 - Still hearing calls (& radio guy).
07:42 - Nice calls including S1, and loud echolocation click train.
07:35 - Still lots of J pod calls, radio, and a train! -Orca Network
*
07:33 - Hearing some calls on the Sunset Bay hydrophone: A LOT of calls and echolocation. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
*
07:20 - Hearing SRKW calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone right now. So, they're still in the area! -Suzanne McKetta
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Thu, Oct 26 - Active Pass (T34s & T37s) - 16:45 - Who doesn’t love a backlit poof? The T034s and T037s went quickly westward through Active Pass. -photos by Karoline Cullen, October 26, 2023
*
Thu, Oct 26 - Active Pass (T123s) - The T123s went eastward through Active Pass in the morning. -Karoline Cullen
*
Thu, Oct 26 - Penn Cove (T99s) - Always a beautiful day with friends and whales. -April Basham
*
T99E & T99 Bella - T99 Bella - What a nice surprise at the end of the day, T99s in Penn Cove with no one seeing them sneak in! Got down to Long Point for a lovely close pass and then further out. Matriarch T99 Bella (b. 1984), daughter T99B Holly (b. 2007), sons T99C Barakat (b. 2009) and T99D Puck (b. 2015) and little daughter T99E (b. 2021). Sweet fall day of sunshine and whales!  -photos by Bonnie Gretz, October 26, 2023
*
18:14 - Last report for the night: gorgeous moon lighting their way to Beverly Beach. 
17:46 - Looks like they may be on a kill just inside Holmes Harbor.
17:42 - Still have all five at Hidden Beach, slowly moving southbound, Whidbey side. 
17:22 - Seeing them from Hidden Beach now. Slowly southbound. Whidbey side.  -Amy Smith Norris
*
17:20 - Big fin off Hidden Beach, would be side but closer to mid channel. -Aaron Gill
*
16:40 - Three hugging Whidbey [T99, T99D, T99E], two other [T99B & T99C] more Whidbey side of mid, southbound near Race Lagoon.
15:45 - Passed Long Point southeastbound.
15:30 - Can see them approaching Long Point. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
15:25 - Passing Coupeville boat launch headed east. Closer to Coupeville than Monroe’s Landing. -Kevin Phillips
*
15:20 - Eastbound past wharf.
15:08 - Facing east in between mussel rafts. Stealthy too. Trying to get photos but looks like 99s. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
14:49 - At least three orcas in Penn Cove. One big male and two smaller ones. Working on pictures for IDs. Headed west, last track by the mussel rafts. -Kevin Phillips
*
Thu, Oct 26 - Saratoga Passage (T37As) - Fresh snow on the mountains, blue sky, sunshine and whales everywhere. The T37As passed Glendale closer to the Mukilteo side heading steadily south toward Possession Triangle where the Southern Residents had been milling for much of the day, keeping whale-watchers on their toes trying to follow the different groups spread around Whidbey and beyond. -photo by Sandy Pollard, October 26, 2023
*
15:23 - The T37A pod just killed a seal. Milling on their meal directly south of Maxwelton on Whidbey Island. No direction. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
*
14:43 - From Cultus Bay area. Saw a pod of at least five headed north up Admiralty. Not sure if it was Ts or not but they are moving fast. They were north of Eglon. -Candace Gavin
*
13:44 - T37A, T37A2, T37A3, and T37A4 are southbound very spread out off Picnic Point. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
*
13:24 - They have passed Glendale. They continue southbound on the mainland side. -Cindi Crowder Rausch, Orca Network
*
13:08 - Across from Glendale Beach, Whidbey, following close to and along the Mukilteo shores southbound.  -Marilyn Armbruster
*
12:39 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 12:48 to report: 1239hrs: Vessel SUQUAMISH reports via 800MHz they've spotted 3 orcas heading southbound, located mid-crossing. 
*
12:50 - Per Sandra Pollard were hunting and milling but appears to be moving Mukilteo side of channel now and south of Mukilteo lighthouse southbound.
12:31 - Almost at Mukilteo-Clinton ferry lanes southbound Whidbey side.
12:24 - Approaching Clinton ferry lanes. Moving FAST southbound. Whidbey side of mid. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
12:17 - T37As south-eastbound approaching the Clinton ferry. Four so far, but they are pretty spread out.  -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
*
12:10 - Closer to Hat Island. See pinned location [approx. 48.012661, -122.337872]. South bound.
11:35 - Don't know if it's the same pod, but around four to five orcas have rounded Sandy Point southbound Whidbey side. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
11:25 - Allie Hudec first called at 10:25 to relay report of orcas off Bells Beach. Numbers and direction unknown. Allie called back just now to confirm caught a glimpse of at least one orca Bells Beach possibly southbound, but may have circled north. 
*
Thu, Oct 26 - Puget Sound (T109A2s) - 16:29 - We are located on the east side of Bainbridge Island, Rolling Bay area, looking at Seattle. Watching a small pod of at least five out in mid channel, heading south to Seattle. We actually saw a few this [morning] around 9:00 at about the same area, but closer to shore. I forgot to message you. -Janelle A.
*
11:52 - Friends on Bainbridge ferry reported three to five, northbound. -photo courtesy of Orca Conservancy, October 26, 2023
*
09:35 - Report from the CATHLAMET at 0935 hrs. reporting 2 orcas, a female and a baby, between Vashon & Fauntleroy, heading a NW direction.
*
09:35 - Staffer Marla Smith relayed message from husband Jeremy who is on ferry (Fauntleroy/Vashon run) and ferry announced whales mid channel heading southbound. Presume orcas but he is unable to get visual.  
*
HUMPBACK WHALES - Thu, Oct 26 - Haro Strait
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Jennifer Hunt
Date of Sighting: October 26, 2023
Time: 2:21 PM
Species seen: Humpback or minke [photo shows humpback]
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: San Juan County Park
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: Slow traveling, surfaced through bait ball
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org -photo by Jennifer Hunt, October 26, 2023 
*
Thu, Oct 26 - Puget Sound (HW-MN0510662 & other) - HW-MN0510662 -back of camera photo by Sara Montour Lewis, October 26, 2023 
*
15:35 - Just saw the humpback dive out in the triangle between Sunset Ave in Edmonds and Possession Point. -Marty Jones 
*
14:39 - The humpback at Possession is now facing south. Just southeast of Possession Point. -Alice Thuy Talbot 
*
13:56 - Just spotted from Sunset Bay. Northbound into Possession, approaching Glendale. -Tamara Kelley, Orca Conservancy 
*
13:39 - I saw him take a deep dive heading north into Possession.  -Alice Thuy Talbot 
*
13:30 - Just saw a humpback mid to Whidbey side looking south from Glendale. It appears to be traveling north. -Cindi Crowder Rausch, Orca Network 
*
10:28 - Original humpback is near Haines Wharf, pointed east. Haven’t seen the second humpback in a long time, so wondering if it went north towards Possession Sound. 
09:45 - Another humpback in between Possession Point and Picnic Point. The original Edmonds Beach Humpback is past Brackett’s Landing (as of 10:00) still northbound. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound 
*
09:52 - Humpback just outside Edmonds Dive Park heading northbound. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network 
*
09:52 - There’s also a humpback close to Edmonds, heading north, just saw it from Edmonds Marina with binoculars. -Joe Foos 
*
09:08 - This cutie is still near Marina Beach Park, northbound.
08:45 - Oh my gosh! HUGE, beautiful humpback breach in between Edmonds Marina Beach Park and Kingston!  -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound 
*
08:31 - There’s a humpback whale between me in Chennault Beach and Picnic Point. -Alice Thuy Talbot 

October 25
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Wed, Oct 25 - Admiralty Inlet (J Pod) - 17:49 - SRKWs continue southbound travels spread across the channel and north/south between south of West Point and north of Seattle/Bainbridge ferry traffic lanes. Intermittent surface activity (tails slaps mostly). Beautiful chilly evening watching illuminated blows and ressies powering on through the chop. Sun is just now nestling down behind the Olympics. Map is general spread [approx. 47.641264, -122.456018] of those I’ve seen. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
17:20 - Fast ferry stopped as a male approached us from straight ahead. We were stopped for seven minutes and he went right under the ferry. Saw others southwest as well on the mark on the map. Headed south [approx. 47.667035, -122.451505]. -Jenny Klis
*
17:30 - This group tightens up, slowed with some graphing and some tail slapping. Second subgroup of at least four to five to the south of this one, also on east side of channel.
17:25 - Who think leaders, at least in this side, now just south side West Point this side of the channel. At least three to four including male loosely grouped. Slow steady southbound in choppy seas. Also blows to the southwest of them. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
17:19 - Just visiting here on Bainbridge Island and are watching a large pod of orcas. We are located on east side of Island, Rolling Bay area looking at Seattle. A large pod some even breaching. Right now the water taxi between Seattle and Kingston has stopped in the same area, possibly watching. So thrilled as this is our second year seeing them. -Janelle
*
16:45 - Alisa called to say she is seeing some out from Golden Gardens, midchannel to west, still southbound. Leaders probably southern end of Shilshole.
*
16:36 - Finally found them again, it appears they have stalled out south of Richmond Beach. We lost them for a while because of the sunglare. General area [approx. 47.721887, -122.480796] we are seeing them is the yellow mark on the map. West of mid channel. Can’t tell direction because they are very far. -Tamara Kelley, Orca Conservancy
*
15:45 - Don't know if it's the same group I saw ahead north a couple hours ago that turned around and are coming back south again, but there are quite a few right off Point Jefferson Kingston right now. The Fast Ferry actually stopped because they came upon them. -Chris Beamer Otterson
*
15:15 - 15:30 - I’ve been watching from Richmond Beach. I saw fins/blows heading south passing south of Point Jefferson and continuing south so any whales still near Point Jefferson would be a different subset. I haven’t been able to spot anyone in that area recently. -Grace Haaland
*
15:19 - And yet another male north of Jefferson Head and groups spread to west of him, all southbound mid channel to west of. There were also at least one male in lead group so lots of big guys out here.
15:17 - More coming from the north. Several males spread mid channel sightline Jefferson Head, one south of him and a third south of middle guy.
15:13 - I am seeing several groups south of transect Richmond Beach and Jefferson Head. Possible stall or flip, will confirm. Sun-glare and chop mailing for challenging viewing. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
Visibility was so hard from the ferry. -back of camera photo by Jami Cantrell, October 25, 2023
*
14:57 - Seeing at least half dozen spread south of yellow mid channel buoy between Richmond Beach and north of Jefferson Head. I have not seen any to the south so these may be leaders. All steady southbound in choppy seas. See map [approx. 47.756314, -122.424290].
14:45 - From Kayu Kayu I am seeing quite a few all sizes in the chop mid channel and west of off President Point nearing mid channel buoy. Not sure if leaders, middle or trailers. I’m moving to Richmond Beach Saltwater Park.
14:35 - Seeing a male and at least one other southbound. Due west of Kayu Kayu Ac Park mid channel. Windy, white-cappy seas makes for not ideal viewing conditions but is beautiful. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
14:35 - Spotted the group mid channel in ferry lanes. Southbound. -Trish Moylan Davis
*

14:26 - Hearing some very, very faint S1s so far. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Insitute
*
14:22 - Sara Frey called back and confirms residents. More soon. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
14:13 - More calls now on the Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
*
J42 Echo -ID by Brittany Noelle & Monika Wieland Shields, OBI
*
14:00 - Had one group of orca - line of sight Apple Tree Point to the Edmonds marina - probably four to six foraging, one large male, midchannel along the ferry route. Few minutes later, group very close to the Kitsap side - 100 - 200 yards. Confirmed open saddle. Southbound, one large male. Traveling fast. -photos by Sara Frey, October 25, 2023
*
14:15 - On the phone with Sara again for last 15 minutes while she is seeing orcas streaming by some close inshore, all southbound. Possibly some milling. Will be curious to see what those northbound Ts did. Fun call, exciting.
13:59 - Sara called back to say seeing more including at least one large male still heading southbound.
13:54 - Sara Frey called Orca Network to report single orca southbound off Apple Tree Point close in. Also pod of harbor porpoise milling around.
*
13:54 - Viewing them from Sunset Bay. They are in the same general area as the previous update/map. Worth noting for anyone viewing them from the mainland, the past 20 minutes or so I could only see the exhales through binoculars, now I’m able to see the dorsals. They are still quite a ways out still. West of mid channel. Milling, with a slow trend southbound. -Orca Conservancy
*
13:37 - Spread over here [approx. 47.852278, -122.469783]. Long down times and some are facing north going back and forth but all trending south overall.  -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
13:26 - Watching from Eglon, have seen three to four spread out southbound, Kitsap side. -Sue Surowiec Larkin
*
13:04 - Seeing a fin mid to Kitsap side of mid approaching Eglon, heading south. -Jami Cantrell
*
13:02 - I can see leaders now in Possession triangle over by Eglon. One large male maybe two to three orcas total. -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
12:58 - Last update - they are a bit too far west for me to see much. Still look like hurried travel southbound. What might be trailing male is now passing southbound west of green buoy off Scatchet Head. Mirage effect at water level makes it nearly impossible to see them from where I'm at.
12:45 - Spotted a few blows southwest of Scatchet Head. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
12:42 - Me too, but so much extraneous noise. -Patricia Prochaska
*
12:41 - Definitely more now.
12:38 - Just heard a faint call on the Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
*
12:15 - Still very fast travel southbound, large spread. Locations I normally have plenty of time to get to, they are just flying past. Leaders are likely approaching Maxwelton/South Whidbey. Guessing these are the trailers a mile or two south of Double Bluff.
11:55 - In total travel mode, semi long down times, spread by one - two miles. At least three males, spread in a few groups of three to five, at least one group eight plus. Too far to be certain, but males’ fins resembled Rs. Moving south fast about exactly midchannel. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
11:45 - Just on the phone with Rachel Haight who is seeing at least two larger groups spread. Look to be mid channel south of Bush Point out from Mutiny Bay. She cannot confirm but leans residents. She is viewing from high bluff Shore Meadows. She called back super excited to say a minke just popped up in front of them off Shore Meadows facing eastbound.
*
11:38 - They are riding a huge flood tide now and moving fast. South of Bush Point. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
11:25 - Cindi Rausch called from Lagoon Point to update she sees the orcas, but they appear to be well on the Marrowstone side. Superior mirage makes it difficult to confirm that and ecotype. Orcas are now well south of across from Lagoon Point. She and Rachel are heading south to try and get ahead of the orcas and hopefully confirm ecotype at least.
*
10:31 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 10:55 to report: KENNEWICK at 1031hrs: Vessel reports via 800MHz they've spotted 10-15 orcas spread out just off Marrowstone Pt, heading in a southerly direction. 
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Wed, Oct 25 - Puget Sound (T37As & T99s)
16:50 - Approaching ferry lanes continuing northbound. 
16:32 - They’re in Possession Sound going north saw a few blows I think one large male [approx. 47.938701, -122.326900]. - Alice Thuy Talbot
*
15:15 - 15:30 - On our way back in we saw a bunch of blows about two miles south/southwest of Possession Point. Based on the ressie location I bet those Ts came east. -Brian McGinn
*
14:51 - Sunset Avenue, well beyond the Dive Park.
14:47 - Five or so northbound approaching Edmonds ferry terminal. -Clint Jones
*
13:50 - I believe this is the group I just saw heading north of Kingston ferry line. Fast pace trending north closer to Kitsap side. -Jolena Tagg
*
13:37 - This group (37As and 99s) is powering northbound about at President Point, Kingston, in the southbound shipping lanes towards Kingston terminal. If they’ve heard the orcas to the north they are not changing direction. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
12:15 - T37As are northbound towards Point Jefferson, and we found another group of Ts about a mile south of the first group. Looks good for the 99s. Also northbound. Confirmed 99s. -Brian McGinn
*
12:05 - Orca moving northbound midchannel between Shilshoe and Bainbridge. Puget Sound Express with them. -Sue Surowiec Larkin
*
10:43 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 10:55 to report: 10:43 - TACOMA at 1043hrs: Vessel reports via 800MHz they've spotted 5 orca at Tyee Shoal [just SW of entrance to Eagle Harbor] heading North in the traffic separation zone.
*
10:24 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 10:55 to report: CHIMACUM at 1024hrs: Vessel reports via 800MHz they've spotted 3 orca at Tango buoy [between Restoration Point, Bainbridge and Alki] heading North in the SB [southbound] traffic lanes.
*
Wed, Oct 25 - South Puget Sound (T109A2s) - Transients in Carr Inlet trying to show off but no one was watching!!! -photo by Noelle Morris, October 25, 2023
*
16:43 - Pod is milling just south of Salmon Beach. Close to Salmon Beach side. -Candace Gavin
*
16:04 - Orcas grouped northbound at Narrows Bridge. Humpback also near by. Orcas crossed the bridge then disappeared after deep dive. -Jason Cook
*
16:00 - We've had eyes on them at Narrows Park. Milling around but trending slowly maybe north/northeast toward Titlow. Down for probably five minutes now though. -Dave Bergmann
*
14:58 - A few popped out [approx. 47.216495, -122.622871] shout out to the white boat staying far back and moving slowly. -Tiff Shih
*
15:05 - Just passed our home, heading fast to the south end of Fox Island. -Laura Kozar Batanian
*
14:51 - Just passing through still on west side of Fox Island. -Kai Hearn
*
14:26 - West side of Fox Island (between Fox and McNeil).
14:19 - Just passing tip of Fox Island heading south - shout out to boat following at respectful distance - thank you! -Serena Scott
*
13:31 - They have reached the entrance to Hales Passage. Looks to be still continuing southbound in Carr approaching Bella Bella.
12:48 - They are SLOWLY crossing Horsehead Bay still southbound.
12:37 - They have passed Kopachuck still southbound. Appears to be the T109A2s. -April Basham
*
12:22 - Pod is southbound currently. Midchannel. -Candace Gavin
*
12:07 - Just spotted out from Kopachuck on far west side. -T.L. Stokes
*
10:48 - Still here but slowly heading out. -Josine Lowry
*
10:00 - At Henderson Bay! They were fun to watch. -Trinity Daily
*
T109A2 Fuser & T109A2A Seekah - 09:35 - Seeing three to four milling in same general area with some tail slaps [approx. 47.371512, -122.637743]. -photos by Jolena Tagg, October 25, 2023
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Matthew Skjerven
Date of Sighting: October 25, 2023
Time: 9:30 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Henderson Bay near Purdy Spit
Direction of travel : NE
Behaviors observed: Milling
If orcas, any males?: Possibly young male
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
09:24 - Still here, still milling! Couple tail slaps.
09:07 - At least three orcas in Henderson Bay, Purdy Spit. Milling.  -photos by Josine Lowry, October 25, 2023
*
08:53 - Three babies, one adult. -Jen Skjerven
*
HUMPBACK WHALES - Wed, Oct 25 - Haro Strait - Time: ~1:35pm PST - Type of whale, dolphin, or porpoise: uncertain, please see photos attached [humpback] - Activity: First sighting around [approx. 48.519438, -123.154127], we just caught the end of it going under the surface slowly. Second sighting five minutes later around [approx. 48.516831, -123.152939] was very close to shore, blew air out of blowhole, and then went back under the surface. Third sighting around five minutes later again around [approx. 48.516722, -123.153535], jumped out of water with a big tail slap. -Jason Macnak -photos by Jason Macnak, October 25, 2023
*
Wed, Oct 25 - Tacoma Narrows - 16:13 - Humpback in Narrows north of bridge headed north on Gig Harbor side. Boat following behind, moving fast. -Susan White
*
Wed, Oct 25 - Holmes Harbor
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Humpback Sighting:
Sighting Time: Wed Oct 25 10:23 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.01938,-122.5293 
Submitted Comments: Feeding. South end of Holmes Harbor. Many sea lions, harbor porpoises and seals. 
Submitter Name: Catherine Drews
Whale Alert App
*
16:04 - Orcas grouped northbound at Narrows Bridge. Humpback also near by.  -Jason Cook
*
MINKE WHALES - Wed, Oct 25 - Admiralty Inlet - 11:40 - It popped up once more! Headed southeast! -Cindi Crowder Rausch, Orca Network
*
10:47 - While viewing the orcas in Admiralty Inlet Rachel Haight called back super excited to say a minke just popped up in Mutiny Bay in front of them off Shore Meadows facing eastbound.
*
UNIDENTIFIED SPECIES - Wed, Oct 25 - Holmes Harbor  - 10:23 - Second report is of humpback feeding in the south end of Holmes Harbor (along with many sea lions, harbor porpoises and seals - no further sightings despite many others looking).
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Jennifer Sand
Date of Sighting: October 25, 2023
Time: 10:18 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Holmes Harbor Freeland dock
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: Milling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No

October 24
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Tue, Oct 24 - Possession Sound (T37As & T99s) - T37A4 Crinkle - T37A2 Inky -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network - Taken from Edmonds shore. -photos by Janine Harles, October 24, 2023
*
T37A4 Crinkle trailing, leading fin is T99B Holly - T37A2 Inky - The whales were a long way off today, but the scenery was pretty. 99s and 37As. -photos & ID by Cindi Crowder Rausch, October 24, 2023
*
15:10 - Last seen south of Marina Beach heading southwest toward midchannel into the rain squall. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
*
15:04 - That group of orcas that passed by so close to Edmonds was amazing, so close, lots of tail slaps and a couple of spy hops. Definitely the closest I have ever seen them from land. I’ve waited months for that kind of opportunity. Thanks for always telling people where they are and where they are headed. -Joe Foos
*
14:55 - Just passed Marina Beach, in between beach and Point Wells. Super surface active. Heading southbound. -Janine Harles
*
13:42 - Saratoga is with the 99s and 37As. Just south and west of Browns Bay. Pointed south slowly. Killing birds! -Christopher Lewman
*
T37A2 Inky
13:53 - Moving slowly south/southwest parallel to the Edmonds shoreline. Lots of headstands and tail slaps.
13:34 - Generally south but they’re milling.
13:16 - Seeing some about one to two miles north of Sunset Ave. Looking directly toward Possession Point. -back of camera photos by Ariel Yseth, October 24, 2023
*
Per photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, the T99s are also present.
*
11:47 - They have passed Possession Point swimming southwest into triangle. Looks like they were in two groups. First group five to seven orcas closer to Whidbey with a couple large males. And second group closer to midchannel with two to three. -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
11:23 - Whales have passed Glendale. They continue to be fairly grouped up. The males are trailing, but not far behind. Mid to Whidbey, continuing south. -Cindi Crowder Rausch, Orca Network
*
11:09 - Near Glendale. Still really charging south, fully porpoising out of the water.
11:00 - Still southbound, past the Clinton houses now. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
*
10:50 - They are in the ferry lanes, mid to Whidbey. Continuing south fast. I have T37A4 in pics. They are definitely in the mix. -Cindi Crowder Rausch, Orca Network
*
10:35 - Viewing from Mukilteo, still southbound. There are quite a few of them. I counted eight-ish surface together. Some males in the mix. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
*
10:34 - Viewing from Clinton ferry terminal. They have cleared Hat. Continuing south, fast! -Cindi Crowder Rausch, Orca Network
*
10:16 - Still heading south, closer to Hat moving quickly, see pin for location [approx. 48.008036, -122.338807]. Saw four in one group, but heard blows also so l likely more spread out. -Lori Christopher
*
09:53 - Seeing orcas southbound at this location [48.038485, -122.342666]. At least three plus. Moving fast. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
Tue, Oct 24 - South Puget Sound (T109A2s)
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Ben Flesher
Date of Sighting: October 24, 2023
Time: 2:15 PM
Species seen: Orcas
Number of animals seen: 10
Where seen: 1/2 mile SE of Glen Cove in Carr Inlet
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed: Spy hop, breach, tail slap, circling for 30 to 40 minutes then headed S
If orcas, any males?: 2
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: No boats around so uninhibited behavior.|
Photos available?: No
*
14:10 - Potentially a new group in Carr Inlet just outside of Glen Cove (14:10-14:30). Neighbors spotted them. Headed south. -photos by Randy Witter, October 24, 2023

