Month Whale Sightings

Click here for Map of Month Year whale sightings.

September 30
Hello, I saw the post about the unidentified dolphin at Kingston the morning of Saturday 9/30. Probably the same individual passed by Hansville just off the beach maybe 1 - 2 hours earlier. We had never seen an orca before, so we assumed this was a small orca - it was black, and some of us thought we saw some white on the head. It was repeatedly porpoising to breathe at very regular intervals (100 - 200 feet or so?), but not enough to get the jaws or possibly even eyes out of the water, and blew a spout each time. We could hear the spout/breath from 200 yards. Was it really a dolphin? It was at least 12 feet long and moved a lot of water when it came up...-Rod Lundberg
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Dolphins - September 30 - North Puget Sound - This came by this morning 10:15 about 30 ft off shore, Apple Tree Point. I thought it was Orca coming as it was very large (small for Orca) ID type? Steady southbound. From a distance could see a large dorsal fin but as it approached, was more clear. It was much bigger than what I've seen here before. -Sara Frey
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September 30 - South Puget Sound - 10:00 a.m. - South Puget Sound. Unknown number of common dolphins, heading south into Budd Inlet, near the tip of Cooper Point. Very active and near the western shore. They are now out of sight. -Kim Merriman
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September 30 - Spotted a lone minke whale near Port Madison, north end of Bainbridge Island Saturday afternoon around 3pm. Traveling. -Paul Riggs
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September 30 - We saw it (the bottlenose - ALB) on the southeast end of Bainbridge Island heading south Saturday at 6:15 pm. -Bridget Lockett
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(Sara Frey report was in our previous Whale Sighting Report, including again with ID's by Cascadia Research Collective(CRC) staff) This came by this morning 10:15 about 30 ft off shore, Apple Tree Point. I thought it was Orca coming as it was very large (small for Orca) ID type? Steady southbound. From a distance could see a large dorsal fin but as it approached, was more clear. It was much bigger than what I've seen here before. -Sara Frey
"Yes I think a bottlenose dolphin, which are occasional visitors to our area though their primary range is northern California and south." - John Calambokidis, CRC
"My best guess would be bottlenose. There have been a couple that have come into the Sound in recent years, and the dorsal and rostrum look about right." - Dave Anderson, CRC
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Dall's porpoise - September 30 - Fall is definitely here...we left the marina in a light mist that shortly turned to rain. As we headed north through the San Juans, we received a report of "orcas heard on Lime Kiln hydrophones, but faint." We did come across about 20 lovely little Dall's porpoises (who are not easy to photograph!), who sped around the boat, off Middle Bank. We had