October 23
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Mon, Oct 23 - Trincomali Channel (T37 & T37Bs) - 14:30 - We saw about six T37s in the Trincomali Channel near Prevost Island! -Logan Wright
*
Mon, Oct 23 - Admiralty Inlet/Possession Sound (T37As) - 13:47 - Shawn Potter posted video of pod traveling from Everett toward Hat Island thinking might be this group one (or would be third group). Working to confirm was current at time of post. -[HIWS]
*
T37A2 Inky, T37A4 Crinkle, T37A3 Spinnaker - T37A Volker, T37A2 Inky, T37A4 Crinkle -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network -screen grabs by Rachael Potter, October 23, 2023
*
09:07 - Victoria Clipper V reports four to five orcas southbound off Double Bluff, 47 57n 122 33w. Traveling in the shipping lanes. Clipper captain now suspects they are Ts. -Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Fritz Stahr
Date of Sighting: October 23, 2023
Time: 9:06 AM
Species seen: Humpback(1) and Orca(pod)
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: 47d 57'30"N, 122d 33'8"W [Off Double Bluff, WA]
Direction of travel : S, slow
Behaviors observed: traveling
If orcas, any males?: 1
Any unusual markings?: none seen
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: On the Clipper-V on the way from Seattle to Victoria
Photos available?: No
*
Mon, Oct 23 - Puget Sound (T99s) - T99E & T99 Bella - T99D Puck, T99B Holly, T99 Bella, T99E -photos by April Basham, October 23, 2023
*
The T099 transient orcas visited Commencement Bay today. Here's a lovely spyhop by mother T099 (Bella) and her baby T099E. Spyhopping is where orcas position themselves vertically with their pectoral fins to visually inspect their surroundings above the water line. -photo by Mike Maddox, October 23, 2023
*
T99C Barakat & T99E - Spent time with the T99's down south. -photos by Janine Harles, October 23, 2023
*
18:18 - They are much closer to Vashon now, but still headed north. Maybe more northwest than north but they’re still there as of about five minutes ago.
17:57 - Still seeing them from the Three Tree Point North Beach.
17:32 - Just saw them mid channel from south side of Three Tree Point. -Amy K. Christensen
*
17:30 - Three orcas northbound close to east side. Passing southside of Three Tree Point. -Sandhya Ballal
*
16:06 - North of pier so assume still northbound. Long down times.
16:05 - Blows off Des Moines fishing pier mid channel. -Robyn Riley
*
16:04 - Blows and fins right off the end of the Des Moines pier! -Marcie Evans
*
15:31 - Closer to the east shore and seems to be milling at the moment.
15:22 - Seeing blows south of Des Moines Marina closer to Redondo. -Ryan Seng
*
14:49 - Seeing blows from the Des Moines marina - looking south toward Dash Point and the yellow buoy. Long down times. -Marcie Evans
*
14:32 - Headed north midchannel towards Point Robinson viewing from Dash Point. In travel mode. -Candace Gavin
*
14:00 - Viewing from Dune, they’re off Maury moving east going past the shipping barge parked there. -Alisa Miller
*
13:29 - They are right near the Tahlequah ferry terminal eastbound. -Jas Minka
*
13:20 - Southwest corner of Vashon eastbound. -Kirsten Vacura
*
12:20 - Appears pod has flipped northbound from Narrows Bridge headed back towards Point Defiance. -Candace Gavin
*
12:01 - Seeing blows from Hidden Beach. Heading south but not to Narrows Bridge yet. -Cherie StOurs
*
10:55 - Pod of five or more transients westbound in Dalco Passage, at least one bull, they were hunting. -David Michael
*
HUMPBACK WHALES - Mon, Oct 23 - Strait of Georgia 
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Humpback Sighting:
Sighting Time: Mon Oct 23 17:35 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.90340,-123.20000 [East of Active Pass]
Number Sighted: 1
Submitter Name: Violet
Whale Alert App
*
Mon, Oct 23 - Puget Sound - A humpback whale near Possession Bar! Humpback didn't fluke so only have dorsal for ID. -photos by Janine Harles, October 23, 2023
*
09:41 - Still in the same area. I can see them from the Spokane. -Trevor Tillman
*
08:45 - Robert Reeder and Ethan Torner on Victoria Clipper V reports at least two humpback whales, one on the small side, on Possession Bank east of the shipping lanes (47 52n 122 27 w). Lots of surface activity, no direction given. -Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network

October 22
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sun, Oct 22 - Strait of Georgia
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Saurabh Shankar
Date of Sighting: October 22, 2023
Time: 1:00 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 6
Where seen: Strait of Georgia, Near Marina Island
Direction of travel : northwest
Behaviors observed: Traveling, Hunting
If orcas, any males?: Two males - one of them Rocky from Bigg’s transient Killer whales (as per our guide)
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
- one of the adult male had a large dorsal fin - another smaller adult male was hanging out at the back of the pack
- one female orca with mostly two small orcas were swimming ahead
- for a brief moment it seemed that they had a successful hunt since they stopped heading in the direction and made
- swift turns almost in a circle. they might very well be engaged in a play as well.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
Sun, Oct 22 - Sinclair Inlet
18:50 - Two of them. One surfaced closer to Port Orchard side. This was at Port of Waterman.
18:41 - Saw only three by Bachman Park heading towards Rich or Bainbridge. Barely caught a glimpse because it became dark fairly quick. Could see their sprays from Port Orchard side. Lost sight of them but headed to Port of Waterman real fast. -Crystal Thompson
*
18:06 - Looks like they are back. Hanging out in the area. Saw some spy hopping.
17:51 - They were on their way out of the inlet, so heading north.
17:44 - Pretty sure I just saw a group of orcas just off the Bremerton ferry dock. Maybe four to five. [Any males?:] It was hard to tell, I’m in the Anthony’s restaurant, so not a close view… but undoubtedly orcas. Their movement, size etc. Definitely saw one tall dorsal for sure. -Kassandra Howk
*
Sun, Oct 22 - Puget Sound (T99s & T109A2s) - 17:25 - Seeing them on the south end of Possession Bar heading south-ish. -Tony Tilt
*
17:25 - Still milling in the same spot about two miles directly west of Picnic Point.
16:20 - Mikaela Henderson can see blows with the naked eye. Still in same spot, milling directly west of Picnic Point. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
*
16:20 - We had the T99s and T109A2s hunting a seal at my map spot [approx. 47.884337, -122.415475]. They caught it and were still milling when we left the scene. The adults were letting a lot of the young members of the T109A2 pod and T99E do some of the work and it looked like a definite training session with T109A2 and T99B leading the way. Little T109A2D was even working hard to participate! -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
*
16:00 - They’re directly west of Picnic Point. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
*
15:25 - Saratoga's with the killer whale south of Possession. 99s and I believe the 109A2s are back down here. We are up to eight whales. I will let Bart on Swiftsure confirm the IDs. They are pointed north east back to Possession Sound. We confirm the one on 109A2s as well. -Christopher Lewman
*
14:25 - View from South Whidbey, spotted them in the Possession triangle - map of approx. location [47.893619, -122.438549] (maybe a little more south). Milling/hunting. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
11:41 - We just saw a group of orca at Possession Point heading south. They were about five to seven. They were hugging close to the shore at Possession Point State Park when we last saw them. -Claire Lewis 
*
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES - Sun, Oct 22 - Cape Flattery
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Makena Jansen
Date of Sighting: October 22, 2023
Time: 9:30 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: Cape Flattery
Direction of travel : West
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: N/A
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
HUMPBACK WHALES - Sun, Oct 22 - Haro Strait - 16:08 - Juvenile humpback heading north of Lime Kiln. -Ron Feinberg [WSSJI] 
*
12:03 - Humpback in Haro Strait off Lime Kiln State Park heading northbound out toward channel. -Ann Smalley
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sun, Oct 22 - Strait of Georgia (T2Cs)
Time: 13:00 - 14:00
Location: Near Marina Island in Strait of Georgia.
Type of Whale: Orcas. Our tour operator mentioned that one of the male orca (largest) was Rocky 
Sighting details:
- part of Bigg's transient orcas group.
- There are two adults including Rocky.
- One Female with at least two small orcas (there could've been more as well)
- They were traveling at brisk pace, however once they stopped and took swift turns. Either they were playing with each other or stopped for resting or they managed to hunt. We didn't see any animal being tossed or anything so can't confirm that for sure. -Saurabh Shankar
*
T2C1 Rocky -photos by Saurabh Shankar, October 22, 2023

October 21
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sat, Oct 21 - San Juans (T34s, T36, T36Bs, T37s, T37As, T37Bs) - Tenley Martinez, great capture! We were across from you on IE5. Looks like the males were pretty excited about the hunt! -Mike Maddox
*
Out with Blue Kingdom Whale and Wildlife Tours/Anacortes with the T34s, T36, T36Bs, T37s, T37As & T37Bs on a Steller sea lion hunt. So active! -Tenley Martinez
*
15:12 - They’ve flipped east/northeast and are almost out of my visibility. -Rose Caitlin
*
Encounter/Steller sea lion hunt was north of Sucia Island. Matrilines present: T36, T36Bs, T37, T37As, T37Bs, T34s. The sea lion was still alive when we left; he was a fighter, and definitely was not going down easily. At one point during the fray, the Steller sought refuge under one of the boats. Eventually, the boat had to move, and the orca were patiently waiting for that moment. The hunt quickly resumed. There were lots of percussive behaviors, tail slaps, breaches, and pectoral slaps. There were two groupings of orcas through most of the hunt. One group was actively involved in the hunt. The other just seemed to be socializing. Right before we left, the sea lion made his way to a buoy, and perhaps he finally made it to safety. The couple sitting next to me and I like to think the sea lion lived to see another day. Link to video. -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, October 21, 2023
*
14:54 - Cindi Crowder Rausch reports these are T36, T36Bs, T37s, T34s T37As. She says they were on a Steller sea lion hunt for an hour.
*
14:31 - Seeing at least three blows east of Sucia Island, headed south, they’ve been trending south slowly for a while now.
14:46 - I assumed orca because of how close the blows were! It’s more than three blows now, however after their deep dive they’ve headed farther east. -Rose Caitlin
*
Sat, Oct 21 - Admiralty Inlet (T109A2s) - Got a shot from a headstand by T109A2C while the family was in Admiralty Bay. Looks like it’s a girl! -photos by Sam Wallace, October 21, 2023
*
T109A2 Fuser - T109A2A Seekah - Thanks to Orca Network and great updates, I was able to catch up with the T109A2 group who had been hugging the west side of Whidbey Island all afternoon. I got to Fort Casey and waited. They finally popped up off Driftwood Park, and turned toward the Coupeville ferry jetty, then made their way along the bluff (filled with happy orca watchers!) very close to shore, then turned the corner at the bunker, and pushed off shore as they headed northwest. This family consists of T109A2, young matriarch Fuser (b. 2005), her three [four] kids, T109A2A son Seekah (b. 2016), unknown gender T109A2B Mocach (b. 2018), and T109A2C (b. 2021) [& T109A2D]. The light was pretty low so the pictures are grainy, but it was so beautiful to see them so close to shore! -photos by Bonnie Gretz, October 21, 2023
*
Made it just in time to see the tail end (literally) of the T109A2 transient group disappearing past Lagoon Point close to shore. Better luck at the north end of Lagoon Point as they continued northbound in Admiralty Inlet with renewed purpose after a brief hunting stop. Wherever they were heading, these were whales on a mission. -photos by Sandy Pollard, October 21, 2023
*
I was thankful to be able to see them there by the shore today! Boy those sea lions were lucky! They were so close! -Rita Tillison
*
T109A2D & T109A2 Fuser - This was so worth the wait! -photo by Kat Martin, October 21, 2023
*
18:12 - Playing in kelp off Fort Casey lighthouse. -Kwaku Joseph Pelegreen
*
17:00 - Super close pass by the ferry jetty - beautiful! -Bonnie Gretz
*
17:09 - West of Fort Casey just south of lighthouse, pushed offshore a bit.
16:55 - Right in front of Coupeville ferry harbor opening.
1646 - Approaching Fort Casey from the east. Not yet to ferry terminal. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Donna Riley
Date of Sighting: October 21, 2023
Time: 4:45 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Of Fort Casey State Park campground close to shore
Direction of travel : Heading north
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: Unsure
Any unusual markings?: Unsure
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Think there was a baby with therm. Much smaller than other fins
Photos available?: No
*
16:35 - Just passed Driftwood Park quickly - still hugging shoreline!
16:30 - Just south of Driftwood Park still hugging the shore heading north [approx. 48.162280, -122.634685]. -Emily Wandres
*
16:00 - Passed Ledgewood. T109A2B snuck close into shore to try and snag a bird. T109A2C & T109A2D were porpoising a bit/chasing each other. All five passed by.
15:59 - Northbound again nearing Ledgewood for real.
15:48 - Still south of Ledgewood, milling on a hunt. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
15:37 - Seeing them from Ledgewood! - Michelle Benson
*
15:33 - Close to shore approaching Ledgewood northbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
15:25 - Very near Whidbey shore heading north, now due west of Lake Hancock. -Scott Price
*
14:50 - Four to five orcas continued north from north end of Lagoon Point, still closer to Whidbey side. Moving fast. -Sandy Pollard
*
14:48 - Kit Turner called to report seeing four to five orcas at least, including larger and two little ones, off the north end of Lagoon Point northbound slow and steady on Whidbey side. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
14:45 - Four to six orca northbound close in at Lagoon Point. They stopped and mingled 100 feet off our jetty. -photo by Bill Setter, October 21, 2023
*
14:45 - Picked up the pace and pushed off from shore a bit, passing the north Lagoon Point public beach - still northbound. -Emily Wandres
*
14:44 - Yes. Four or five. One youth, smaller. -Jana Shinn Quiocho
*
14:35 - Hunting right off the boat entrance at Lagoon Point, slowly northbound. -Emily Wandres
*
13:58 - Update as the T109A2s are hugging the shoreline instead of going mid-channel. This is my last post as we leave the scene [approx. 48.035606, -122.603365].
13:48 - Update northbound T109A2 pod. Off Bush Point [approx. 48.030692, -122.609119].
13:36 - We found the T109A2 pod northbound approaching Bush Point [approx. 48.005614, -122.592018]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
*
13:36 - New group at Bush Point northbound. 109A2s. -Trevor Tillman
*
Sat, Oct 21 - Possession Sound (T99s) - Had a wonderful visit from the T99s this evening at Camano State Park! Lots of breaches, tail slaps, spy hops as they hunted something beginning on the Camano side and ending over near Whidbey. Low light and distance made for taking quality photos a bit difficult during the hunt. Once they finished their meal, they swam back over to the Camano side and made an extremely close pass by at the state park. So amazing! -photo by Charvet Drucker, October 21, 2023
*
18:15 - Orcas just made a very slow pass about 60 to 100 feet off the shore of Camano Island State Park northbound. -Linda Aitkins
*
18:00 - Watching at least three plus from Fox Spit. Orcas are Camano side of mid. They are in line with Fox Spit and south side Camano State Park, northbound. Thank you Linda. I see them on the south side of Elger Bay. 
17:30 - Northbound. Viewing from across the passage Fox Spit. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
17:28 - Now going west of the Camano Head.
17:22 - Update - viewing from Camano Island State Park - spread out between Camano and Whidbey. Breaching and spyhops. 
17:15 - Spotted five orcas on Elger Bay. Milling. -Linda Aitkins
*
15:28 - They just came around Sandy Point [approx. 48.037069, -122.378305]. -Boone Sommerfeld
*
15:25 - At Sandy Point now and have turned into Saratoga Passage on Whidbey side. Heading towards Langley harbor. Long down times. -Luanne Seymour
*
14:50 - Spotted Whidbey side of channel northbound closing in on Sandy Point approx position at pin [approx. 48.011231, -122.362166]. -Lori Christopher
*
14:17 - Pod is past Clinton dock now still northbound hugging Whidbey side (or so it appears).
14:00 - Pod is approaching Clinton west side of channel. Steady northbound.
13:33 - Pod, at least some, west of mid channel out from Glendale, still south of Mukilteo Lighthouse beach northbound [approx. 47.937170, -122.344819]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
13:32 - Long down times. Ohh, came up right next to the boat. I see three. That boat probably just got a shock. I see four.
13:30 - I see one who looks to be on a kill. Near Glendale. Boat watching from behind. -Jodi Krause Poissant
*
13:25 - Orcas milling/hunting off Glendale. Whidbey side of island channel - a few closer. -Emily Wandres
*
13:32 - Mid channel. Lots of activity. Just circling. Slow northbound.
13:23 - Two spotted from Glendale. -Lisa Mitchell
*
12:51 - T99B turned around to follow two sea lions for a while but now she is following the rest of the pod that is about a half mile ahead of her northbound. My mark is for T99B as the trailer [approx. 47.901136, -122.371154]. This will be my last post as we leave the scene. Good luck out there.
12:41 - They seem committed to Possession Sound now and have picked up the pace considerably after their meal. Just north of my last mark.
12:30 - T99s just made a kill but are still northeast-bound [approx. 47.896362, -122.391314].
12:04 - The T99 pod is eastbound from my mark [approx. 47.898765, -122.435671]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
*
11:30 - Per Emily W., from Sunlight Beach, no orcas yet, but many harbor porpoise, likely several hundred [Sunlight Beach overlooks Useless Bay].
10:10 - Per Emily W., approx. location [47.967682, -122.580657] - includes at least one male. Grouped up steady travel southbound. 
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Christopher Thornton
Date of Sighting: October 21, 2023
Time: 9:20 AM
Species seen: orcas
Number of animals seen: 6
Where seen: Bush Point off-shore
Direction of travel : south
Behaviors observed: surface active, tail splashing, leaping
If orcas, any males?: 1
Any unusual markings?: too far
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
09:18 - Five to six orcas seen on Victoria Clipper ferry heading south near Bush Point. -Michael
*
09:17 - Whales southbound at Bush Point [approx. 48.037781, -122.618472]. Ts I believe. -Christopher Lewman
*
HUMPBACK WHALES - Sat, Oct 21 - Haro Strait (HW-MN0510589 & others) - 16:05 - There was a humpback off the west side of San Juan by the County Park heading towards Lime Kiln. Ten minutes ago. It was feeding. -Greyson Haycraft-Thomson
*
10:43 - Seeing two humpbacks miles offshore to the southeast of Lime Kiln, appear to be heading south. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
10:05 - Seeing big blows in Haro Strait about a mile from Lime Kiln Point State Park. Looks like four humpbacks! -Claudia Lorena [WSSJI]
*
10-21-23, Humpback b.2022 HW-MN0510589, Haro Strait, SJI
08:56 - 08:57, Viewing from 1 mile south of Landbank, 1/3 mile off shore traveling north/ up island.
09:35 - 09:36, Viewing from 1 mile south of Landbank, 1/4 mile off shore traveling south/ down island. Photographed from shore. -Michelline Halliday, SJI - HW-MN0510589 -photo by Michelline Halliday, October 21, 2023
*
Sat, Oct 21 - Strait of Georgia (T36Bs & T36, T34s, T37s & T37As) - Four pods of Bigg’s killer whales (T36Bs & T36, T34s, T37s and T37As) took turns hunting a large male Steller sea lion in the Strait of Georgia north of Sucia Islands near the US/Canada border. It was a T-party of about fifteen orcas, maybe twenty orcas! NOTE: I put a warning on this video for viewer discretion. However, the video does NOT show blood or injuries but does show the orcas trying to take it down or injure and confuse the sea lion. Link to video. -Mike Maddox

October 20
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Fri, Oct 20 - San Juans (T37As)
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Nadia Khan
Date of Sighting: October 20, 2023
Time: 6:00 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: Due east from Humphreys head
Direction of travel : south, gentle pace
Behaviors observed: Breaching, tail slapping, interacting
If orcas, any males?: Yes 1
Any unusual markings?: Couldn’t see
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
This is just a note to let you know that we saw the T37A pod at Cattle Pass (south end of San Juan Island) today and T37A3 (Spinnaker) is back with them again now. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
*
16:40 - T37As approaching Lopez ferry terminal heading northeast up Upright Channel.
14:25 - Bigg's hunting at Whale Rocks.
13:40 - Orcas northbound through Cattle Pass into San Juan Channel. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
Fri, Oct 20 - Puget Sound
17:41 - They went towards Admiralty side of Whidbey. Out of my view now. 
17:32 - One huge male. All heading northwest. Looks like maybe seven orcas. 
17:14 - They’re all facing north from what I can see. Some nervous sea lions on the green buoy. Northbound on Possession Bar. -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
17:14 - They are almost to the buoy headed west. -Ed Pearson
*
15:03 - From a friend: Watching four to six head south/southwest. Watching from Picnic Point looking directly toward Possession Point. Can see with the naked eye from here so assuming they’re slightly east of midchannel. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
16:55 - Definitely headed west now, halfway out to the Possession Point buoy.
16:48 - Looks like they are circling. Approximately off the old shipwreck or Picnic Point, still east of mid channel.
16:43 - Meant to say east of mid channel but now they are turning west towards Possession.
16:39 - About to Possession Point west of mid channel, moving fairly quickly south. Three together and a big one a bit separate. -Ed Pearson
*
16:16 - I'm in Mukilteo and can see them heading south. Currently between Glendale and Possession. I counted six. They were moving fast and staying down for a while. I lost track of them near Possession. -Alexa Lamey
*
15:57 - I am currently watching what Larry saw - about three to five orcas in Possession Sound. I live just a few blocks up from Lighthouse Park and face west looking at Whidbey Island. They appear to be moving slowly south. -Wendy Burchill
*
15:12 - Larry Ducklin called to report observing pod of at least six to seven orcas (one male, cows/calves) spread out in Possession Sound midway between Meadowdale and Mukilteo, across from Glendale, Whidbey traveling northbound. Too far to tell ecotype.
*
HUMPBACK WHALES - Fri, Oct 20 - Admiralty Inlet (HW-MN0510662) - 12:53 - Humpback whale HW-MN0510662 northbound at my map spot [Admiralty Inlet, north of Marrowstone Island - 48.111934, -122.692415]. -Bart Rulon
*
Fri, Oct 20 - Puget Sound - 14:37 - I'm on the ferry Salish from Edmonds to Kingston. We spotted what the crew said was a humpback! Saw her (him?) spout twice, tail flip twice, and one breach. Too distant for me to confirm species, but seemed larger than a gray whale. -Kari
*
14:30 - Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 14:38 to report: SALISH Master reports one humpback breaching just to the North of the Ferry lanes between EDM/KING central. 
*
DOLPHINS - Fri, Oct 20 - Hood Canal
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Betty Linehan
Date of Sighting: October 20, 2023
Time: 3:38 PM
Species seen: Dolphin
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Hood Canal, Sunset Beach. Just outside buoy line, South Shore.
Direction of travel : N, steady clip
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No

October 19
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Thu, Oct 19 - Puget Sound (T99s & T109A2s) - T99D Puck - T99 Bella & T99C Barakat - Always a good day when you get to see the T99 family! Found these guys at McKees Beach today. Followed them down the beach. T99E was such a darling. Throwing her flukes everywhere like the silly baby she is! Taken from shore. -photos by Kat Martin, October 19, 2023
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17:08 - [Ts approx. 48.019047, -122.366414]. -Austin Richard 
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16:39 - Viewing from Sandy Point. Whales are mid to mainland, southbound at a slow pace with some surface activity. -Cindi Crowder Rausch, Orca Network
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16:29 - I can see them where Rachel pointed out from Tulalip Bay! -Austin Richard
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16:14 - Friend has eyes approx. here [48.053397, -122.312792]. Lots of orca activity south of Camano Head - maybe mid channel of Port Susan - just south of a little white boat. Two separate groups - tail slaps, head stands, etc. Maybe slowly southbound in between all of the fun?
15:38 - Per PS Chat, they're southbound off Camano Head, so exiting Port Susan. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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14:04 - My last post for the T109A2s. The T99s/T109A2A are closer to the mainland to the east. All southbound [approx. 48.140994, -122.403977].
13:45 - Both pods are southbound now. Four of the T109A2 pod are at my mark [approx. 48.157340, -122.425981] and the T99s/T109A2A are southeast by about half mile at least.
13:27 - The T109A2 pod has turned to the east now and are trailing behind the T99s by about a mile [approx. 48.175285, -122.450638].
13:18 - It looks like most of the T109A2s split off and continued north. T109A2A is still with the T99s where my last map spot is.
13:14 - T99s and T109A2s have turned eastbound led by T99 and T99E [approx. 48.165188, -122.452696].
12:45 - Northbound T99 pod and T109A2 pod [approx. 48.152300, -122.446274]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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11:44 - We had a report of two off Tyee Beach heading north at 11:07. but no further sightings as off 11:44. -John C Storbeck
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08:50 - Three to four spotted southern tip of Hat Island heading towards Tulalip. -photo by Lori Christopher, October 19, 2023
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08:06 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 08:23 to report: 0806hrs: Vessel SUQUAMISH reports via 800MHz they've spotted 5-6 orcas 1-2 miles South of CLIN terminal, heading in a southbound direction. 
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Thu, Oct 19 - Puget Sound - 09:15 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 09:29 to report: 0915hrs: SPOKANE reports a very active juvenile humpback whale spy-hopping and breaching, located mid-channel in the TSS, traveling in various directions. 
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UNIDENTIFIED SPECIES - Thu, Oct 19 - Central Puget Sound (No other sightings despite many people searching different areas)
09:26 - Moving pretty quickly. Off of Chinese Reconciliation Park now.
09:21 - 09:22 - I’m seeing a small group of orcas in Tacoma. They are near to shore along Ruston Way close to Dickman Mill Park heading east. Just saw them surface again near old town dock.  -Lindsay Walker

October 18
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype)
Wed, Oct 18 - Rosario Strait/Strait of Juan de Fuca (Js, Ks, and some Ls)
10-18-23 J-Pod, Haro Strait SJI
17:40 - 18:00, Viewing from just north of Pile Point, a large male plus 2 others separately milling off of Pile Point, trending up-island. At 17:55 the 3 near Pile Point were moving quickly up island and I noticed another group 2 miles offshore heading east, inbound, straight in to the island. 
18:10 - 18:26, Viewing from 1.2 miles south of Landbank, 12-14 orcas were spread out traveling quickly up-island/north. It was hard to count or determine distance from shore because it was dark, some as close as 1/3 (?) mile and some 1 mile off shore. J19 was in the lead followed by J41 and her daughter J58. J44 Moby paused in his travels seeming to rest, then flipped over on his back with a big upside down fluke lob then a pectoral wave before continuing on his way. Hi Moby! I see ya'! Those were the only four I was able to ID. Photographed from shore. -Michelline Halliday, SJI - J58 Crescent - J44 Moby -photos & IDs by Michelline Halliday, October 18, 2023
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sally Reeve
Date of Sighting: October 18, 2023
Time: 2:37 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 7
Where seen: Lopez Island south of Flint Beach
Direction of travel : To west and heading out into Straits
Behaviors observed: Traveling, mulling
If orcas, any males?: 1
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: One baby
Photos available?: No
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Wed, Oct 18 - San Juans (Js, Ks, and some Ls)
15:20 - Additional large group also heading offshore from Iceberg Point, reportedly Js.
15:00 - More heading offshore from Iceberg Point.
14:50 - Visual on some miles offshore of San Juan between Cattle Point and Smith and Minor heading due west.
12:20 - Center for Whale Research reporting SRKW southbound outside Thatcher Pass - they’ve only seen Ks and Ls so far. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI] 
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07:00 - Southern Residents on SIMRES hydrophone! They're on their way back down. -Cindy Hansen, Orca Network [WSSJI] 
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Wed, Oct 18 - San Juans (T34s & T37s) - 14:50 - MV Swiftsure spotted the T34s and T37s heading west in Spieden Channel close to Green Point. -Justine Buckmaster [WSSJI]
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T37 Harald & T37B1 Lance - T34 Grace - We were also able to spend five minutes with the T34s/T37s as we passed by Spieden Island. -photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, October 18, 2023
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Wed, Oct 18 - San Juans (T35As, T37A3 & T38As) - T35A3 Garnet - T37A3 Spinnaker - We spent about half an hour with the T38As and T35As north of Moresby Island. -photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, October 18, 2023

October 17
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype)
Tue, Oct 17 - Strait of Georgia (Js, Ks, and some Ls) - 16:10 - Jpod coming down to southeast slowly like this map [approx. 49.228661, -123.847218]. -Kumiko Hawkes, Gabriola Island [Gabriola Island Whale Sightings]
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My whale sighting report on October 17th. J, K, L pods. 
IDs confirmed as, J16, J42, J27, J31, J35, J40, J45, J26, K35, K37, K22, K12, K20, K33, K43, L72, L86, L103, L106, L125, L123, 
All pictures were photographed by me from the shore of Gabriola Island. 
First I’d like to appreciate all the people who kindly provided me with information.
Also thank you very much for managing this group, Alex. I’ve said these words before, but once again… my sightings didn’t happen only because of me. They happened because of the huge community of individuals who love these majestic sea mammals. They’ve spent their time tracking them, sharing directions and trying their best to share their huge love of the orcas, in all kinds of the weather. How precious and fortunate I am to be a part of this network! Also I’d like to show my appreciation to Brendon Bissonnette. I take advantage of his kindness and ask him to check out a bunch of my SRKW pictures every time I see them. It takes me such a LONG time for identification, but he always identifies the whales magically quick! When I saw them in the distance approximately 2.5km away from the shore with my binoculars, they seemed like they were heading straight east. After a while, they changed their mind. I saw them coming to Forwood Channel! I’m sorry everyone. There aren’t many action pictures. I usually focus on photographing the different orcas, as many as possible in the limited time they pass in front of me. Trying to take all their pictures is like an exciting whack-a-mole game. It wasn’t great weather, but I’m glad that other people enjoyed watching them too. Some people seemed like they were seeing SRKWs for the first time. They were quite impressed with the number of orcas. They were literally everywhere in the channel! -Keiko Hawkes -ID credit Brendon Bissonnette -photos by Kumiko Hawkes, October 17, 2023
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Tue, Oct 17 - Haro Strait (HW-MN0510589) - 10-17-23 "The Little Humpback", Haro Strait SJI
07:30 - 08:44, A small humpback, known locally as the Little Humpback, has been frequenting the west side of SJI for a couple weeks. This morning s/he was doing loops along a mile stretch of shoreline. First seen heading down island at 07:30 near Edwards Point and then heading up island at 08:00, then again heading back down island close to shore at 08:30 and back up island at 08:44. This humpback has the quietest exhalation I've ever heard from a humpback, just a soft sigh to let me know of their presence. Thank you for the lovely morning little one and keep safe in your travels. Photographed from shore. -Michelline Halliday, SJI - HW-MN0510589 -photos by Michelline Halliday, October 17, 2023

October 16
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Mon, Oct 16 - Possession Sound/Holmes Harbor (T99s) - T99B Holly - T99B Holly - 17:50 - We are towards the end of Holmes Harbor and just had two to four orcas in here, super close up. They started heading out of the harbor towards Baby Island direction. -photos by Chelsea Willis, October 16, 2023
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T99C Barakat - 09:15 - Orcas from the morning ferry! Heading south towards Mukliteo. Not sure if more than this one, conditions not ideal for viewing.  -photo by Lori Christopher, October 16, 2023
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Mon, Oct 16 - Puget Sound (T109A2s) - 13:02 - Spotted from the Des Moines marina - approaching KVI. Steadily headed north. -Marcie Evans
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Mon, Oct 16 - Puget Sound (T109A2s) - T109A2 Fuser, T109A2D, T109A2A Seekah, T109A2B Macoah - T109A2C - From Point Robinson. -photos & IDs by Marla Smith, October 16, 2023
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Mon, Oct 16 - Puget Sound (T137s) - T137A Jack - T137B Tempest - 16:30 - T137s at Owens Beach, Tacoma. -photos by Cherie StOurs, October 16, 2023
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12:51 - Last seen trending in a north-north easterly direction from north end of Point Robinson Beach moving more offshore with long downtimes.
12:42 - Still at the north end of Point Robinson Beach, with directional changes, may be moving more east just a bit. [Hunting?] Looked like it, they were chasing a seal near the beach earlier, and may have been on something else out there, as well. We did see the seal live to see another day though!
12:31 - Ridiculously super close pass to Point Robinson shores, slow northbound travel loosely grouped, some hunting behaviors, T109A2s, all five of them.
12:19 - Milling with directional changes but trending north close in south end of Point Robinson Beach. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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12:15 - Milling off the southern part of Point Robinson. Seem to be lazily trending northeast, still on the Vashon side.
11:56 - Viewing from Point Robinson. Seeing fins to the southwest. Look to be milling close to Vashon. -Ellen Weir
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10:20 - Orcas eastbound [south end of Maury Island - approx. 47.338152, -122.466574]. -April Basham
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09:45 - Orcas off of Owens Beach, milling in Dalco Passage. -Brittany Noelle
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Mon, Oct 16 - South/Central Puget Sound (T137s) - 18:17 - They were heading north in Colvos. -Brooke Casanova
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18:08 - They appear to be heading northbound towards the Colvos.
17:36 - From Owen Beach they appear to be milling off the tip of Point Defiance. -April Basham
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17:33 - Viewing from Owen Beach. Pod is making direction changes off of Point Defiance. Seeing four fins. -Candace Gavin
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17:29 - Seeing blows from Dune toward Gig Harbor might be headed up Colvos northbound not sure yet. -Robyn Riley
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T137B Tempest & T137A Jack - 17:09 - Confirmed T137’s, all four present. Northbound, slow. One and a half miles south of Gig Harbor - [viewed from] R/V WDFW 572 [approx. 47.307977, -122.543803]. -photo by Kwasi Addae, October 16, 2023
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16:45 - Saw blows midchannel. Three to four blows at a time, heading northeast in channel. One large male fin [approx. 47.289289, -122.539505]. -Jolena Tagg
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They were milling with a large concentration of birds then picked up to a leisurely speed towards Colvos. Viewed for quite a while from Gig Harbor old ferry dock. Mid channel then towards Colvos northbound. -T.L. Stokes
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16:15 - Five orcas with one large male in group close to Gig Harbor side. Still moving north, north one mile from Narrows Bridge.
16:04 - Orcas in the Narrows moving north. They were north of the bridge close in on Gig Harbor side.  -Susan White
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14:50 - One male killer whale, southbound, one mile southeast of Fox Point (Fox island) approaching Toliva Shoal - [from] R/V WDFW 572. -Kwasi Addae

October 15
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype)
Sun, Oct 15 - Port Susan (T99s)
15:27 - T99s still loosely grouped, sometimes bit more of a gap, but then tighten up again. Slow slow steady southbound travels continue. Surface sequences about same, as are down times. Map is general location [approx. 48.116458, -122.370974] south of McKees Beach now. Several harbor porpoise swimming about inshore of them relaxedly. Research boat was out here and left about 15:20.
15:00 - T99s continue slow sleepy southbound travels, still loosely grouped. Five to eight minute down times, two to three minute surface intervals. Just slightly south of due west of Kayak Point east side channel.
14:40 - T99s grouped out from Kayak Point Park (currently closed due to construction) continuing southbound travels east side of channel, but still well offshore. Someone spyhopped. From friend's place. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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frame grabs by Florian Graner, October 15, 2023 - FRAME GRABS: UNDER NOAA/NMFS Permit 26599
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14:15 - They are across from Country Club Beach 2, closer to the mainland. Currently heading southbound. -photos by Charvet Drucker, October 15, 2023
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13:10 - Update northbound direction T99s [approx. 48.154487, -122.379151].
12:45 - T99 pod made a kill right after we spotted them. They are milling on the meal right now [approx. 48.141843, -122.373569]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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12:00 - Spotted them from Tillicum but they are hugging the mainland, very hard to see from Camano. Northbound approaching McKees. Also, the humpback took off down south, possibly out of Port Susan. -Charvet Drucker
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11:26 - I am at Spee Bi Dah watched a group of possibly five orcas go past the point on south end of Tulare. They were headed north.
11:10 - Almost to Tulare. -Jack Callaghan
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11:00 - PS Chat reports they're off Tulalip Shores still headed northbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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11:01 - Just sighted near Tulalip Shores.
10:37 - Northbound into Port Susan, close to mainland [approx. 48.056871, -122.307548].
10:00 - Three to four orcas including one male, and possibly one young one, northbound, see position on map [approx. 48.016438, -122.283147], thanks Alice Moyal! -Lori Christopher
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Sun, Oct 15 - Possession Sound (Likely T37As) - 15:22 - Saw one [orca] pop up next to ferry from Clinton to Mukilteo about five minutes ago [~15:17]! Couldn’t tell between north and south really, it was facing northwest headed towards Clinton along the ferry route. Looked up from our parked car to see it take a breath and then keep going! -Savanna R Nagorski 
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sarah Denham
Date of Sighting: October 15, 2023
Time: 9:06 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Lighthouse Park
Direction of travel : South
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Gretchen Garland
Date of Sighting: October 15, 2023
Time: 9:03 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Off Mukilteo lighthouse
Direction of travel : South
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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Sun, Oct 15 - Puget Sound (T109A2s) - Got the opportunity to see the T109A2 pod near Olalla this morning! -photos by Matthew Onita, October 15, 2023
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13:50 - Turned back in a southbound direction near the Vashon ferry terminal. -Shannon Barrios Stander
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13:49 - Heading up east side of Blake Island, moving fast now. Seem to be crossing the channel maybe - moving steady north east, almost straight north of the Vashon dock. -Jessica Medina
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13:41 - Heading northeast between Blake Island and north Vashon ferry dock. -Stace Gordon
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13:38 - Heading toward Blake Island from Southworth. -photo by Teresa Rosenberg, October 15, 2023
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13:35 - At the Southworth ferry dock. Very close to shore.  -Stace Gordon
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Youngest members of the T109A2 family: T109A2D & T109A2C - T109A2A Seekah on right -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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13:20 - Very close to shore on Kitsap side northbound now approaching Southworth ferry terminal. -photos by Tim Ferris, October 15, 2023
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13:11 - Passing Driftwood Cove now. Kitsap side. Northbound. -Kristi King
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12:50 - Passed Ollala about 30 minutes ago. -photo by Matthew Erlich, October 15, 2023
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12:41 - Passing Fragaria northbound, close to Kitsap side. -Collin Carnahan
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T109A2s
12:22 - Passing Anderson Point.
12:11 - Passing Prospect Point. -photos by Amanda Herberger, October 15, 2023
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12:21 - Finally caught a glimpse from Lisabeula to the north. Very, very close to mainland side, northbound. -Ellen Weir
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12:10 - A fun pass by Ollala with plenty of tail slaps and one breach! Continuing northbound, playfully. -Mollie Segall
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12:04 - Mid channel off of Olalla heading steadily north now.
11:39 - Can see them heading north from Point Richmond along the beach, mainland side (binos from Olalla). -Wendy Huntington Spaulding
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11:24 - Cruising with some speed northbound super close to the beach - so close it looks like they’ll go on the sand. Right at Point Richmond right now. Still lots of activity. “Breach at the beach” we’ve called it! The pod splits into two groups and then comes together. -Jasmine Myers
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11:15 - Still hanging in the same area around Point Richmond. -Megan Lynn
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10:35 - Lots of tail flapping - looks like four plus whales - at least two big and two smaller whales.
10:27 - Spotted at least two near the small fishing boats on Gig Harbor side at mouth of Colvos. -Jasmine Myers
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10:20 - Tons of tail slapping and breaching! Still hugging Vashon, circling in about the same spot.
10:12 - Appear to be hunting and circling. Haven’t made any movement one way or the other. Lots of birds above, right by Spring Beach, Vashon.
10:05 - Spotted mouth of Colvos [approx. 47.337765, -122.529865], Vashon side, from Sunrise Beach Park Gig Harbor. -Anika Blake
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10:02 - Caught sight of them central southern end of Colvos a few minutes ago. -Natalie Elle
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Family photo with the mountain. -photo by Ryan Dicks, October 15, 2023
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09:26 - Viewing from a bluff Gig Harbor side with binoculars and spotted them where the pin is dropped [approx. 47.331616, -122.558433]. -Anika Blake
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07:55 - Pod [orcas] just passed through about 7:55: we are staying in a cabin near the Tahlequah ferry dock [south Vashon] and they were headed towards Gig Harbor. Unsure what direction they went. -Dawn Reynolds
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Sun, Oct 15 - South Puget Sound (T137s) - T137A Jack - Sunday started with Jack (T137s) inspecting the wildlife around Cutts Island. A calm morning where you could hear and feel each breath. The other three made a quick trip to Purdy & back. Near Minter they reunited and enjoyed a beautiful fall day along Carr Inlet. Sensing their presence several pods of porpoises stayed close to shore. Sometimes when we go out and watch we get long distance triangles. Yet at the end of the day it’s just as magical as a day with breaches & cartwheels. Thank you Jennifer Swenson for sharing your sighting this morning and helping some others have their first orca experience. -photos by Jason Cook, October 15, 2023
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13:12 - Went around the corner [west along southeast side of McNeil Island] out of my view.
12:57 - Hanging out now on the south end of McNeil, looks like four in the group?
12:45 - Approaching south end of McNeil, visible from Fox Island. -Laura Kozar Batanian
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12:44 - They have reached the tip of McNeil at the end of Carr Inlet. No direction confirmed as of yet.
12:34 - From Fox Island. They are passing Gertrude Island on the McNeil side still slowly southbound in Carr Inlet. -April Basham
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10:53 - Still southbound in Carr viewing from Bella Bella Beach Fox Island. -Jason Cook
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10:36 - Group is heading south toward Fox Island. -Trevor Reeves
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09:54 - Just south of North Bay headed southbound. -Bijan Dietz
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09:11 - Trending northbound towards Purdy.
08:48 - Hunting on the shores of Cutts Island. Viewing from Kopachuck. -Jason Cook
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: David Paly
Date of Sighting: October 15, 2023
Time: 7:52 PM
Species seen: three orca, one male
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Cutts Island Henderson Bay
Direction of travel : N
Behaviors observed: Tails slapping, jumping
If orcas, any males?: 4 ft
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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07:45 - Orcas, at least three spotted in Carr Inlet, moving slowly northbound towards Kopachuck right now, roughly mid channel - what a fabulous sight to wake up to! There was one large male in the group and at least two others that I can confirm! Could hear but not see them as they passed Cutts Island. -Jennifer Swenson 
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Sun, Oct 15 - Strait of Juan de Fuca - 12:56 - Five Humpbacks reported ~ 2.5-3 miles due south of Victoria Harbor, BC. [WA app report]
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Sun, Oct 15 - Haro Strait (HW-MN0510589) - 08:30 - Our little humpback friend is off Land Bank Westside Preserve. Hanging out between middle and north pullout close to shore. -Cindy Hansen, Orca Network [WSSJI] 
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It’s the 2022 calf of Scissorhands - Per Erin Johns Gless: “Scott Veirs and Fred Horn deserve the credit for this sleuthing! Scott submitted a screenshot from a video Fred posted to Happywhale and got a match. I'm not sure if this whale has a BC number yet, but the Happywhale ID is HW-MN0510589.”
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Sun, Oct 15 - Port Susan - I call this series so close, yet SO far. Lots of action in Port Susan today with a humpback and orcas (T99s), showing a variety of behaviors. All of them hugged the mainland side all day so it was tough to get decent photos. -photos by Charvet Drucker, October 15, 2023
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12:00 - The humpback took off down south, possibly out of Port Susan. -Charvet Drucker
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UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALES - Sun, Oct 15 - Puget Sound - 16:34 - Large humpback (or maybe minke?) surfaced slowly then sounded, headed southeast [approx. 47.728285, -122.449533 - west of midchannel just north of Carkeek]. Sorry, shallow dive. Didn’t see the fluke. -Ben Blankenship TowBoatUS
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DOLPHINS - Sun, Oct 15 - South Puget Sound - 07:30 - Scott thinks he saw a dolphin this morning coming north out of Eld Inlet. Super flat cam water. It was moving FAST!! It had a dorsal fin. Could hear it loudly surface/blow about a dozen times in a surfacing series and left a large footprint. No photo. Jessie [Cascadia Research] knows. -Kim Merriman

October 14
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype)
Sat, Oct 14 - Strait of Georgia - Off Coal Docks, Tsawwassen per Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute.
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype)
Sat, Oct 14 - Central Puget Sound (T109A2s) - 17:31 - All five are here. -April Basham
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17:14 - Pod is approaching the north Vashon ferry dock. Currently eastbound. No confirmation of which way they will go. -Candace Gavin
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Sat, Oct 14 - Puget Sound (T109A2s) - T109A2s Dalco/Owen Beach. The sea lions were frantically racing to get away. Luckily no casualties. Exciting to have see this interesting new pod in our area! -photos by Cherie StOurs, October 14, 2023
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-photo by Ashley Whitman, October 14, 2023 - T109A2 Fuser -photo & ID by Marla Smith, October 14, 2023
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16:44 - Approaching Southworth fast. -Karen Davis
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16:36 - From a private location. From Peter Point the orcas are currently still northbound headed towards Southworth midchannel. -April Basham
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16:35 - Nearing Fern Cove. -Karen Davis
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16:13 - Moving FAST heading towards Fern Cove. -Megan O'Connell
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15:57 - Confirmed sighting of T pod with baby, met a photographer who captured beautiful pics! We are still here waiting for them to come closer [viewing from Anderson Point]. -Patoomma Krueger
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15:53 - They passed Prospect Point, they keep flipping but when I left, slowly northbound. -Hongming Zheng
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15:45 - All four are northbound as seen from Ollala. -Mollie Segall
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15:39 - We just got to Lisabeula Park and they flipped back northbound. Four together and one more trailing. They are pretty far to the north of here. -Anton Kleparek
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15:38 - At least one out from Ollala. -Mollie Segall
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15:36 - Two orcas near Olalla Market northbound. -Catherine Alvarado Soto
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sat Oct 14 15:34 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.40565,-122.52192 [off Lisebuela, Vashon] 
Number Sighted: 4
Submitter Name: Jody
Whale Alert App 
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15:02 - Anderson Point there’s [a] pod going south bound through the channel. About four of them hugging the island. -Patoomma Krueger
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14:53 - Watching with binoculars from Driftwood Cove. Appear about even with Fragaria, closer to Vashon side. -Roxane Jackson Johnson
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14:50 - Almost level with Fragaria though close to Vashon side, but then turned. Heading south again. -Karen Webb Martin
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T109A2A Seekah - 14:36 - [T109A2A] The orca surfaced right next to our boat, we immediately switched off the engine and the depth sounder. The orca hung around the boat for about 55 minutes, circling the boat, swimming under, etc. We also heard some vocalizing. It seems like he may have moved off. We just saw an orca about half mile away, but not sure it's the same one. -screen grab from video by Alex Meyer, October 14, 2023
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14:17 - Orca Network received a call from Alex who was boating in Commencement Bay when a juvenile orca surfaced nearby. They shut off their engine and the orca spent time swimming around. Smaller size for orca, maybe 16 feet. Orca goes down for a while then comes up next to the boat swims around, then goes off then surfaces again 100 feet from them then then dives under their boat. They can hear the orca vocalizing. Alex was calling to get guidance on how and when to safely start up their motor and depart. Alex sent images that Rachel Haight ID'd as T109A2A Seekah who apparently is spending time away from the family who headed up Colvos. This is a near repeat of yesterday and Seekah met back up with them last night. All is well now that we know who the ID of this solo adventuring youngster. Presumably family and Seekah will meet back up.
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14:25 - Passing Olalla in Colvos northbound, still closer to Vashon side. They were milling a bit, but now trending faster north. Research boat behind. -Amanda Herberger
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14:05 - Beautiful close pass off of Lisabuela Beach, loud and lovely breaths breaking the ooos, and ahhh on the beach, hugging Island shores, slow travel north mostly grouped up, leisure pace, Soundwatch on scene, fun spunky antics by little ones a little south of there, T109A2s. After having a second to glance through photos: 109A2A not present or did not see with family during pass. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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13:43 - Approching Lisabeula Park. -Breanne Denise Ward
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13:13 - Northbound in Colvos, Vashon side [approx. 47.366622, -122.530053]. -Brian McGinn
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13:00 - [T109A2A] Donna Sanders, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 13:03 to report: CHETZEMOKA Captain reports 1 Orca whale heading east near TALEQUAH dock.  
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12:45 - Orcas off on southwest corner of Vashon out from old docks. Whale watching boat is there. -Vicki Flood
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12:39 - Between Vashon and white boat, close to Vashon shore. Viewing from tip of Dune Peninsula. -Jen Jen
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12:18 - Passing west across the mouth of Dalco Passage, possibly heading toward Gig Harbor rather than going up into Colvos. -Caro Lew
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12:14 - At the mouth of Colvos, hard to say in the fog but it does look like they are going north and mid channel of Colvos. -Mollie Segall
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12:07 - Trending west now toward Dalco Passage, super close to Vashon shore still. -Caro Lew
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11:56 - Stalled close to Vashon shore, lots of surface activity with tail slaps. Still viewing out from Owen Beach proper.
11:49 - Out from Owen Beach, closer to Vashon side and milling near the white boat. -Mollie Segall
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11:46 - Still off Owen going all directions now, mid channel or closer to Vashon. Spyhop. 
11:37 - Still off Owen mid channel heading east. Looks like a baby in tow! -Caro Lew
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11:36 - In Dalco mid channel. Eastbound towards Commencement. -Ed Rickert
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11:32 - Pod off Owens now. Back and forth. -Rich Kuras
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11:31 - Direction changes in Dalco, mid channel. Slow traveling. -Brooke Casanova
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11:30 - Mid channel of Dalco getting lost in fog, milling.
11:29 - Last seen eastbound toward Owen from the point trending to Vashon side./ -Robyn Riley
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11:24 - Incredible hunting behavior and close pass at the point, eastbound and hunting right off Owen Beach, thought I saw four to five at one point. Link to video. -photo by Brooke Casanova, October 14, 2023
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11:23 - Northbound past seal area toward Owen. -Robyn Riley
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11:10 - Viewing from Gig Harbor. Heading north to Point Defiance any second. -Shannon Joosten Schlecht
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11:00 - Still milling around the entrance to the Narrows with no direction off of Point Defiance.  -Stace Gordon
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10:39 - Milling here. Three or four. Possible baby with them [approx. 47.314115, -122.554076]. -Brianna Schroeder
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10:44 - Hunting on Gig Harbor side. Viewing from northwest tip of Point Defiance. -Jason Cook
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09:59 - Off the eastern tip of Point Defiance now a ways out, circling around. -Claire Howard
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Claire Howard
Date of Sighting: October 14, 2023
Time: 9:40 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: 47.336963,-122.564224
Direction of travel : Same time as yesterday...again headed east, coming from Colvos Passage headed towards the Narrows Bridge.
But mid channel rather than on shore.
Behaviors observed: They're hunting right now between Vashon and Point Defiance
If orcas, any males?: No
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
Sat, Oct 14 - Admiralty Inlet (T37As, T99s, T137s) - 16:11 - Marie Waterman, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 16:23 to report: 1611 hrs MV SPOKANE Captain reports via 800MHz one (1) orca SB in the SB Traffic lanes just off KING. MV SALISH Captain reports they saw five (5).
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16:00 - They are at a good clip, too - past tank farm.
15:58 - Big male leading, female now, another… counting at least four, line of sight Edmonds ferry terminal and south to marina/dog park area southbound shipping lanes. One male just appeared a little closer.
15:52 - Here they are straight out from Apple Tree Point southbound steady. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
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15:20 - They split into two groups. One is southeast bound towards Possession Bank. The other is southbound along the Kitsap shoreline. -Brian McGinn
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-photo by Donna Green Van Renselaar, October 14, 2023
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15:16 - Big group visible from Eglon southbound. -photo by Thomas Buell Jr., October 14, 2023
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15:02 - They were moving fast! Well south of Point No Point. Based on PSE boat, they are headed southeast. -Sarah B Desai
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14:40 - We found them again. Southbound just northeast of Point No Point. -Brian McGinn
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14:30 - Pod of four off Point No Point. Mid channel southbound. -Sarah B Desai
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13:27 - Looks like the 137s 37As and 99s [approx. 47.965811, -122.624165]. 
13:01 - Think we saw 37A4 here too.
12:53 - Definitely the 137s and I think the 99s but I'm not sure.
12:33 - Orcas just south of Marrowstone now. Headed south. -Trevor Tillman
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11:50 - Video shows eight orcas headed southbound in Admiralty Inlet, off Marrowstone Island, closer to Marrowstone Island. -Jaci Paneque [PSWS]
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Sat, Oct 14 - Griffin Bay (BCZ0492 Meqe)
16:10 - Almost to Cattle Pass. BCZ0492 Meqe.
15:55 - Humpback whale in Griffin Bay heading south towards Cattle Pass. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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Sat, Oct 14 - Haro Strait - 09:01 - Humpback just passed Lime Kiln southbound. Some "surfacing sounds" on the hydrophone. -Fred Horn [WSSJI] 
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Sat, Oct 14 - Port Susan -photo by Thomas McKane, October 14, 2023
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09:56 - Still hanging around Country Club Beach 2. Definitely feeding, lots of directional changes each time it comes up!
08:50 - We have a humpback here in Port Susan off of Country Club Beach 2. Midchannel and currently southbound. -Charvet Drucker 

October 13
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype)
Fri, Oct 13 - Admiralty Inlet (Js, Ks, and some Ls) - Superpod made an epic close pass of Bush Point today, what an awesome evening! Most of these shots are from Bush Point, though some are from Lagoon Point/Double Bluff! Link to more photos here. -photos by Hongming Zheng, October 13, 2023 - J19 Shachi, L103 Lapis, & L109 Takoda -IDs by Melisa Pinnow
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J27 Blackberry, J56 Tofino, & J31Tsuchi - Such an amazing treat to see members of J, K and L pods traveling north along west Whidbey Island - and CLOSE in at Bush Point. I started to see them south of and at Bush Point, then South Lagoon Point, North Lagoon Point, and ultimately from Fort Casey as they exited Admiralty in the fading light. So good to see so many whales even though they were spread out. A reminder of common occurrences in years past.  -photos by Jill Hein, October 13, 2023
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K45 Prosper - In my family, Friday the 13th is a lucky day, and oh my goodness, do I ever feel lucky! I first went to Shore Meadows (Whidbey Island, south of Bush Point) and waited very patiently for most of the Residents (50+!) to make their way to me. Finally, they started appearing, though much closer to Point No Point and Hansville. They then started angling eas toward us, and we could see a lot of activity and they started grouping up, and slowly traveling by, still angling east. We all then went to Bush Point, and began to see them in the distance, with Mount Tahoma (Rainier) looming in the mist. Closer and closer, and WOW!!! many of them came within maybe 20-30' of shore, in fairly small groups, still active, with breaching, tail slapping, looked like some foraging - just as we were about to head to Lagoon Point, another group came by very close! Everyone there was just full of joy to see them! We then went to the north side of Lagoon Point, where they came by fairly close, and continued north in the fading, but beautiful evening light. Words cannot express the joy, amazement and wonderful feelings amongst us all.  -photos by Bonnie Gretz, October 13, 2023
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J38 Cookie & L110 Midnight - Friday 13th - lucky for some. J, K and at least some members of L pod overwhelmed ardent whale watchers with their commanding presence as they passed Bush Point northbound offering a spectacular and never-to-be-forgotten parade of explosive, percussive behaviors. Breaches, spy-hops, backflips, inverted tail lobs, pectoral fins, so much social interaction and dynamic energy, the sound of their exhalations resonating across the water. If anyone needed a reminder as to why we need to stay focused on ensuring the survival of this endangered species, this was it! (All photos taken from shore). -photos by Sandy Pollard, October 13, 2023 -photos by RJ Snowberger, October 13, 2023
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K20 Spock - Yesterday [10/13] was what dreams are made of. The Southern Residents made a beautiful and eventful pass close to the shores of Bush Point as they made their way north up Admiralty, leaving everyone watching in awe. -photos by Donna George, October 13, 2023
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J, K, some of L Pod passing Shore Meadows. Link to FB video. -Rose Caitlin
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J38 Cookie - Pure magic at Bush Point earlier. This was only a small amount of whales that passed by us! - Link to video. -photo by Rachel Haight, October 13, 2023
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Started my morning at the Edmonds fishing pier looking for whales - did not expect the Southern Residents, members of J, K and L present! Over forty whales at least! They were mid channel. -photos by Janine Harles, October 13, 2023
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From Bush Point public access - thanks to the fellow chasers for the fun company hanging out for a couple of hours waiting. Fun day all around. -photos by J.J. Newman, October 13, 2023
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I managed to catch that first close breach through my binoculars! -photo by Rachel Ward, October 13, 2023
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I am going through my footage and here are the IDs I could get of the three groups that passed close off the point:
Group 1: K42, K43?, K16, L55? and others (I am not totally sure because the lighting made the saddles hard to see.
Group 2: J38, L83? L110, others.
Group 3: J27, J31, J56, K22, K33.
From the close pass off Bush Point earlier. -Tamara Kelley
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Not sure if the family is on here but I accidentally got this sweet picture of a mom and her two kids with some orcas from Bush Point. -photo by Taylor Bobo, October 13, 2023
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I watched one of the groups from Point No Point - loved the ID reports and all the amazing pictures from Whidbey side! I took some photos, of course much too far away for ID but loved watching the whales move about up north and make their way west! -photo by Deanna Deery-Schmitt, October 13, 2023
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23:57 - The last blows I heard were at 23:57. Not enough of a time span for three pods of SRKWS. Estimating ten to fourteen orcas.
23:50 - Many orca blows, traveling up island/north, one mile south of Landbank. -Michelline Halliday [WSSJI]
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18:25 - Audible chatty SRKWs on Port Townsend hydrophone. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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18:05 - Approaching Port Townsend ferry lanes east of midchannel. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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17:03 - Still hanging out off Lagoon Point. -Christina Wheat
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17:00 - I can hear them on the Port Townsend hydrophone. -Rebecca Berger
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16:54 - Faint calls on Port Townsend hydrophone. -Orca Network
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16:45 - 16:58 - Fifteen to twenty orca between Lagoon Point and Admiralty Head. Jumping, milling and moving slowly north. -photo by Bill Setter, October 13, 2023
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16:41 - Southern Resident vocals starting on the Port Townsend hydrophone as Js, Ks, and some of Ls head north out of Admiralty Inlet. -Orca Behavior Institute
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16:36 - Viewing from Lagoon Point now. -Leah Jacobsen
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16:20 - Leaders approaching south Lagoon Point, east of mid channel, surface active, northbound at a leisurely pace. -Brittany Noelle
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16:00 - Trailers had passed Bush Point boat launch northbound Whidbey side of channel. -Marilyn Armbruster
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15:56 - At South Whidbey State Park - I think it’s the beginning of the about seventy orca coming through! Seeing big males. -Rose Caitlin
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15:40 - Bush Point. -photos by Rebecca Hadley, October 13, 2023
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15:50 - I have to leave. Trailers now past Bush Point. Leaders about 30? minutes ahead.
15:39 - More coming close to shore!
15:30 - Most incredible Bush Point pass I've ever seen. So many breaches, whales everywhere, Cookie close in. And I got a lot on video! Unreal. Northbound, spread midchannel to Whidbey shore, some spread south to north. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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15:30 - The Scotts at Bush Point called to report they are seeing at least six to seven orcas passing by the point. 
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Kathleen DePew
Date of Sighting: October 13, 2023
Time: 3:23 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 15
Where seen: Bush Point, Whidbey Island
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: Breaching, traveling
If orcas, any males?: At least 2
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: My second encounter and by far by largest. Brought tears to my eyes
Photos available?:
*
15:10 - Sara McDougal called to report orcas very close to Whidbey side out from Adams Road. Seeing at least twenty including many males, females and young. They are traveling north toward Bush Point, moving fairly rapidly and breaching, playing, etc. 
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15:05 - Last few just passed Shore Meadow - headed north towards Vista and then Bush Point. -Rebecca Hadley
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15:00 - Trailers passed Shore Meadows. VERY close to Whidbey. -Hongming Zheng
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14:40 - 15:25 - The fun began around 14:40 on the bluff just over a mile south of Bush Point, when I saw groups of fins far off to the south, toward Seattle. J pod, K pod, and many L pod members proceeded north steadily, with occasional breaches, tail lobs, inverted (upside down) tail lobs, pec slaps, spyhops, etc. They were close to the Whidbey side, which is highly unusual, they are usually out in the middle, three to four miles away, but this time they were well within a mile from shore. About 15:25 I went to the Bush Point lighthouse and found 25-30 happy observers, with all eyes and cameras trained on the procession often coming within quarter mile of shore. As others will attest, this was one of the most incredible close looks at one of the largest assemblages of Southern Resident orcas that this observer has ever seen. -photo by Howard Garrett, October 13, 2023
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14:51 - Many lined up east to west, just breathtaking seeing soooo many and all the breaches!!
14:35 - Continuing northbound mid Mutiny Bay, midchannel or Whidbey side of. Large loose group, lots of breaches, tail slaps, pec slaps, etc. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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15:10 - Sound/looks like the last of them passed me at one mile south of Bush Point, CLOSE in. Could hear them under the bluff.
14:29 - Watching from Orca Network home office, in a big group between Skunk Bay and us, about one mile south of Bush Point, moving very slowly, pec slaps, milling back and forth, hopefully foraging. SO sweet to see them all, though I'm not making much progress on the grant I'm supposed to be writing! -Susan Berta, Orca Network
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14:00 - A whole bunch of whales west of mid channel from Shore Meadows still northbound active. -Bonnie Gretz
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13:45 - Many many whales trending northwest while spread out and foraging. North of Hansville, west of Useless Bay. They look committed to Admiralty.
13:28 - Multiple fins foraging, spread out and heading all directions east of Point No Point, south of green traffic buoy. -Howard Garrett, Orca Network
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13:27 - A few passing behind the green buoy west of Shore Meadows. Northbound. A few others way in the distance still near Point No Point. -Bonnie Gretz
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13:25 - Some passing area of Double Bluff, plenty trailing, midchannel, still slow northbound.
12:50 - Was viewing from Sunlight Beach, whales continued northbound, spread. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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12:59 - Very distant fin in line with Point No Point. Viewing from Shore Meadows - can't judge direction. -Bonnie Gretz
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13:11 - Long down times at least four to six of them.
12:58 - Some mid channel, closer to east side, southbound off Point no Point -Sarah B Desai
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12:44 - They are heading north towards Admiralty.
12:34 - They look to be heading towards me at Double Bluff but still a ways out. -Tyan Schreck
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12:31 - Leaders I see are just approaching Double Bluff. Some are much closer to the west side now. -Jim Pasola
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12:20 - Appear to be on the move again, northbound, maybe some west trend? Hard to say from this perspective. Large spread between leaders and trailers. Spread in groups for the most part. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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12:00 - Saw them northeast from Norwegian Point, Hansville, close to Whidbey side. Got a not great photo thru binoculars. -Lila Borealis
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12:00 - See them from Double Bluff, super far out, heading west. -Tyan Schreck
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12:00 - Pushed west off Whidbey, some trend north. Looks like several foraging.
11:50 - Many have stalled off Maxwelton. Lots of directional changes.
11:37 - Close enough to hear their blows.
11:35 - Took awhile to get here so not sure if trailers or leaders, but lots of whales northbound past Maxwelton. Not super close, but closest I've seen them here.
11:13 - Some slowed, milling and pushed in even closer to Whidbey. Closest I've ever seen them here. Still general trend north.
11:10 - From Scatchet Head, whole lot of whales streamed by, northbound into Admiralty. Most seemed on Whidbey side. Lots of breaches. At one point it was whales slight spread surfacing what felt like everywhere. So lovely to see. Trailers are nearly out of my view here. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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11:10 - The lead group that I see is almost to the yellow buoy, Whidbey side of mid-channel. Small groups scattered behind moving in the same northwest direction. -Jim Pasola
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11:00 - Trailers of the group are leaving my line of sight so I think they’re all north of here now [approx. 47.894543, -122.454501]. So fun to watch. Pretty active with the breaching, spyhops and tail slaps along the way. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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10:52 - A group from my 10:15 post is changing directions and headed back towards Possession Point. I believe this is the frisky L pod, there is lots of breaching and tail slapping. -Brooke Thompson
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10:55 - Viewing from Scatchet Head, Rs still headed northbound towards Admiralty. Whidbey side, not super close, but can see without binos. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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10:55 - Hard to tell because I’m at Sunset Ave, but I saw at least three and they looked like males with large dorsals. It looks like they are milling about that area still.
10:50 - Just spotted another group off Double Bluff headed east. -Brooke Thompson
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10:50 - There is a group to the west of Cultus Bay approaching Scatchet Head, look to be close to the Whidbey shore.
10:41 - Relocated to Point No Point from here I'm looking at whales on the horizon from Haines Wharf to almost Possession Point appear to be heading this way. -Jim Pasola
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10:31 - Found another group heading north here. Fifteen plus at least two large males; these guys more grouped together [approx. 47.855465, -122.457788]. Are all the residents out there? I lost count there’s so many. If I had to guess I would say there’s like 50+!
10:25 - Large group heading north here at least fifteen plus including at least three large males. Northbound [approx. 47.869621, -122.467978]. 
10:24 - Three large males all heading up towards Admiralty.
10:19 - Large group of ten plus spread out at least two large males I think. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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10:18 - Heading north [approx. 47.902287, -122.423574]. Could see at least three dorsals. -Brianna Schroeder
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10:16 - Some look committed to west side of Whidbey, Admiralty. Northbound. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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10:15 - Viewing from Eglon at least four with two big bulls have moved into Admiralty to the west of Possession Point. -Jim Pasola
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10:15 - They have picked up speed quick and flipped direction back west and am seeing lots of activity. -Brooke Thompson
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10:11 - Just spotted them directly out from Haines Wharf! -Diana Pham
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09:58 - Trending north/northeast.
09:54 - Still generally in this area [approx. 47.866353, -122.375920], lots of breaching. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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09:50 - Viewing from Sunset Ave and they are breaching and being very active, looking to be milling about with a slow northeast direction. -Brooke Thompson
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09:47 - Was barely able to see breaches through binoculars from Elgon. -Brianna Schroeder
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09:46 - Seeing breaches north of the diving beach from the ferry holding line on the dock! From here seems pretty directly south of Possession Beach. -Lila Borealis
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09:29 - Ls and others still off dive park. Very social with breaches and mating behavior. Aiming northeast.
09:21 - L105 in amongst the very playful, frisky group.
09:17 - Looks like mix including Ks and some Ls. Pink sea snake making an appearance in a large playful group off the Edmonds dive park. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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09:15 - Near the ferry dock in Edmonds. I saw them walking with my friend. It was the coolest thing. Right up there with seeing the Northern Lights. SO amazing. -Ruth Brick
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Large number of orcas this morning mid channel west of the Edmonds oil dock, multiple males several groupings of females slowly moving north. Swimming amongst recreational salmon fishermen's boats of which I was one. Appeared to be hunting and it looked like a kill just south of the Edmonds marina, large splashes in a small area. -Barry Hollander
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09:02 - J pod! Northbound by fishing pier Edmonds. -Janine Harles
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08:50 - Multiple breaches south of Possession Bar. Too slender to be Bigg's. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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08:45 - Two groups one northwest bound way west of midchannel, other group breaching in northbound lanes.
08:35 - They are on the move! Northbound, between fishing pier and Apple Tree mid channel.
08:26 - They were almost to the pier and veered off more mid channel now, possibly on a kill. Male, female and young one. -Janine Harles
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08:05 - Donna Sanders, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 08:07 to report: SALISH Captain reports 8 Orca in the NB traffic lanes near EDM milling about.
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07:50 - Three orcas north of oil docks at Edmonds. Traveling northbound, males and females.  -photo by Logan Baker, October 13, 2023
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype)
Fri, Oct 13 - Holmes Harbor/Saratoga Passage (Likely T37A, T37A2, T37A4) - 18:04 - Two orcas mile and a half north of Hidden Beach Whidbey side heading south. -Aaron Gill
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17:27 - A small pod of orcas heading south towards Race Lagoon off Whidbey in Saratoga Passage. -Randy Zimmerman Furnas
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13:43 - At Onamac. So far can only confirm one more mid channel now.
13:35 - Saw one orca [T37A] heading north just south of Onamac Camano side. -photo by Aaron Gill, October 13, 2023
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11:45 - Three orcas in Holmes Harbor, on the east side of the harbor heading north. Just happened to look when they surfaced a few times and then either haven't come back up or are out of my view due to trees. It was so fast that we didn't have a chance to look long enough to identify them. They were along the east side, north of the golf course but south of Baby Island. I'm not sure what that area is called [approx. 48.044051, -122.524609]. -Cindi Bowen
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Fri, Oct 13 - Saratoga Passage (T99s & T137s) - T99C Barakat & T137A Jack -frame grabs by Florian Graner, October 13, 2023 -
FRAME GRABS: UNDER NOAA/NMFS Permit 26599
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17:53 - I think I saw them the same time as Shelly, someone in a kayak had a great view I can hear them all the way over here on Whidbey. -photo by Aaron Gill, October 13, 2023
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17:50 - Watching from Manaco Beach, three moving steadily southbound Camano side. -back of camera photo by Shelly Greybeck, October 13, 2023
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16:58 - Continuing south at a pretty steady pace. Seem to be about mid channel, possibly closer to the Whidbey side. Hard to tell from my perspective.
16:36 - Just spotted them from the yacht club on Camano. Heading southwest mid-channel. -Charvet Drucker
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16:00 - T99C and T137A spent about a half hour pulling down crab pot lines and floats under the water about where my mark is [approx. 48.265140, -122.558358] while the other pod members swam away to the southwest. 
14:40 - After a lot of milling around and playing with crab pot lines/buoys the T99s and T137s have turned back around to go southeast again from my last map spot.
14:00 - Northbound T99s T137s [approx. 48.291925, -122.508456]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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13:38 - Seeing orcas from Maple Grove boat launch. Northeast bound. -Linda Aitkins
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12:36 - To the south of Camano Yacht Club. PSE, research vessel, and IE5 are on scene. Mid channel still northbound. Might be pushing towards Whidbey. Unsure yet.
11:44 - Northbound travel at Cama Beach. Definitely Camano side. Research vessel on scene. -Kat Martin
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11:45 - They met in Elger Bay and made a kill. Now both pods are northbound [off Cama State Park]. These are the T99s and T137s. The T137 pod came from the south and the T99s came from the north. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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From Camano State Park. Lots of jumping! We watched the large pod of orcas going north by Camano State Park for about 20 minutes. At least ten, one large male out front and maybe another at the back not as large. They were spread out, jumping and breaching and making a lot of noise so we figured they were hunting. Very close to Camano shore so we got a good show. Link to FB video. -Thomas McKane
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11:25 - Moving north of Camano State Park. [T99s & T137s] Orca pod swam by us northbound. The sound of their blows first alerted us. -photo by Coni Jones Carrothers, October 13, 2023
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11:30 - [T99s & T137s] Northbound passed Camano Island State Park very fast.
11:07 - [T99s & T137s] At least seven orcas now southbound out from Mabana.
11:00 - [T99s & T137s] Viewing from Camano State Park. At least four orcas in Elger Bay. Not able to tell direction of travel. -Linda Aitkins
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10:20 - [T99s] Off Camano State Park still heading south. -Aaron Gill
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10:15 - [T137s] CWW is reporting several orcas also heading north by Summerland. -Jennifer Feldman Spanton
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10:04 - [T99s] Half mile north of Cama Beach heading south right off Camano. -photo by Aaron Gill, October 13, 2023
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09:35 - [T99s] Three orcas off Onamac just now, heading towards the [Camano Island] State Park [southbound]. -Marianne Crawford [CWW]
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Fri, Oct 13 - Puget Sound (T109A2s) - T109A2D & T109A2C - T109A2 Fuser - Fall is better with the T109A’s. From Point Defiance Park. -photos by Jason Cook, October 13, 2023
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T109A2 transient family in Colvos Passage. Link to video. -photos by April Basham, October 13, 2023
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17:33 - Just passed us nearing the north tip of Vashon, very close in to Vashon shores trending leisurely northeasterly grouped up. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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16:46 - Mid channel, approaching Peter Point. -Roxane Jackson Johnson
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16:27 - Vashon side between Fragaria and Command Point, headed northbound. -Collin Carnahan
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16:26 - Crossing over to Kitsap side, mid channel. Fragaria, still south of Peter Point. -Roxane Jackson Johnson
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16:00 - Northbound Colvos across Anderson Point, hugging close on Vashon side. -Yvonne Welty
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15:38 - Now picking up speed, north past Lisabuela.
15:25 - Starting to see them from Lisabuela, still heading north. -Margaret Nichols
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15:17 - Steady northbound. Close to Vashon shore. North of Point Richmond.
14:56 - Big breaches next to Vashon shore. Across and a bit south of Point Richmond. -Stace Gordon
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14:30 - Looks like they picked up pace and are northbound into Colvos. -Candace Gavin
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14:03 - Viewing from Gig Harbor. The orcas are very close to Vashon shore on the southwest tip.  -Shannon Joosten Schlecht
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14:00 - Lots of breaches. Tacoma in the background. -photo by Ryan Dicks, October 13, 2023
*
14:00 - Colvos very close to Vashon shore now.  -Stace Gordon
*
13:41 - Seeing orcas south of Owen Beach. Using spotting scope.  -Vince Meehan
*
13:31 - Breaching at mouth of Dalco and Colvos. -Yvonne Welty
*
13:33 - Milling mid channel across from Sea Cliff sub division. Continue to be very active with lots of breaching All the south end of Colvos Passage.
13:25 - Now in Colvos Passage. Milling with a lot of surface antics.
13:18 - Four backflips in a row. -Stace Gordon
*
13:16 - Possibly may have stalled at the entrance on a kill Vashon side.
13:13 - Looks like this group has committed northbound slowly in the Colvos Passage. -April Basham
*
13:12 - Moving north into Colvos. Mid channel. -Stace Gordon
*
13:08 - Now off the southwest tip of Vashon, not quite committed to Dalco passage by the looks of it.
12:53 - Currently at the mouth of Dalco Passage milling, lots of directional changes and minimal surfacing. -Brooke Casanova
*
T109A2A Seekah - T109A2B Macoah, T109A2C, T109A2D, T109A2 Fuser -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
12:50 - Four transient orcas from Point Defiance/Owen Beach looking towards Sunrise Beach. I was told they are the T109A2s. -photos by Heather Roskelley, October 13, 2023
*
12:52 - Now generally moving up towards Colvos Passage.
12:37 - Milling off of Point Defiance. No direction. -Stace Gordon
*
12:49 - Committed around the point, heading towards Owen Beach from Point Defiance.
12:33 - Still milling with surface activity just north of Salmon Beach. -Mollie Segall
*
12:20 - The lone orca [likely T109A2A] in Commencement has made its way back out to Point Defiance, the remainder [rest of T109A2s] are still hunting in North Narrows off the point, mid channel. -David Michael
*
11:58 - Northbound in Tacoma Narrows slowly approaching Point Defiance. They’ve been stalling and milling rather than travel mode. -Zeno Martin
*
11:40 - They appear to be hunting and there is a lot of bird activity around them. North Narrows.
11:33 - They were heading toward the bridge and then flipped. Heading north near the red marker on the Gig Harbor side in the Narrows. -Heather Maher
*
11:13 - I see orcas in Tacoma Narrows southbound. Approaching Point Evans. Near Gig Harbor shore. -Zeno Martin
*
11:09 - Still headed towards the Narrows, very close to Gig Harbor side across from Salmon Beach about fifteen minutes ago. -Amy Gibbs Fagan
*
10:41 - Orca [likely T109A2A split off from family] spotted in Commencement Bay heading towards Thea Foss waterway. -Lubna Marie Makda
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Claire Howard
Date of Sighting: October 13, 2023
Time: 9:55 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: 47.336963,-122.564224
Direction of travel : East, coming from colvos passage headed towards the narrows bridge
Behaviors observed: Traveling fairly quickly
If orcas, any males?: I think females
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: They were very close to shore, one coming up for air within 30 feet or so from the beach, maybe less.
Photos available?: No
*
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES
Fri, Oct 13 - Haro Strait - 20:50 - 21:45 - Hearing intermittent orca blows just a few hundred yards to the south/down-island, at most two to three individuals milling, listening from one mile south of Landbank. The last blow I heard was at 21:45, so whomever it was turned back down island. Transients perhaps. -Michelline Halliday [WSSJI]
*
HUMPBACK WHALES - Fri, Oct 13 - Haro Strait - 14:48 - Now milling just off County Park. -James Richardson
*
13:53 - A humpback near Lime Kiln Park and it was breaching. Multiple direction changes so it may be milling in that area.  -Barbara Howitt [WSSJI]

October 12
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype)
Thu, Oct 12 - Puget Sound (Js, Ks, and some Ls) - When the residents were seen off Seattle today I just knew I had to go find them. I took a chance and drove to the Kingston ferry even though it was foggy and definitely not the best conditions for photography. I stood off the terminal for a while, eventually seeing some tiny little triangles out in the fog, before I listened to some special friends telling me to get on the ferry! Lucky for me the ferry was running late and I was able to walk on! This was the most difficult shooting conditions I've had between the fog, the sun, and then so many orcas in so many different places! But I kept pointing and firing away, hoping to catch something! Fortunately I got some tail slaps, spyhops, and even one epic breach! It's believed that we got to see J, K, and L pod today. This is my first time seeing all three pods and it was truly just spectacular. It always feels like a show when our dear residents come to town, like they're showing us all of their beauty and splendor. -photo by Jolena Tagg, October 12, 2023
*
18:45 - They’re flipping back and forth. Just milling. -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
18:40 - Last report from us as it is getting hard to see. Viewing from Eglon. Watching multiple whales headed northwest towards Point No Point. Midchannel to Whidbey side. In travel mode. -Candace Gavin
*
18:42 - Heading north up west side of Whidbey towards Admirality. Maybe four to six. One large male. -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
18:25 - Seeing part of the pod here trending northwest. Then others are trailing behind. There is a tugboat on the water and some are around it as well. -Candace Gavin
*
18:15 - From Eglon Beach. Way out there. -photo by Becky Adams, October 12, 2023
*
17:43 - Seeing a few residents including males straight out from Sunset Ave in Edmonds on the Kingston side. Still under the fog just north of the tugboat (between that and Point No Point, so just south of Point No Point). Milling but seem northbound. Surface activity is reflecting in the sun. No idea where the others are with conditions. -Ashley Johnson
*
17:09 - Groups that were visible from Sunset Ave have now pushed west of mid channel are getting difficult to see in the haze. -Tamara Kelley, Orca Conservancy
*
17:05 - Brad Hanson, NOAA messaged to say those he has been tracking were “headed back north now”. Last track has their boat west side channel near Kingston. They’ve [NOAA] since headed in. Around that time I had still seen some males and female southbound mid channel and another group more east who had been southbound but maybe stalled or did flip. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
17:00 - Kingston/Edmonds ferry - seem to be all west of midchannel milling all over. Once we got to Edmonds it was hard to see them with the fog. -Jenny Klis
*
16:46 - They appear to have flipped back north.
16:31 - Spotted from Kingston ferry terminal - one group is much closer to the Edmonds shore, another group is slightly more mid channel, right by the research boat. Both heading slowly south. -Kirsten Vacura
*
16:15 - Definitely small group ressies approaching the northern ferry lanes on Edmonds side. Two males and female/juvenile at least. Slow southbound. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
16:13 - One group is directly out from Sunset Ave. If you can get the research boat in your view there are some to the left. -Tamara Kelley, Orca Conservancy
*
16:03 - Fog is receding again, visibility decent. I moved back to Sunset Ave, seeing some southbound whales, but think there are leaders? south of those I’m seeing, but still north of the Edmonds/Kingston ferry lanes. Don’t have clear picture where they all are. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
16:00 - Lots of blows to the northwest of the NOAA research vessels, they don’t seem committed to a direction. -Brooke Thompson
*
15:30 - From Possession Shores - the fog had just started to lift. They are heavily cropped with contrast. -photo by Kevin Phillips, October 12, 2023
*
15:51 - Still making progress southbound, but slowly.
15:20 - Definite progress southwest, but not necessarily travel mode, definitely looking smaller. Just think they are milling around making movement. I just saw another breach. 
15:16 - I wouldn’t say committed flip but at least couple dozen whales are facing south, slow progress. I think mostly foraging, resting. Generally slightly south and west of my 14:45 map. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
15:15 - They’ve peaked through the fog! Can barely see them just south of Possession Point still in the triangle. -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
15:12 - There is a group directly south of Possession Point. Puget Sound Express is with them. -Orca Conservancy
*
15:00 - Seeing at least a dozen who have stalled, some foraging by couple males who are now facing southbound (not committed yet) and others logging same general area as map.
14:45 - Large number of Ressies spread in groups generally out from south end Browns Bay, Edmonds, slow northbound travel with some surface activity. See map [approx. 47.869883, -122.391217]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
14:26 - There is a group mid channel off of Sunset Ave still tending northbound. Research boat is with them. Others are much further offshore with a different research boat. This closer group is angling towards Possession, but it’s still too early to call if they will commit. -Orca Conservancy
*
14:33 - Slight shift for some at least trending northeast.
14:23 - Fog has moved in from Admiralty so my range is limited but seeing several at least this side of mid channel continuing north out from north Edmonds with larger trailing group to the south a mile or so. All clearly at this point are not aiming for Admiralty, but cannot say they are heading toward Possession Sound either. They may end up lost in the fog northern end of Puget Sound proper off South Whidbey.
14:00 - Trailers actually south of map, just north of ferry traffic lanes.
13:55 - J pod, K pod, and some Ls continue northbound travels mid channel generally out from Edmonds spread in singles to larger groups. Some breaches and other surface activity as they slow move north. Fog is moving in again from Admiralty so I may lose them in a bit if they drift west. See map for general area of spread [approx. 47.869433, -122.438226]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
13:35 - We were absolutely surrounded out on our boat about twenty minutes ago in between Edmonds and Kingston! Saw multiple babies that all looked thick and healthy! -photo by Kellie Daw, October 12, 2023
*
13:32 - Ressies have continued northbound travels. Leaders more grouped after that breach fest. Between Point Wells and Apple Tree Point drifted back toward mid channel. Trailing large group of at least fifteen to the southwest. All basically enveloping the ferry lanes. WSF and all large commercial have been kept abreast all day. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
Orcas, about eighteen, in Kingston. -photo by Michael Houston, October 12, 2023
*
13:28 - Great viewing from Edmonds fishing pier, steady north, Kitsap side! -Julie Harris Martin
*
13:15 - Nice breach fest going on by the leaders about in the ferry lanes. So wonderful. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
13:15 - Amazing shows from the Kingston ferry. -Jolena Tagg
*
13:14 - Watching from Sunset in Edmonds. Have seen breaches! More near the Kingston side. -Joni Barnes Pollino
*
13:04 - There's still a lot of whales here in front of Kingston.
13:05 - Incoming ferry's been stopped for fifteen minutes getting quite a show lots of breaches. -Jim Pasola
*
13:00 - J pod, K pod and and some Ls confirmed by Brad Hanson, NOAA/NWFSC. So many lovely whales out here. Currently leaders north of Kingston others trailing and large other trailing group catching up. Mid channel to Kitsap side. Westbound ferry is stalled. So is eastbound ferry who ferry who just left the Kingston dock. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
12:59 - Big spyhop and many more coming!
12:57 - From Apple Tree Point dorsals in the mist including at least one male in the fog just south of westbound ferry midchannel, and I have to leave for work!  -Donna Green Van Renselaar
*
12:45 - Lots of whales this side, west, of the yellow buoy. Some just outside the harbor, clearly foraging, multi-directional round and round, have been stalled here for the last twenty to thirty minutes. -Jim Pasola
*
12:35 - Leaders nearing Kingston, trailers stalled and breaching, surface activity, and large trailing group continuing north mid way between Jefferson Head and yellow mid channel buoy. Most mid channel and west of.
12:28 - And large trailing group to the south just north of Jefferson Head but west of mid channel with Soundwatch and second research boat trailing them.
12:23 - Leaders west of mid channel approaching Kingston maybe southbound shipping lanes. Large group mid channel now north of mid channel yellow buoy Kayu Kayu Ac Park/President Point. Loosely grouped. Others trailing and skews either side. All steady pace northbound, some surface activity (breaching). Js and presume Ks at least I’d say. Research skiff up in this area. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
12:19 - Seeing surface action off Kingston. Near the fishing boats. -Jolena Tagg
*
12:19 - Trailing group mid channel south of ferry route slight west direction. -Brian Livingston
*
12:05 - Leaders north of transect Jefferson Head and Richmond Beach Saltwater Park. Others streaming along. Larger group to the south. All steady northbound mid channel. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
11:57 - Visible from Richmond Beach with binoculars. West of mid channel still northbound. -Orca Conservancy
*
11:55 - From Kingston seeing a group amongst the grouped up fishing boats, appear to be off of President Point, northbound. -Jim Pasola
*
11:50 - From south of Carkeek I saw some leaders already out from there or north of.
11:20 - Many have grouped up. Leaders are large group of at least twenty loosely grouped mid channel (or just east of) out from north end Golden Gardens park. Others trailing mid channel to out from Shilshole Marina. Inverted roll and lazy pec slap by a trailing male. All steady northbound. Both Soundwatch and now research skiff (looks like Sears) on scene. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
11:22 - Watching them through the telescope from Indianola sandspit. From my angle one group seem to be off Shilshole moving north at a pretty good pace. All the breaching just a bit earlier was fantastic to see! And the tall male dorsal fins. Viewing through the dissipating fog. -Deanna Deery-Schmitt
*
11:07 - I can see them breaching through my binoculars from Golden Gardens. Quite a ways out there! Definitely mid to west of mid channel. -Joshua Chessin-Yudin
*
11:00 - Spread out midchannel northbound in front of small boat, due west of Shilshole Canal. -Sandra Prow
*
10:51 - Midchannel still off of West Point but heading. Northbound now. -April Bosley
*
10:43 - All residents have flipped now committed northbound and picking up pace. With some surface activity, breaching off the point. Spread out with so many on the east side of channel at West Point, Discovery Park and each side of. So incredibly beautiful.
10:31 - Definite flip [north].
10:30 - Most have stalled. Now facing north almost in resting.
10:27 - Lots of foraging south of West Point some east side of channel others east of mid foraging with one group of four facing north. Lots of males. Believe I saw Cookie! Soundwatch getting on scene.
10:22 - Definitely Rs, saw an open saddle. Just south of West Point, some east side of the channel.
09:55 - An abundance of orcas spread in all directions! At least four males one in lead south end Shilshole others mid two trailing females and juveniles in between. Serious spread north/south and mid channel east/west.
09:50 - Just got to Shilshole. Seeing several straight off the park. At least two males and female southbound east of mid channel. Will scan for others.
09:25 - From Carkeek seeing now spread out orcas from south of here to Meadow Point, Golden Gardens. Behavior and numbers have me pretty certain they are residents, but cannot confirm due to distance. All southbound. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
09:25 - Orcas between Bainbridge and Golden Gardens. Small groups southbound. Fog is breaking a bit to see across the sound. -photo by Sue Surowiec Larkin, October 12, 2023
*
09:00 - Large tight group of ten to fifteen including at least two males east of mid channel south of Richmond Beach Saltwater Park southbound. Possible Rs. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
07:25 - Group of six to ten orcas headed south from Edmonds ferry landing center channel. At least two large males. -Jerusha Sundem
*
07:21 - Laura Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 07:26 - 0721hrs: Vessel SALISH reports via 800MHz they've spotted 6 orcas heading in a southbound direction, located mid-way between the EDM and KING terminals. 
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype)
Thu, Oct 12 - Saratoga Passage/Possession Sound (T137s)
18:25 - In front of Tillicum.
18:07 - Several spouts south east of Camano closer to the tip of Camano than Tillicum Beach. -Jack Callaghan
*
17:51 - Just barely into Port Susan and very close to the Camano side. Milling about. -Sarah Sadid
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17:10 - Have continued northbound into Port Susan.
16:40 - They've flipped northbound, far away from Sandy Point. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
16:40 - They flipped and appear headed straight for Port Susan. -Donna George
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16:37 - Flipped to the east side, very tip of Camano. Hunting behavior. -Sarah Sadid
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15:57 - Appear to be resuming southbound travel.
15:54 - Successful porpoise hunt. -Donna George
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T137s were on a mission as they passed Sandy Point, southbound. Seems to have been a success. -photo by Sandy Pollard, October 12, 2023
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Successful porpoise hunt -photo by RJ Snowberger, October 12, 2023
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15:45 - Milling, appears to be on a kill, active, tail slaps, a few breaches. Not in any direction at this time [approx. 48.041369, -122.345421]. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
15:29 - Still tightly grouped and southbound past Sandy Point. -Donna George
*
15:14 - The 137s have passed Whale Bell Park and are continuing. SLOWLY south. They are mid to Whidbey - traveling in tight formation. -Cindi Crowder Rausch, Orca Network
*
15:00 - Viewing from northside of Sandy Point, appears to be out from south end of Langley, heading southbound. Whidbey side of mid channel. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
T137A Jack - T137B Tempest, T137A Jack, T137D Wright, T137 Loon
14:50 - Mid channel coming up to Langley, looks like they're together.
14:30 - Looks like they are pointed at Camano, distant from Langley looking north. -photos by Bonnie Gretz, October 12, 2023
*
14:04 - Confirmed that it’s Jack, currently in Saratoga. With sisters and mom? -Colleen Henckel
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Leslie Ritter
Date of Sighting: October 12, 2023
Time: 12:45 PM
Species seen: Orcas
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen:
Direction of travel : 48°6.682'N 122°29.376'W
Behaviors observed: Traveling South
If orcas, any males?: 1 male 3 females
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
T137A Jack - T137 Loon & T137D Wright
12:49 - Still continuing southbound. Angled more towards Whidbey now. Viewing from Camano Island State Park. Leaving our view now. 
12:26 - Viewing from Camano Island State Park. Southbound. Puget Sound Express on scene.
12:01 - Directly out from Cama Beach. Southbound.
11:26 - Directly out from Indian Beach Road. Closer to Camano but still far out. Southbound. Definitely T137A out there.
11:05 - The big male might be Jack. It’s definitely starting to look like that. -photos by Kat Martin, October 12, 2023
*
11:00 - Just spotted them south of Onomac - southbound. On the Camano side of mid-channel - there's still fog in the area, I only saw three surface at the time. -Jill Hein
*
10:57 - Viewing from Indian Beach Road. They appear to be mid channel. Rather far out. Possibly southbound again. Birds are circling. One very tall dorsal. -Kat Martin
*
T137A Jack & T137B Tempest - T137A Jack & T137 Loon
10:40 - They are approaching Onomac now, southbound. Close to Camano. Right out in front of me on Eagle Crest. WDFW #699 is with them. No other boats around. -photos by Kristina Trowbridge, October 12, 2023
*
08:34 - They've drifted south a little but still milling a bit. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
08:11 - I just saw roughly seven blows in front of Madrona, Very close to shore and Camano Yacht Club. I believe one was a male - but way too far for any other possible IDs. Not moving much, perhaps slightly northbound. I have to shuffle between trees on my side to see them. -Jill Hein
*
07:55 - Looks like one male with three females, they are sill having out around Madrona Beach, Saratoga Passage.
07:30 - Orcas report in Saratoga Passage off Madrona Beach non-directional, milling/playing around in one spot.  -Kate Kypuros [CWW]
*
Thu, Oct 12 - Saratoga Passage (T137s) - frame grabs by Florian Graner, October 12, 2023
- FRAME GRABS: UNDER NOAA/NMFS Permit 26599
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Thu, Oct 12 - Puget Sound (T109A2s) - 18:28 - By the aquarium, small white boat nearby. -Mary Hartmann
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Thu, Oct 12 - Puget Sound (T109A2s) - 18:15 - Orcas left Alki shore and went into Elliott Bay. -photo by Robin Sinner, October 12, 2023
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18:19 - Definitely closer to Seattle than West Seattle, almost straight out from ferry terminal. -Josh Nutter
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Yves Colon
Date of Sighting: October 12, 2023
Time: 6:15 PM
Species seen: Orca pod
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Alki Point
Direction of travel : Toward the mouth of the Duwamish
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: Not known
Any unusual markings?: ?
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Attracted crowds that followed the orcas along Alki waterfront. Whales were cool; humans in awe.
Photos available?: No
*
18:15 - Eastbound by T Mobile Park. -photos by Mary Hartmann, October 12, 2023
*
18:11 - Firmly in Elliot Bay headed south near Don Armeni.
18:07 - Making a dead sprint toward Elliot Bay, definitely four, two adult females potentially two younger ones it seems. -Josh Nutter
*
17:51 - Close to shore off 1500 Alki. Lots of gulls. Successful hunt. -photos by Robin Sinner, October 12, 2023
*
17:40 - Now they are sorta heading north toward Magnolia, but still milling a bit. I think they caught something. Lots of seagulls around.
17:27 - Small group, females and at least one baby, I think, right off Alki Ave. They’re heading into Elliot Bay, toward Duwamish Head or maybe towards Magnolia. -Amelia Showalter
*
17:20 - Five to six orcas off Alki. Two larger females, a little, the rest, small females/juvies. -photo by Kathleen Cage, October 12, 2023
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Samuel Leonard
Date of Sighting: October 12, 2023
Time: 5:03 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 6
Where seen: Alki Seattle Washington
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?:
*
16:50 - Saw this guy go northeast past Alki Point towards Seattle-Bainbridge ferry lane. -photo by Zerelina Mukherjee, October 12, 2023
*
16:08 - Sam P. Orca Network called to report four orcas between West Seattle and south of south end Bainbridge, east of mid channel heading northbound. Unsure if any males, too distant and not the experience.
*
14:44 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 16:39 to report: 1444hrs: KITTITAS: Vessel reports via 800MHz 5 orca just north of the VASH terminal, feeding, and with no particular direction of travel.  
*
Thu, Oct 12 - Puget Sound (T37A, T37A2, T37A4, T99s)
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Benjamin Dirsmith
Date of Sighting: October 12, 2023
Time: 7:15 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Edmonds Fishing Pier
Direction of travel : N
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: Unknown, but very large dorsal fin, larger than the sitting paddle boarders they passed
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Many people should have seen them, as they swam 50 yards or so off of the Edmonds Fishing Pier shortly after the sun set.
*
18:43 - Both those groups of Ts that went past Sunset Ave in Edmonds continued on towards Possession Sound. -Tamara Kelley
*
18:25 - Northbound right behind Edmonds ferry boat at the terminal. Paddle boarders got a close up! -photo by Jill M Rotset, October 12, 2023
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T37A2 Inky & T37A Volker - T99C Barakat, T99E, T99 Bella -IDs by Rachel Haight & Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
First members of the T37As passed by followed by the T99s
18:16 - Whales northbound past Marina Beach, watching from pier.
17:44 - Got some heading north past marina, east of mid channel. -photos by Janine Harles, October 12, 2023
*
18:29 - Just passed right in front of the Edmonds ferry terminal. Now mid channel. -photo by Jaime Shields, October 12, 2023
*
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES
Thu, Oct 12 - Haro Strait - 05:50 - Blows heard down island, south. Sounded like three to four individuals milling then the blows faded off to the south. Listening from one mile south of Landbank. (Additionally one juvenile great horned owl calling and two shooting stars!) -Michelline Halliday [WSSJI]
*
HUMPBACK WHALES
Thu, Oct 12 - Haro Strait - 12:45 - Humpback traveling up island/north less than quarter mile from shore. One mile south of Landbank. -Michelline Halliday [WSSJI]
*
Thu, Oct 12 - Haro Strait
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Christine Moritz (visiting from Colorado; now in Bellingham)
Message: My husband and I watched a humpback from San Juan Island County Park on Thursday, October 12 at around 15:00 for at least 20 minutes. It was not very active at first, but then started tail lobbing -- and did that for quite a while. I have a decent video of about 20 tail slaps, that I would be happy to share if you want it. -photo by Christine Moritz, October 12, 2023
*
Thu, Oct 12 - Puget Sound - 18:45 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 19:24 to report: 1845hrs: SPOKANE Captain reports a single humpback whale breaching multiple times, one mile west of the EDM terminal. No direction of travel noted. 
*
17:55 - Humpback surfaced and then sounded facing south, east of mid channel between Point Wells, Woodway and Kingston. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
17:05 - Humpback is still hanging around. As viewed from the Edmonds ferry! Generally southbound [approx. 47.802638, -122.411541]. -Candace Gavin
*
14:37 - On the 14:30 ferry from Edmonds to Kingston there is a humpback. On the Edmonds side generally southbound, north of the ferry lanes. -Candace Gavin & Jami Cantrell
*
MINKE WHALES
Thu, Oct 12 - Admiralty Inlet - 17:40 - Large whale, likely minke, spotted north of Point Wilson Lighthouse, likely feeding and trending east toward Admiralty Head. -Tony Collins

October 11
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype)
Wed, Oct 11 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (Js & Ks, likely some Ls) - After more than a three week absence, Southern Residents returned to inland waters with members of Js and Ks reaching the west side of San Juan Island just before sunset. For those of us who have been around the region for over a decade, we have seen the dramatic shift of "what used to be" (with Southern Residents around on a nearly daily basis from May to September) to "what is" (the great absence of the Residents during the spring and summer months). But our connection to these whales still runs deep, and it always feel like an honor to be in their presence from any distance. -Orca Behavior Institute -photo by Monika Wieland Shields, October 11, 2023
*
18:44 - Now lost sight of them offshore in the post sunset light. My gut says they’ll be heading to Admiralty.
18:35 - At least five offshore of False Bay that were milling are now northbound.
18:27 - Confirmed SRKW - Ks in the mix. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
18:22 - Orcas have drifted away from shore. Most are spread from off of American Camp to False Bay. Milling.
17:39 - Some are close to shore here near Eagle Cove. Some are quite far off of False Bay.
17:31 - Seeing about ten now.
17:26 - Orcas up Island from Eagle Point. Three so far. Heading up Island. Close to shore. -Jenny Stands Wilson [WSSJI]
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype)
Wed, Oct 11 - San Juans (T35As & T38As)
18:06 - Group is nearing the ferry lane positioned at the bottom of southwest Cypress, heading east, slightly northeast. I really am leaving this time, but may try to see if they go through Guemes.
17:48 - I lied and didn’t leave. Still viewing from Green Point and they’ve made a turn due east. About half a mile off of Green Point, moving at a regular pace.
17:23 - Still viewing from Green Point, but leaving. They’re just past the north end of Bird Rocks, a little further than midchannel, still trending northwest; can see back-lit blows. Travel has slowed down. Looks like they’re aiming for James/possibly Thatcher.
17:16 - Seeing them from Green Point, Washington Park (viewing toward the south); they’re beyond midchannel trending northwest toward Bird Rocks. Counted seven, one very small, no tall dorsals. Not traveling fast. -Amanda Marie
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16:49 - Found them! Heading towards Rosario Strait in between Washington Park loop lookout and Burrows Bay.  -Lorena Perezcarlos
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15:53 - Looked like they were hunting. Stayed close to shore for about thirty minutes and now just headed north up Rosario Strait.
15:14 - Pod of orcas in Burrows Bay (off the south eastern point of Allen Island). Currently three whale watching boats in close proximity. -Lei L
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15:30 - My partner just called to say there was a small group of orcas south of Allan Island near Anacortes. Wonder if this is the same group.  -Caitlyn Blair
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11:32 - Laura Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 11:40 to report: Log entry 1132hrs: Vessel KALEETAN reports via 800MHz they've spotted two orcas meandering South, located between Humphrey Head and Leo Reef.
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Wed, Oct 11 - Admiralty Inlet (T99s & T109A2s) - T109A2A Seekah, T99C Barakat, & T99 Bella
14:09 - T99s plus two including a small one passed by southbound Limpet Lane fairly close to Whidbey Shore. The T109A2s were present with the T99s. -photo & ID by Rachel Haight, October 11, 2023
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T99 Bella, T99D Puck, T99E - T99E & T99D Puck
13:29 - One male in the group. Two littles, we think six total. -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, October 11, 2023
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13:07 - Pod has passed Bush Point. No mature males. Littles in the mix. Still about 300 yards off shore. Still southbound.
12:29 - Five to seven orcas southbound slowly near south end of Lagoon Point. 300 yards from shore.  -Bill Setter
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Wed, Oct 11 - Saratoga Passage (T37A, T37A2, T37A4, T137s) - T137 Loon - Caught up with T137s just north of Hidden Beach, not too close and somewhat elusive, but lovely in the late afternoon fall sunshine, with Jill Hein.   -photo by Bonnie Gretz, October 11, 2023
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T37A2 Inky - Jack really likes Saratoga Passage, he was back again today! I didn’t have to go far to see at least five Biggs whales this afternoon, a mix of the T137s and T37s; a little distant, but sea conditions were amazing.  -photos by Jill Hein, October 11, 2023
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T137A Jack, T137B Tempest, & T37A4 Crinkle - Got lucky today! The rain stopped for this beautiful pass by three of the T137s plus T37A4! Love these fall days! -photo by Donna George, October 11, 2023
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18:24 - Losing light - at this time they are heading into Holmes Harbor.
17:57 - Viewing from Hidden Beach. They look to be milling about a half mile north of us. -Cindi Crowder Rausch, Orca Network
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T137 Loon & T137A Jack
17:50 - One and a half miles north of Hidden Beach, Whidbey, side probably six whales heading south. What a show. -photos by Aaron Gill, October 11, 2023
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17:19 - Now have eyes on six, possible seven. Do not know if they are a different group or joined my earlier group. Heading south in Saratoga close to Whidbey, just south of Onamac. Moving very slow. -Marie Heil
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17:10 - Five southbound, two males, mid channel to Camano side, south of Onamac Point. -Bonnie Gretz
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16:54 - My group of three has turned around and is now heading south. Just south of Onamac Point and closer to Whidbey side. -Marie Heil
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16:48 - Three including male now south bound off Omanac Point.
16:35 - North of Hidden Beach, possibly Jack and one female. Closer to Whidbey but not super close, north bound. -Bonnie Gretz
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16:32 - Midchannel heading north in Saratoga. Eyes on three orca just south of Onamac Point. Beautiful day for viewing right now. -Marie Heil
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T137 Loon
16:00 - Now a couple miles north more mid channel. Not sure if I’m seeing different whales or the same whale. 
15:52 - About a mile north of Hidden Beach, Whidbey side heading north. -photo by Aaron Gill, October 11, 2023
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15:40 - One orca straight out from Hidden Beach northbound. Mid- channelish. -Sandy Pollard
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15:34 - Pretty far away from me, but they look like they’re heading towards Baby Island. -Aaron Gill
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T37A4 Crinkle & T137B Tempest
15:20 - We never saw the group approach, all of sudden they were here, and now, they have disappeared as quickly as they appeared. Steady clip northbound last we saw ten minutes ago.
15:10 - Northbound past East Point. T37A2 waaaay in lead. Trailers include T137A, T137B, T137D, T37A4. Did not see T37A or T137. -photo & ID by Rachel Haight, October 11, 2023
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T137D Wright & T37A4 Crinkle - T37A4 Crinkle & T137B Tempest -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, October 11, 2023
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14:46 - Viewing from south end of Camano Island State Park. Orcas are north of the houses at Bells Beach. Northbound. Seeing blows. They are way over on the Whidbey side. -Linda Aitkins
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14:56 - Definitely four. Mama staying slower north with two littles and dad went up ahead.
14:50 - Very close to shore at Fox Spit.
14:30 - Found them! In Saratoga, close to Whidbey side, traveling north, approaching Bells Beach. At least three, possibly five. Wish they would all porpoise at the same time! And sadly, my good camera is having battery issues. They were on the surface heading north slowly together for a good five minutes. -Jennifer Feldman Spanton
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13:20 - A pod of orcas just north of Hat Island. Looked like three or four at 13:20. One male, and they were headed north at a decent clip. -Jeff A

October 10
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype)
Tue, Oct 10 - Possession Sound (Likely T37A, T37A2, T37A4 & others) - 19:15 - Too dark but multiple loud blows passing Edgewater Park moving toward ferry terminal. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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18:40 - One male, straight out from Harborview Park in Everett, southwest bound. Looks like T037A2/Inky. Haven’t seen any others. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
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18:37 - Maybe four. Very close to shore with two or three. One was farther out maybe 150 yards out.
18:29 - In front of Howarth Park. -Greg Heiss
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17:55 - One orca between Hat Island and Everett heading east/southeast [approx. 48.006741, -122.268258]. -Alice Moyal
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16:55 - Continuing southbound out of view from the bluff at Sandy Point.
16:45 - Not making much progress. They were probably further east than my last few maps show [approx here 48.036337, -122.315445].
16:10 - They had drifted quite a bit north while hunting, but now appear to be southbound again, back approx. to my 15:40 map location.
15:40 - Approx. here [48.041818, -122.322250].
15:30 - Stalled on a hunt.
15:24 - Feels like this might be different group than ones first spotted at 13:50. Distant, but appears to be a male. Long down times, still southbound.
15:05 - Southbound now.
14:55 - Lost them for a long while but spotted a group here. Not sure if same or others [48.064451, -122.317710].
13:50 - A group approx. here with directional changes [48.061998, -122.337607]. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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12:20 - Port Susan has reports of two separate groups of orca on going at 12:20. One group of five southbound off Sunny Shore on SnoCo side about a mile out, a second group of three reported simultaneously off Country Club 2 on Camano a couple hundred yards out southbound. -John C. Storbeck
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HUMPBACK WHALES
Tue, Oct 10 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (BCX1795 Merlin, BCY1033 Scuttle, SEAK-2665)
BCY 1033 Scuttle -ID by Alethea Leddy
SEAK-2665 -ID by Val Shore
BCX1795 Merlin -ID by Alethea Leddy
Today with a mix of sun and clouds with humpbacks flick and lunge feeding, kelping and gulping up bait near the shoreline! Always great to see so many this time of the year off Sooke! -Sooke Coastal Explorations -photos by Paul Pudwell, October 10, 2023
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GRAY WHALES
Tue, Oct 10 - San Juans - 09:46 - Laura Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 09:53 to report: 0946hrs: Vessel SAMISH reports spotting one grey whale located one mile South of Reef Point (Trial Is) heading in a south-bound direction.

October 9
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype)
Mon, Oct 9 - Port Susan/Possession Sound (T37A, T37A2, T37A4, T99s, T109A2s, T137s)
18:15 - Group of six-ish definitively southbound passing Picnic Point now.
18:12 - At least one adult male, three to five adults, one juvenile in this group.
18:08 - Group of about six was milling, now slow southbound, currently all are south of line between Picnic Point and Possession Point marker. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
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18:05 - Spotted who presume is trailing group Scott Veirs was reporting in is now south of Possession east side of the sound southbound. General location [approx. 47.894869, -122.345928]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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18:04 - I’m at Picnic Point and am seeing blows of four plus whales nicely backlit in line with Possession Point. Possibly southeastbound? -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
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17:45 - Seeing them from the dock at Edmonds marina southbound still I only saw two small groups and a few blows from a distance, viewing without binoculars so I’m not sure. -Bart Rulon, PSE
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17:29 - There’s another group I’m watching that has drifted north of where I last saw them in Possession triangle. Still changing directions back and forth. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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17:25 - Same group of six-ish southeastbound, mid-channel (maybe favoring mainland side a bit more) about Possession Point latitude.  -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
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17:22 - Three of them just passing Brackett’s Landing underwater park! 
17:15 - I spotted a few blows! But then I lost them. -Katie McKenna
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17:17 - Group of at least six southbound mid-channel, about halfway down channel from Mukilteo to Possession Point.
17:04 - At least one adult male 200 meters off Mukilteo Lighthouse Park, steady southwest towards Possession Point. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
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17:07 - They stalled and changing directions a lot.  -Alice Thuy Talbot
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16:51 - Right behind the docking ferry in Mukilteo, southwestbound! -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
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16:46 - Continuing south.
16:52 - They’re pretty far out. I can make them with my telescope from Chennault Beach. And they’re super sneaky today. I’ve lost them three times.
16:43 - They stalled just a bit south of my last post. 
16:39 - Found them. sneaky and FAST. They’re here heading south. At least seven of them [approx. 47.882560, -122.386049].
16:26 - Exiting Possession Sound and entering Possession triangle. Two to three Mukilteo - mid channel. Three to four with the big boy Whidbey-midchannel. Long down times. Snuck right by me.  -Alice Thuy Talbot
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16:13 - Eyes on them southbound from Possession Beach Park, still Mukilteo side of mid. Long down times. -Durand Dace
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16:03 - Sprouter and juvenile pulling the rear. All still southbound. Still mid to mainland.
15:56 - About eight mid to mainland watching from Glendale. Southbound with a purpose. -Cindi Crowder Rausch, Orca Network
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15:32 - At least three including subadult male with notch, female, and young juvenile east side, south of old ferry lanes & lighthouse spread. Others in groups across to the east with large group including who looks to be Jack on Clinton side of mid all southbound.
15:25 - Spread out orcas Mukilteo side of eastbound ferry lanes. Female followed by subadult male and wee one maybe Crinkle. Traveling south [approx. 47.969496, -122.316441].
15:12 - Orcas generally here [approx. 47.991136, -122.283686].
15:05 - Sara Montour Lewis and I are at Mukilteo Lighthouse and she first spotted the orcas northeast about 14:50, but just briefly. At 15:05 we both watched pod of at least eight, including big fin Jack, traveling southwest. We also just had nice pass by of pod of about eight harbor porpoise and about twenty minutes ago two sea lions. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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14:30 -Two males and a baby. We saw eleven. Heading towards Everett [approx. 48.020027, -122.250637].
14:19 - I just saw two go by the marina on Hat Island. -Alice Moyal
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13:55 - On our way out we could see members of The T37A pod moving quickly towards the Snohomish River delta far northeast of my mark, and T137/T137B are aiming towards Hat Island to the southeast of my mark. Going slow as we try to move out [approx. 48.039753, -122.345986].
13:37 - The T99 pod is in here too! Southbound direction right up next to shore east of my map spot [approx. 48.096562, -122.349746]! -Bart Rulon, PSE
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13:36 - Lead group exiting Port Susan. Thus far, they are continuing south. -Cindi Crowder Rausch, Orca Network
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13:10 - Taken at Tillicum Beach. -photo by Stephanie Day, October 9, 2023
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T137A Jack -photos by Sierra Tierra, October 9, 2023
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13:15 - The trailing group has passed Tillicum southbound. Believe it was just the 137s.
13:11 - Second group, including Jack, has drifted away from Camano. Still southbound closer to midchannel. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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13:05 - The T109A2 pod, T137A, and T137D are east of my mark heading towards the T37As now southbound direction. T137B was closer to shore also southbound on our west side [approx. 48.104397, -122.398686]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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13:02 - Orcas are split in two groups. First group I last saw straight out from Tillicum, midchannel, a few minutes [ago]. Second group is north of us closer to Camano.
12:49 - Southbound midchannel just north of Tillicum, southeast of Swiftsure. Porpoises have been zipping by southbound. Harbor porpoises but moving like Dall's! -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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12:48 - We have T37A, 37A2, 37A4 only over on the east side of my mark southbound direction [approx. 48.135278, -122.406411].
12:30 - We have the T37A pod southbound at my map spot and we saw T137A and others in the distance closer to shore over a half mile away [approx. 48.145761, -122.438901]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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12:17 - Four traveling together. One a baby.
12:16 - Heading south, mid channel.
12:15 - Just spotted two dorsal fins at Country Club, mid channel. Not sure of direction, but porpoise are heading south. -Linda Raines Tyner
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11:25 - I lost them a while ago. They are far north of Tillicum now, still northbound midchannel quickly.
11:22 - At least four, but they are spread out so some may have been on the mainland side.
11:01 - Just south of Tillicum, Camano side of midchannel, northbound. Choppy waters, hard to see them. Sounds like they are spread out. Can confirm T137A is present. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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Fall colors and orcas! We had quite a few orcas in Port Susan as well as a river otter, seals and tons of harbor porpoises trying to get out of dodge of the orcas. All photos taken from shore. - 10:50 - Spotting them from Tillicum Beach on Camano, still heading north in Port Susan. -photos by Charvet Drucker, October 9, 2023
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10:04 - Midchannel. There is at least one male [approx. 48.043779, -122.320302].
09:56 - Confirmed orcas between Hat Island and south Tulalip heading north. At least four to five.
09:49 - I see orcas between Hat & Jetty heading north. Closer to Hat Island. -Alice Moyal
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09:14 - They [orcas] are heading towards Everett, now between south end of Hat and the Mukilteo ferry terminal. 
08:50 - Presuming the same group [orcas], southbound between southwest Hat Island and Clinton, mid channel. -Lori Christopher
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HUMPBACK WHALES
Mon, Oct 9 - Saanich Inlet, BC
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Humpback Sighting:
Sighting Time: Mon Oct 9 10:32 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.61158,-123.48757 [mid Inlet] 
Number Sighted: 1
Submitted Comments: hmile west/southwest of our position, Saanich Inlet. 
Submitter Name: Jeff Hubbell
Whale Alert app
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Mon, Oct 9 - Haro Strait - Humpback just passed Lime Kiln. North. -Cari Davis Othman [WSSJI]
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Mon, Oct 9 - Puget Sound (CRC20898) - 15:38 - Humpback crc20898 is milling at my map spot [approx. 47.793599, -122.461389]. -Bart Rulon, PSE
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15:20 - Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 15:26 to report: Salish Master reports 1 humpback whale SB just W of the Ferry lanes off KING.
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Mon, Oct 9 - Central Puget Sound - 19:00 - Reports of a humpback near Browns Point lighthouse. Apparently there were three breaches. I can’t confirm this for myself, as I saw it from my neighborhood group posting but I wanted to share for your records. -Mollie Segall
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UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALES
Mon, Oct 9 - Puget Sound - 09:50 - Whale fluke and spray sighted mid channel from the Bainbridge ferry. I believe it was just a single whale. North of ferry lanes heading north/northwest when it dove.  -Hannah Fotherby

October 8
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype)
Sun, Oct 8 - Port Townsend Bay (T37As & T99s) - 15:00 - Grouped up southbound past Bush Point, Whidbey side of midchannel. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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14:50 - Group is continuing southbound Whidbey side, midway between mid channel and Whidbey). North of Bush Point (about two-thirds way south from Lagoon). Looks like could be fairly decent pass Bush Point area. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Carol Lewellen
Date of Sighting: October 08, 2023
Time: 2:46 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Off Lagoon Point
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed: Traveling?
If orcas, any males?: ?
Any unusual markings?: ?
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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14:43 - I saw five boats and four orcas passing south end of Lagoon Point. -Cheryl Connor
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14:27 - Passing Lagoon Point southbound. Only saw one whale from my house up on Smugglers Cove Road but there are more. -Patricia Prochaska
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14:25 - Passing Lagoon Point, southbound tightly grouped on the Whidbey side of the whale watching boats. -Emily Wandres
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14:15 - From East Beach, Marrowstone Island can see blows mid channel to Whidbey side, just north of Lagoon Point. Group is continuing southbound. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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13:57 - Update southbound direction. T99s, T37As [approx. 48.101604, -122.684278]. T37A4, Crinkle, is back with mom, T37A.
13:46 - T99 pod and the T37A pod, at least, are southbound after a failed minke hunt [approx. 48.115425, -122.699944]! -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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13:45 - Just saw them off the PT-Coupeville ferry!  -Annalise Ree Washburn
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13:39 - Donna Sanders, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 13:40 to report: KENNEWICK Captain reports 4 Orca heading SB North of the traffic lanes.
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13:30 - And off to the Strait. 
13:15 - Between Marrowstone and Port Townsend now. Couldn't tell how many but there's at least one male. -Aki VA
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12:54 - Heading back towards Indian Island now. Towards the cut. -Rebecca Berger
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12:40 - Large group of Ts in Port Townsend chasing a minke by the mill. -Trevor Tillman
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12:35 - There are some orcas in Port Townsend Bay heading toward Kala Point. PSE with them now. -Rebecca Berger
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Sun, Oct 8 - Puget Sound (T109A2s & T137s) - T102A2B Macoah & T137D Wright -ID by Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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After another warm, sunny fall day, what better way to spend the evening than with the T137s and T109As as they milled close to shore at Brighton Beach, Whidbey, their exhalations loud and clear as they moved slowly north…then south…then east…then west, and back again. While most of the whales remained in a tight group, T137A (Jack) and companion ventured a little further afield before flanking the other family members as they all headed north in unison in the fast fading light. (All photos taken from shore). -photos by Sandy Pollard, October 8, 2023
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T137A Jack - T109A2A Seekah, T137D Wright, T137B Tempest, T137 Loon -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network -photos by RJ Snowberger, October 8, 2023
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-photo by Rachel Haight, October 8, 2023
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18:50 - Moving north slowly [approx. 48.009626, -122.351104]. -Lori Christopher
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18:15 - The orcas are slowly moving north after continuing to mill at the north end of Brighton Beach. Still closer to Whidbey. Port Susan or Saratoga Passage? Light starting to fade. -Sandy Pollard
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18:15 - Group is still in the same general area but moving slowly towards mid channel and drifting northward. -Lori Christopher
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17:40 - Getting off the ferry, saw them just now. One and half miles north of Clinton, various directions not far from Whidbey -Hongming Zheng
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17:16 - Watching from Hat, here’s an approximate [47.990642, -122.359338]. -Lori Christopher
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: John Shackman
Date of Sighting: October 08, 2023
Time: 4:45 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Clinton Randel Beach ⁦47°59'07"N⁩ ⁦122°21'04"W⁩
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: Traveling, fairly close to the beach
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I read that there was a humpback whale close by couple hours ago possibly they’re chasing it?
Photos available?: No
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16:40 - Still milling north end of Brighton. Two whales breached almost at once! Missed the first but caught the end of the second one.
16:30 - So at least one, maybe two, made a kill north end of Brighton Beach. Jack with at least two others veered over towards the one who was eating. Another pair with a young one following them. Some milling off north end of Brighton Beach now. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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16:18 - Heading north past the ferry lanes. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound 
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16:12 - I’m sitting at Conwell Park (southwest side of Hat Island) and I see a couple of blows closer to Whidbey. -Alice Moyal
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16:04 - Very steady northbound. A group of seven-ish are just south of the houses in Clinton and Jack is further ahead, a little more midchannel.
15:50 - It looks like there are three with Jack and then I also just counted five blows south of them. All milling/kind of pointing south, but generally staying in the same place. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
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15:45 - Spotted three off of Mukilteo Lighthouse Park on the Whidbey side with binoculars. -Fallon Dundon-Harris
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15:42 - Seem to be milling and changing directions. Jack & crew has drifted a little further towards midchannel.
15:36 - They just flipped in between Possession Beach & Glendale. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
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15:35 - Two passed Glendale hugging shore. Jack and three plus others including little one further out. Another pair with little one was trailing but was catching up to Jack and company which I assume is the T109A2s with him since I saw the two littles. Still northbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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15:22 - Heading towards Glendale, Whidbey side of channel. Two in the lead, three in the middle, including the one big guy, and two in the rear. Spread out maybe quarter mile apart. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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15:21 - Spotted from Mukilteo, pretty close to the Whidbey side northbound near Possession Beach. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
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15:15 - Pod of five plus orca just passed Possession Point State Park headed north towards Clinton. -Andrew Roundy
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15:06 - Orcas are entering Possession Sound. North.  -Alice Thuy Talbot
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15:01 - We just spotted two females right here [approx. 47.884701, -122.369541]. -Steve Blum
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14:55 - Orcas are changing directions but still trending east. 
14:32 - They look like they’re coming closer to me so they may be heading more east at the moment.
14:25 - They’re far out from me and it’s hazy so I can’t see well but making out what looks like five to seven blows heading northeast in Possession triangle.  -Alice Thuy Talbot
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13:45 - Off Apple Tree Point. Northbound. Surfaced once and have not seen again. -Sara Frey
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13:41 - Donna Sanders, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 13:42 to report: SALISH Captain reports 2 Orca heading SB near EDM/KING traffic lanes.  
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12:32 - As we leave the scene both pods have grouped up closer together and they have changed direction a bit way behind us to more of a northeast direction. This will be my last post as we head out to look for other whales [approx. 47.743727, -122.468836]. T137A, Jack, was getting pretty frisky out there today.
12:25 - Update northbound [approx. 47.735199, -122.464929]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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12:20 - From Carkeek I can see Puget Sound Express "Swiftsure" out there, with binocs, but it's too far to see orcas. -Christy Avery
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12:15 - T109A2s and T137s are northbound at my map spot [approx. 47.707900, -122.455949]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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11:55 - Due east of Fay Bainbridge. North. -Eva Sophia Shimanski
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11:43 - Confirm T109A2's as well as T137s. -Alli Montgomery
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11:41 - The two groups have appeared to join up.
11:31 - Mid channel approaching Shilshole level. -Brian Livingston
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11:32 - Southbound lane, near Clipper, south of Fay Bainbridge Park.
11:31 - Looks like there are two groups of orcas. -Eva Sophia Shimanski
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11:12 - West of mid just in front of the Clipper. -Sandra Prow
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11:09 - They are north of the Clipper. Moving north. -Eva Sophia Shimanski
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11:06 - Looks like another matrilineal line joined them.
10:58 - SJC caught up to this family. Looks like another hunt potentially. Midchannel off West Point. -Alli Montgomery
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10:40 - At least two just west of Discovery West Point Lighthouse, headed south. -photo by Amit Patel, October 8, 2023
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10:44 - They just flipped one [seal] into the air.
10:42 - Still viewing from Discovery Point, big male keeps turning around, I believe hunting. Still mid sound.
10:32 - Watching the group in mid sound moving north from Discovery West Point. -photo by Izzy Edwards, October 8, 2023
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10:00 - Moving quickly northwest towards West Point view from Duwamish Head. -Mary Hartmann
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10:00 - Leaving Elliott Bay, Magnolia Bluff side, appears to be heading northwest. -Cyrilla Cook
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10:00 - They were moving quickly north towards Discovery close to shore. I lost sight of them at 10:00. -Amy Martino
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09:49 - Heading towards Magnolia.
09:44 - Now seeing a second!
09:43 - I am seeing one from Olympic Park. -Kelsey Montoya
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T137A Jack - 09:36 - By Pier 91.
09:31 - Large male moving west by Pier 91 cruise ship. -photo by Mary Hartmann, October 8, 2023
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Jana Koh
Date of Sighting: October 08, 2023
Time: 9:23 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Puget Sound from Downtown Seattle
Direction of travel : N
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: Unknown
Any unusual markings?: Unknown
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Just eating breakfast downtown Seattle with the most magical view!
Photos available?: No
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09:21 - The 08:45 ferry from Bainbridge slowed by two orcas that were headed out of Elliot Bay. Lost sight of them towards Alki. -Audrey Harmon
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09:19 - SJC coming back from fueling just spotted T137 and T137A inside Elliot Bay off Alki! -Alli Montgomery
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T137A Jack - 09:24 - By Edgewater.
09:13 - Spyhop by Norwegian cruise ship Pier 66 view from Duwamish Head. -photo by Mary Hartmann, October 8, 2023
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sun Oct 8 9:05 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.60469,-122.35715 [Elliott Bay] 
Number Sighted: 3
Submitted Comments: On the Tacoma ferry from Seattle 
Photos:
Submitter Name: Nancy Loizeaux
Whale Alert app
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09:03 - Seattle ferry stopped to allow passage. -Cyrilla Cook
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09:02 - Right in front of the cruise ship downtown. -Paul Steyn Benade
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09:02 - Have seen two orcas milling in Elliott Bay near a cargo ship. -Michael Theodore
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09:01 - Donna Sanders, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 09:08 to report: TACOMA@901 Captain reports two Orca North of Elliot Bay.  
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09:01 - Right in front of the cruise ship downtown.
08:21 - They are heading deeper into Elliot Bay towards Seattle. -Paul Steyn Benade
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08:02 - Orcas, at least two - one male - seen from Alki Beach fairly far out between here and Bainbridge. -Melissa
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07:59 - Orcas in Elliot Bay, heading north. Four to five, at least one big dorsal. -Paul
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HUMPBACK WHALES 
Sun, Oct 8 - San Juans - 17:05 - 17:25 - Viewing from 1 mile south of Landbank, a single humpback quietly milling near Edwards Point. S/he came in close during one surfacing but mostly stayed 1/3 - 1/2 mile off shore, then traveled due west away from the island until out of sight. Photographed from shore. -photo by Michelline Halliday, October 8, 2023
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Humpback Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sun Oct 8 16:15 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.52086,-123.15441
Number Sighted: 1
Submitted Comments: Headed south past Lime Kiln Lighthouse, then returned north about 45 minutes later.
Submitter Name: Robb Cowie
Whale Alert app
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13:23 - Not sure if it's the same, but a humpback just surfaced right in front of Lime Kiln, moving north. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
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11:00 - Humpback breached in front of Land Bank, heading south. -Mary Schmitt [WSSJI]
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Sun, Oct 8 - Puget Sound - 14:54 - There’s a small humpback whale out here too [Possession Triangle area, viewing from Mukilteo]. Whale is heading south fast. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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13:00 - Humpback approximately 400 yards off Clinton ferry terminal, heading southwest. -Florian Graner

October 7
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype)
Sat, Oct 7 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T35As, T36As, T38As, T123s) - Excerpt from the Center for Whale Research Encounter #66: “Upon receiving a report of four killer whales quickly heading east in the traffic lanes south of Race Rocks, Mark began to prepare the boat. Brendon joined him at the dock, and they set off on Mike 1 at 1545. By this time, the quartet of whales had surged eastward at 8 knots and merged with a larger group already engrossed in a sea lion predation. The encounter began at 1620 as Mark and Brendon entered the scene, greeted by what seemed to be a dozen or more whales. Brendon identified the matrilines as the T035As, T036As, T038As, along with the T123s, who were the ones previously spotted heading east. This brought the grand tally to seventeen whales…” Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #66.
*Sat, Oct 7 - Possession Sound/Saratoga Passage (T137s) - T137 Loon & T137D Wright - Another beautiful, warm, sunny fall day on the water with IE. We headed south, under the Deception Pass Bridge, to catch up with the T137 family a bit north of Holmes Harbor. T137A Jack (b. 2002) and little sis T137B Tempest (b. 2006) were on the Camano side, and matriarch T137 Loon (b. 1984 est.) and youngest daughter T137D Wright (b. 2012) were close to the Whidbey shore, all generally heading north but zig zagging. Loon and Tempest made a quiet underwater kill, which the birds, including an eagle, took full advantage of. They spread out a bit more as we reluctantly left them. Wonderful day! -photos by Bonnie Gretz, October 7, 2023
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T137 Loon - On such a beautiful day it was FUN to see the T137s in Saratoga Passage today, both northbound and southbound. Loon and Wright chose to be close to Whidbey, while Jack and Tempest enjoyed Camano’s side of Saratoga. -photos by Jill Hein, October 7, 2023
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T137A Jack - T137D Wright -photos by Sierra Tierra, October 7, 2023
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18:20 - Jack & Tempest pass by close to Whidbey shore southbound towards Bells Beach. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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18:15 - Southbound close to Whidbey. Viewing from Lowell Point looking towards Fox Spit [approx. 48.101055, -122.493787]. -Orca Network
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18:07 - Viewing from Camano Island State Park - orcas approaching Fox Spit. South bound. -Linda Aitkins
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17:43 - Between Camano Island State Park and Hidden Beach [approx. 48.112817, -122.550441]. -Bradley Everett
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17:40 - Orcas seeing blows from the south end of Camano Island State Park. Southbound. -Linda Aitkins
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17:38 - The other pair are southbound midchannel off the north end of Camano Island State Park.
17:35 - Trending south now, in front of the houses south of Hidden Beach. Still on Whidbey side of Saratoga. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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17:31 - Seeing blows and splashes at Hidden Beach through binoculars from Mabana. -Linda Raines Tyner
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17:22 - Hear them from Hidden, I think they are hunting in front of Hidden Beach, mid channel. -Kanoi Ivory
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17:18 - Looks like they are heading south. Milling a bit at Hidden Beach. -Nancy Culp Zaretzke
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17:16 - Just saw a big backlit splash in the Whidbey side of the channel around Hidden Beach. Another blow at the same time south of there. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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17:05 - Jack in view almost straight out from Hidden Beach. Saw another closer to Camano and south of him. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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T137B Tempest - 17:00 - Couple passing Cama right now. -photo by Aaron Gill, October 7, 2023
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16:25 - Whidbey side, headed south. Across Cama Beach. -Bradley Everett
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16:17 - Jack is southbound on the Whidbey side, probably around Race Lagoon. Others still trailing.
16:10 - Two, including T137A, are midchannel just south of the Camano Island Yacht Club. The other pair is southbound a bit north of them. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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15:45 - We’re leaving but the two we were with just finished hunting and appear to be southbound now [approx. 48.248952, -122.563225]. -Brandy Jackson Ritchie
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T137A Jack & T137B Tempest
15:50 - Two including the male, definitely heading south, but slowly. Periods of surfacing and east and west, then dives and pops up a bit more south [approx. 48.213382, -122.574895].
15:49 - Surfacing a bit more left and right, no real direction. I can say we’ve seen a record number of seals today on the water, so plenty to eat. Saw a beautiful spy hop. 
15:42 - In the center channel between Onamac and Penn Cove entrance. He is headed south with long deep dives. Closer to Camano side now. Seeing two.
15:28 - Found the male! Wow!  -photo by Jennifer Feldman Spanton, October 7, 2023
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15:22 - The two we are with flipped southeast toward Camano [approx. 48.258419, -122.575444].
15:03 - Split in two groups and Wright and Loon are traveling northeast [approx. 48.240499, -122.608370]. -Brandy Jackson Ritchie
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14:20 - Just leaving T137s spread out between Camano and Whidbey just out from Penn Cove, not sure if they are headed to Penn Cove, all four really spread out. Beautiful day! -Bonnie Gretz
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13:40 - Looked like 137 & 137D were prey sharing as they swam by. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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13:30 - 137 and 137D are right along Whidbey shore approaching Race Lagoon. 137A and C are out in the middle northbound as well. -Tyler McKeen
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12:25 - T137A leading, now north of Lowell Point, still on Camano side. I think they're spread out, haven't seen the others for a few minutes. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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12:10 - Believe 137s. Distant photos of who I believe are Loon & Wright. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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12:08 - At least one just south of Lowell Point now, westbound.
12:00 - Surfacing facing east now. I'm far away but male looks possible for T137A.
11:50 - Just saw a blow north of Mabana, Camano side of channel [approx. 48.093562, -122.446084]. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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11:52 - Northbound [approx. 48.097898, -122.454829]. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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11:24 - Two orcas heading north, mid Saratoga Passage. One male, moving lazily.  -Peg Boley
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11:21 - Two orcas mid Saratoga Passage near Summerland. Slow, one male. -Peg Boley [CWW]
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10:59 - Heading to Coupeville. Almost to Bells Beach.
10:48 - At tip of Camano right now. -Erin Simms
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10:35 - Five [orca], headed towards Camano.
10:00 - Reports of northbound orcas between Hat and Whidbey [Islands]. -Lori Christopher
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Sat, Oct 7 - Puget Sound (T109A2s) - The orcas stayed around for a long time and hunted in close to shore just off the parking lot beach. Was so amazing! I made a few collages of my pics, one of which is just tails! So many behaviors - tail slaps, breaches, tail “stands”. They chased a couple seals for a stretch. -photos by Deanna Deery-Schmitt, October 7, 2023
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T109A2A Seekah & younger sibling - T109A2D -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network - Some shots of T109A2’s Saturday in the North Sound. -photos by Jason Cook, October 7, 2023
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16:14 - On the Hansville page someone posted eleven minutes ago that they were at Point No Point Lighthouse. -Melissa Peterson
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15:42 - Just saw them again on our way home approaching Foulweather Bluff northbound. Close to shore. -Brian McGinn
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14:09 - Point No Point - milling in same spot for thirty minutes just east of Point No Point.
13:44 - Point No Point - just east everyone on on shore is watching, lots of breaching and tail slaps. They have gone up west side of Whidbey. -Jenny Klis
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13:25 - We are leaving the T109A2 pod after they caught a harbor porpoise and ate it. They are traveling again now to the northeast of my mark. Northwest direction [approx. 47.903640, -122.522411]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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13:14 - Three or four main channel west of Whidbey Island. South end, been there for about thirty, minutes. Just started heading north main channel. -Steve Lassiter
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13:00 - Point No Point, looking south east - they are north of the WW boats and generally appear northbound. Multiple tail slaps and appear to be hunting. -Jenny Klis
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Kim Sylvester called to report seeing the orcas nearing the Kingston ferry lanes (she's viewing from one mile north). Saw three fins, then pod dove facing eastbound.
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12:39 - T109A2s are grouped up northwest direction [approx. 47.878105, -122.504611]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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12:15 - At Eglon now.
11:51 - SJC just found four individuals, looks to be part of the 109A[2]s. Traveling northbound towards Point No Point. -Alli Montgomery
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11:08 - We're sailing in the Foul Weather Bluff race right now and just saw two to three orcas off Apple Point! They were headed northbound. -Dawn Perle
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09:42 - They’re by Jeff’s [Jefferson] Head now. -Tanner Ibara
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08:35 - Three females off Point Monroe, Bainbridge. Midchannel headed north. -Stephanie Miller [PSWS]
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HUMPBACK WHALES
Sat, Oct 7 - Haro Strait
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Humpback Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sat Oct 7 16:35 PDT 
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.54284,-123.16091 [County Park, SJI] 
Number Sighted: 1
Submitter Name: Jen
Whale Alert app
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15:45 - Rounding the point towards County Park. -Amy Nesler [WSSJI]
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14:35 - Full breach in Deadman's Cove. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
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14:15 - Humpback going back and forth between County Park and Lime Kiln, close to shore, longish dives. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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Sat, Oct 7 - Puget Sound (CRC20243) - 17:06 - Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops emailed at 17:12 to report: Humpback 10/7 @1706 Spokane Master reports a humpback whale breaching mid channel between EDM and KING.
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12:59 - SJC is with 20243 midchannel above the Kingston ferry lanes. Looks to be resting with lots of logging and slow activity [approx. 47.826363, -122.466787]. -Alli Montgomery
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12:00 - Humpback crc20243 is at my map spot [approx. 47.820409, -122.459571]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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09:19 - Victoria Clipper V reports a humpback in the [shipping] lanes pointed south between Point No Point & Eglon. -Christopher
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Sat, Oct 7 - Central Puget Sound - 16:44 - Sound Action just received a community report of a humpback between Sandy Shores and Gold Beach on Vashon Island. Reported to be headed north, but they often shuffle back and forth between here and the south end, so it may end up in any direction. -Amy Carey, Sound Action 
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12:15 - Humpback mid channel on the Vashon-Fauntleroy ferry. Several nice tail views. -Randy Turner
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MINKE WHALES
Sat, Oct 7 - Strait of Juan de Fuca - Trotsky -ID by Erin Johns Gless - 15:12 - Several minkes feeding between Protection Island & Whidbey as seen aboard the MV Saratoga - Puget Sound Express. -photos by Jason Cook, October 7, 2023

October 6
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype)
Fri, Oct 6 - San Juans (T18s & T137s - split in late morning) - Excerpt from the Center for Whale Research Encounter #65: “The team was working in the office when we heard that the T137s were off the south end of Henry Island. Since the boats present were leaving, we quickly headed down to Snug Harbor and left in the boat at 1147. We re-found the T137s about a half mile southeast of Kelp Reef and the encounter began at 1158…” -Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #65.
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14:00 - T18s/19s went up to Pender and were left in the no-go zone around 1400. T137s were headed south near the ODASS buoy going four knots in a tight group at 15:00. -John Boyd [WSSJI]
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13:21 - T18 trailing and T19C tight to shoreline South Pender Island. Off Brooks Point Park heading west. -Sara Baldwin [WSSJI]
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11:15 - A split: T137s only now southbound from Kellett Bluff, Henry Island in Haro Strait.
11:00 - They’ve gone around Green Point into New Channel (back side of Spieden).
09:45 - T18s and T137s milling in mid-Spieden Channel. -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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Fri, Oct 6 - San Juans (T123s) - 15:24 - We left the T123s heading north into Eastsound, tight to Orcas shoreline. -Sara Baldwin
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Fri Oct 6 14:49 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.58477,-122.89616
Number Sighted: 5
Submitter Name: Christopher Kent
Whale Alert app
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14:26 - While traveling aboard the ferry Issaquah (ferry on-time!) on her way to table the Issaquah Salmon Days (this weekend) she passed by pod of orcas traveling northeast in Upright Channel who she presumed was the T123s based on earlier tracking of them. T123s are T123C "Lucky" and her mom T123 "Sidney", her big brother T123A "Stanley" and little sister T123D "Darcy".
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Fri, Oct 6 - North Puget Sound - 16:18 - Still seeing multiple blows in generally same area west/northwest of Marina Beach. A bit further south than before. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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16:05 - Just got to see them for a couple of minutes but there were multiple breaches with their bellies facing me so I couldn’t see any dorsals. Captain announced them so someone else might have gotten a closer look. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
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15:33 - Donna VanRenselaar called from eastbound ferry to report she is observing at least three orcas in the Edmonds/Kingston area in the northbound shipping lanes (or thereabouts) north of the ferry. Non directional at the time, whales were breaching (Is not the humpback who was out there doing same).
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Fri, Oct 6 - Puget Sound (T109A2s) - Set out to be a LAST minute adventure to remember. Not only did I spend time with some of my dearest human friends, I also got to spend time with what turns out to be a new pod of orcas for me. The T109A2 family of five came for a short south sound tour by Point Defiance and made it to the Narrows before flipping back up the Colvos Passage towards the Central Sound in the afternoon. The weather was STUNNING, the water was pretty choppy so being able to see them truly was a gift with all five fins being small. They surprised us with a celebration, from what I think was a successful sea lion hunt with spy hops, barrel rolls, COUNTLESS breaches, tail slaps, backwards cartwheels, sideways cartwheels, head stands, pectoral slaps, moonwalk and the most amazing sounds you could hear out of the water! Needless to say you can imagine the sounds we were making as well. It was almost like they loved us cheering them on. I will cherish this day forever like I do EVERY time I get to spend with my favorite animals. -photos by April Basham, October 6, 2023
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18:25 - At Dilworth Point on Vashon at least four near shore slowly southbound. -J Felicity Welt
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18:20 - Near Point Beals now, closer to Vashon. Still southbound.
18:04 - Southbound, mid channel! South of the north tip of Vashon now [approx. 47.493527, -122.413342]. -Kate Hruby
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17:16 - I’m seeing blows from Lincoln Park. Still appear southbound. -Bubba Also Bubba
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17:10 - All I can see are blows. No dorsals from Emma Schmitz.
17:07 - Continuing southbound towards Dolphin Point in Vashon side of channel.
17:02 - From my perspective at Emma Schmitz, moved southbound to north Vashon ferry dock. -Mary Hartmann
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16:57 - Crossing in front of the north Vashon ferry dock, moving north about mid channel now. -Jessica Medina
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From earlier. At least two of them were very active. -photos by Karen Davis, October 6, 2023
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16:47 - See blows from Emma Schmitz Park in West Seattle just northeast of north tip Vashon Island. -Mary Hartmann
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16:47 - They are near the Vashon ferry heading northeast.  -NM NM
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16:44 - Now north of Point Southworth. Less playing, more travel mode, still northbound. Close to the Vashon side. -Hunter Sasser Oetinger
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16:30 - At the tip of Vashon exiting the Colvos. Slowly from a kill. -April Basham
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16:28 - Michael Newland we saw at least five orcas (couple babies and adult female) in Colvos Passage, pod is on the western side moving northbound toward Blake Island; they are right off the ferry dock at Southworth at this point. 
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16:23 - Stalled out south of Point Southworth. Lots of splashing and playing! Still trending northwards. -Hunter Sasser Oetinger
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16:07 - This is the T109A2s. -Brittany Noelle
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16:00 - Approx. six orcas with a very playful pod breaching and tail slapping a lot. One mile south of Southworth ferry heading northbound. -Tim Ferris
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15:58 - Just saw a huge splash south of the Southworth ferry dock. -Jeanne Meyers
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15:51 - Just south of Southworth heading north, Kitsap side. -Karen Davis
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15:40 - My Vashon neighbor was just watching them from Fern Cove. -Roxane Jackson Johnson
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14:40 - They have passed Fragaria still northbound. Mid channel to mainland side. -Candace Gavin
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14:17 - Candace Gavin called to report they just found some orcas mid/north end Colvos Passage off Anderson Point County Park, traveling northbound favoring Kitsap side. 
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HUMPBACK WHALES
Fri, Oct 6 - Puget Sound (CRC20243, CRC20898, HW-MN0510662) - 17:30 - I was able to see some spouts from Brackett’s Landing, didn’t see any dorsal fins so I am assuming it was some of the humpbacks seen today, heading north. -Kristina Marie
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16:25 - As we came back in from our trip we spotted two more humpbacks just outside Edmonds. Neither one of them was CRC 20898, but we could also see 20898 out in the distance closer to Kingston at the same time! So we have three humpbacks currently in the Possession triangle now. The other two humpbacks we saw off Edmonds this afternoon are CRC-20243 and HW-MN0510662. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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13:48 - Donna Sanders, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: SALISH reports whale is still in the same area heading back towards KING.
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I just got word from Alexandra Vanderzee, at Cascadia Research Collective, that the young humpback in my breach photo, in today's thread, got an official ID number today - CRC-20898. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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13:10 - Kingston to Edmonds ferry, think I saw two spouts in about the same location as reported earlier, but not 100% sure. Did look like a couple spouts though. -CJ Anderson
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Newly designated CRC20898 - 12:54 - SJC leaving this lovely individual about their day. Calmed down their surfacing, but still seeing an errant breach. Right above the ferry lanes now. -photos by Alli Montgomery, October 6, 2023
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12:14 - Allie Montgomery sent DM to report the San Juan Clipper (SJC) located one of the humpbacks breaching and pec slapping in the center of “Possession Triangle”, North of Kingston/Edmonds ferry traffic lanes. Per Allie it is the now known whale who has not yet been given an ID designation (not CRC20243) [approx. 47.837151, -122.449175].
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12:08 - Sara Frey messaged to report there is a humpback whale who is breaching mid channel northeast of Apple Tree Point, Kingston north of the Edmonds/Kingston ferry traffic lanes. 
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12:00 - We had the juvie breaching humpback milling at my map spot. Lots of breaches and pec slaps [approx. 47.821803, -122.434991]! -photo by Bart Rulon Art & Photography, October 6, 2023

October 5
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype)
Thu, Oct 5 - Puget Sound (T109A2s) - 17:45 - Pod was just in front of Edmonds Dog Beach, heading south. Should be going by oil docks any second. -Shawn Beliveau [PSWS]
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15:32 - Sara Frey called to report she caught a glimpse of the orcas who are now off Apple Tree Point, Kingston and appear to be southbound.
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15:30 - Robert Reeder on board Victoria Clipper V reports four orcas southbound south of Possession Point. -Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network
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15:12 - Double breach! Still hanging out in the same area doing all the same things above. 
14:46 - Hunting like behavior, tail slapping and breaching a lot of direction changes and splashing, in Possession triangle [approx. 47.869022, -122.446560]. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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12:54 - Seeing faint blows west of midchannel from sunset Ave. PSE out there. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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12:15 - I just saw a few off of Apple Cove Point from the Salish. Too distant to see if it was these whales. -Brian McGinn
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09:10 - Four to five [orca] spotted off of North Bainbridge, Point Monroe. Definitely hunting. Mid-channel heading north and east. -Stephanie Miller [PSWS]
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HUMPBACK WHALES
Thu, Oct 5 - San Juans - 11:50 - Presumably same whale. Heading south, long dives (six to seven minutes). Now mid channel off Otis Perkins Day Park on Lopez. -Sara Baldwin
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11:17 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 11:31 to report: 1117hrs: Vessel SAMISH reports via 800MHz they've spotted a single humpback whale 1/2-mile East of Reid Rock.
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Thu, Oct 5 - Puget Sound - 15:30 - Robert Reeder on Victoria Clipper V reports a humpback whale milling off Kingston. -Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network
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Thu, Oct 5 - Haro Strait
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Humpback Sighting:
Sighting Time: Thu Oct 5 14:55 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.52081,-123.15443
Number Sighted: 1
Submitted Comments: We are staying in a house directly above the cove immediately north of Lime Kiln Lighthouse. Throughout the day we saw a humpback whale feeding in the cove. We first heard the whale around 8:30 AM, then saw it in the afternoon, when it visited the cove on and off from 2:55 PM until about 7:15 PM.
Submitter Name: Robb Cowie
Whale Alert app
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GRAY WHALES
Thu, Oct 5 - Washington Coast - 12:30 - I’m At Damon Point, WA [Ocean Shores area] seeing two baleen whales out in the point, looks to be feeding. -photo by Cherie StOurs, October 5, 2023
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UNIDENTIFIED SPECIES
Thu, Oct 5 - Admiralty Inlet - 09:30 - A crew member from the Victoria Clipper's northbound leg this morning spotted an unknown cetacean at 9:30 am in the middle of the northbound traffic lanes abeam of Admiralty Head. It surfaced northbound directly ahead of them, and from that angle they could not confirm dorsal fin shape. No visible blow or fluking. I thought I'd pass this along in case there were any other sightings reported that might confirm/deny what species it was. -Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network

October 4
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype)
Wed, Oct 4 - San Juans (T49As) - “We passed the shoreline of Spieden Island where the oak trees are taking on fall colors. And upon hearing that the orcas (the T49A’s minus T49A1 and T49A2) were hunting by Mitchell Bay we cut through Mosquito Pass. We met them just as they finished their hunt and started to move north silhouetted against the fog banks over Canada. They moved quickly along the shoreline of Henry Island and into Spieden Channel. At Green Pt, Spieden Island, they turned and headed west back through Spieden Channel towards Sentinel Island…” Read more and see more photos here. -Captains Barbara & David Howitt, All Aboard Sailing  -photo by All Aboard Sailing, October 4, 2023
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Wed, Oct 4 - Puget Sound (T109A2s) - T109A2A Seekah -ID by Serena Tierra & Rachel Haight, Orca Network - Link to video. -screenshots from video by Kevin Mangan, October 4, 2023
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17:10 - From Richmond Beach: four to six orcas continuing southbound travel, west of midchannel (in southbound shipping lanes). Not quite to Jefferson Head yet. No males present. -Brittany Noelle
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16:20 - At the Kingston ferry terminal now, appeared southbound. -Brian McGinn
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16:19 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 16:57 to report: 1619hrs: Vessel SALISH reports a group of 4 orca feeding near the beach, just north of the KING terminal. SPOKANE notified. 
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15:40 - Sara Frey called to report her neighbors spotted orcas (number unknown) about 30 minutes ago (~15:05) traveling southbound by Apple Tree Point, Kingston very slow close inshore. Per neighbors: “Saw four or five, feeding, having fun, spy hop, two looked like juveniles, one male.”
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Wed, Oct 4 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T49C) - The lovely T49C “Nielson” in the fog today west of Race Rocks. -photos by Elizabeth Skinner, October 4, 2023
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HUMPBACK WHALES
Wed, Oct 4 - North Puget Sound
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Robert Walls
Date of Sighting: October 04, 2023
Time: 6:20 PM
Species seen: humpback
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Between Edmonds and Useless Bay
Direction of travel : East to West
Behaviors observed: traveling, feeding, tail flips
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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11:11 - Humpback seen north of Edmonds ferry, no direction. Seen by ferry worker. 

October 3
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype)
Tue, Oct 3 - Haro Strait (T49C - met up with T46Bs & T123s) - 17:32 - He met up with the T123's and T46B's this afternoon south of Constance. -Andrew David
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T49C Nielson
14:00 - He has turned offshore and is heading south on the east side of Trial Island.
13:55 - Approaching McMicking Point, looks like he will be heading through Enterprise Channel.
13:41 - Whale is still following the shoreline just south of Oak Bay Marina now.
13:03 - Southbound approaching north side of Ten Mile Point.
~12:55 - Visible north of Ten Mile Point, around Telegraph Cove.
12:35 - One male orca southbound in Haro Strait off Glencoe Cove. First spotted at 12:25 north of the cove.  -photos by Serena Tierra, October 3, 2023
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Tue, Oct 3 - Haro Strait (T36As) - 10-03-23 T36As, Haro Strait SJI
13:08 - 13:14, Viewing from 1.2 miles south of Landbank, 6 orcas, family members of the T36As traveling up island/north. I saw them to my far left about 200' from shore. They dove and reappeared to my far right, heading quickly up island.
13:35 - 13:41, Viewing from Whale Watch promontory south of Lime Kiln Lighthouse, the T36As were 1/3 mile off shore traveling quickly up island with long dives.
14:02 - 14;18, Viewing from SJ County Park, the T36As were 1/2 of a mile offshore. It looked like they paused to hunt something, lots of splashing and tight direction changes. Then they continued while moving slightly closer to shore. -Michelline Halliday, SJI - T36A1 Tierna - T36A5 -photos & IDs by Michelline Halliday, October 3, 2023
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Tue, Oct 3 - San Juans (T109A2s)
18:17 - Unfortunately, I think that they are going to take Bellingham Channel. They drifted east for a while and then drifted back towards Cypress. There was someone on Guemes that had posted that they heard whales from the resort area so they had gotten pretty close to there at some point.
17:38 - Currently resuming southbound travel, trying to see if they’re aiming towards Guemes Channel or Bellingham Channel continuing south.
17:35 - Right now appear to be hunting but have certainly moved more south since I first spotted them.
17:30 - Current location about here [approx. 48.600856, -122.650519]. -Silver Hubble
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15:06 - This turned out to be five orca, they are headed south in between Lummi and Sinclair. I could only make out one male.
14:30 - I think I see them now, midchannel Rosario between Orcas Island and Lummi. Just behind Western Explorer I've seen two blows! can’t tell what direction yet. -Rose Caitlin
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13:34 - T109A2s are northbound.
13:18 - Just found some unreported orca at Pea Pods [approx. 48.630722, -122.757868]. -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, October 3, 2023
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Tue, Oct 3 - San Juans (T137s) - 14:10 - They have just passed Clark Island in Rosario Strait, continuing north. -Rose Caitlin
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T137 Loon - T137A Jack - 12:24 - These are the T137’s, all four are present [approx. 48.660353, -122.727292]. -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, October 3, 2023
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11:51 - I now have eyes on orca in Rosario! Slowly headed north midchannel, almost to Orcas Island. At least four blows so far. IE5 is with them. -Rose Caitlin
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HUMPBACK WHALES
Tue, Oct 3 - Puget Sound - 08:46 - Long-time volunteer (thank you!) Donna VanRenselaar called to report seeing blow of humpback in what appears northbound shipping lanes/east side of the Sound out from Edmonds terminal/marina area. No direction discernible due to distance and observed just the one blow. Viewing from Apple Tree Point, Kingston.
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Tue, Oct 3 - Haro Strait - 16:30 - Humpback headed north past Bellevue Point, pretty close to shore. -Paul MacMahon [WSSJI]
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11:30 - Humpback heading up island from Lime Kiln (report from 11:30, slightly late report from a friend without cell service). -Brittany Noelle [WSSJI]
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MINKE WHALES
Tue, Oct 3 - Hood Canal - 09:15 - I saw and heard what I think might be the same minke whale I’ve seen twice before. I was in my 10’ rowboat, crabbing, when I heard a heavy exhale. I turned to see a very large head/mouth, pointed upward at an angle, and moving swiftly forward. It surfaced like this (head only) five times, exhaling each time, before disappearing, with only a bit of body showing on its last dive. It was headed north toward the Hood Canal Bridge [approx. 47.861807, -122.644194]. -Marilyn Grace Showalter
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UNIDENDIFIED SPECIES
Tue, Oct 3 - Admiralty Inlet - 14:22 - Marie Waterman emailed at 14:33 to report: 1422 hrs: MV KENNEWICK Captain reports via 800MHz broadcast a pilot whale NB in the NB traffic lanes about 1 mile off Admiralty Head. 

October 2
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype)
Mon, Oct 2 - San Juans (T36As, T123s, T137A, T137D) - At some point T36As and T137A & T137D and T123s were all southbound in San Juan Channel, not clear yet to us if traveling together or if T123s were separate and passed the others? Approx. 13:15 at least some, believe T123s were exiting Cattle Pass and continued south. The others followed, also continuing south. -Orca Network
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11:00 - I believe they were heading south along Shaw Island - we saw them about 15 minutes before arriving in Friday Harbor from Orcas - at about 11am this morning. I saw at least five whales including two large males and it looked like a small one was with the group as well. Someone on a whale watching boat contacted me through messenger and asked me about my sighting. They eventually found them and she identified them as: T36As, T123s, and at least some of the T137s. I do not know the location of their sighting. -Gretchen Ganty
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Mon, Oct 2 - San Juans (T109A2s) - T109A2A Seekah - T109A2B Macoah & T109A2A Seekah - We came upon them just as they were going on a hunt and watched as they caught and killed what I believe was a harbor seal and then went on quite the celebration! Such an absolute privilege to get to witness this up close in person! -photos by Jennifer Swenson, October 2, 2023
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Off Blakey Island on a whale watching tour. -Delaney Grieve
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T109A2s! -Ellie Sawyer [WSSJI] 
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13:30 - These whales haven’t gotten too far - now on the southeast side of Blakely. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institue [WSSJI] 
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09:32 - Orcas (three to four adults, one little one) Blakely Island marina. Headed east through Peavine Pass. Hunting off backside of Blakely near Driftwood Beach. Hugging shoreline. -Noah Lombardini-Parker
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UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES
Mon, Oct 2 - Graham Island, Pacific Coast
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Killer Whale (Orca) Sighting:
Sighting Time: Mon Oct 2 13:00 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 53.34153,-132.44111
Number Sighted: 3
Submitted Comments: Orcas in Rennel Sound, seen across the narrows. Seemed like a pod of Orcas, definitely distinct large black fins
Submitter Name: Elias Bowman
Whale Alert App
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GRAY WHALES
Mon, Oct 2 - Puget Sound - 14:44 - Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops emailed at 14:50 to report: grey whale 10/2 @1444 Cathlamet Master reports a grey whale of FAU SB. [Fauntleroy Southbound] 
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12:48 - Donna Sanders, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 12:57 to report: 12:48 CM [PUYALLUP] reports one Grey Whale heading SB in the NB Traffic Lanes. 

October 1
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype)
Sun, Oct 1 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T46s, T46B1s, T46C2) - What another amazing three hour adventure with Bigg’s/transient killer whales (T046's, B1 and C2's) on the hunt, with meat in the mouth after a kill with lungs floating around to an hour of attempts to munch on a seal taking refuge on a floating kelp bed - the seal somehow survived! Then a tail lobbing humpback on our way back to the docks, WOW! -Sooke Coastal Explorations -photos by Paul Pudwell, October 1, 2023
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Sun, Oct 1 - BC- Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Meagan Gwilt
Date of Sighting: October 01, 2023
Time: 9:10 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 8
Where seen: Kinghorn island (Northern Georgia St.)
Direction of travel : E
Behaviors observed: Travelling, hunting
If orcas, any males?: Yes
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: It was incredible!
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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Sun, Oct 1 - San Juans (T18s) - T19B Galiano & T19 Nootka - Little sea potatoes, big fins, Mount Koma Kulshan "Great White Watcher" a.k.a. Mount Baker, and a lot of blows - this was my voyage aboard the IE5. I'm really savoring every hour on the water as the season is quickly drawing to a close. -photos & IDs by Cindi Crowder Rausch, October 1, 2023
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08:36 - Two orcas near shore headed north near Mitchell Bay. Male and female. Long periods under water. Second group after five minute delay with a few more also headed north. -Paul Ackerman [WSSJI] 
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HUMPBACK WHALES
Sun, Oct 1 - East Sooke, BC
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Humpback Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sun Oct 1 15:00 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.32181,-123.62987
Number Sighted: 1
Submitter Name: Dylan
Whale Alert App
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Sun, Oct 1 - Strait of Juan de Fuca - A tail lobbing humpback on our way back to the docks, WOW! -Sooke Coastal Explorations -photos by Paul Pudwell, October 1, 2023
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Sun, Oct 1 - Haro Strait - 15:45 - Just past by County Park, unsure of direction but seemingly north. -Ashley Jensen [WSSJI]
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14:40 - Lone Humpback spotted traveling southbound past Lime Kiln Point State Park. -Paul Rudd [WSSJI]
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Sun, Oct 1 - Puget Sound (CRC-20243)
13:34 - Just spotted the humpback further south traveling south.
13:17 - Spotted a humpback between Richmond Beach Saltwater Park and Carkeek Park east side of the channel sounded facing southbound [approx. 47.745696, -122.402387]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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11:40 - SJC just found 20243 traveling slowly south, mid channel [approx. 47.802463, -122.431912]. -Alli Montgomery
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10:15 - Humpback CRC 20243 is now slowly southbound from my original map post.
10:00 - Crc20243 is milling directly north of Edmonds [approx. 47.836153, -122.382043]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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09:50 - My niece confirms humpback in ferry lanes sighted from Kingston to Edmonds boat. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
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09:45 - I had a friend in Kingston say they saw a humpback on the Kingston side this morning, likely the other one that’s been in the area. -Christopher Johnson
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GRAY WHALES
Sun, Oct 1 - Puget Sound - 09:03 - Donna Sanders, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 09:04 to report: 09:03 - Vessel SALISH reports one Gray Whale NE of the EDM terminal heading SB. 
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DOLPHINS(?)
Sun, Oct 1 - Hood Canal - 13:19 - Orca Network received a call from Betty Linehan who reports seeing about two to three marine mammals, thought to be whales of some type, in southern Hood Canal. Described as shiny black, and with tall curved dorsal like and about the size of juvenile orcas, but they were not orcas (or sea lions, we asked). Betty mentioned seeing their tails and exhalations were not visible. Location was ~ 3 miles west of Belfair, first mid-channel then they moved north and were hugging the north shore as they continued westbound toward the Great Bend near Union. [possibly dolphins?]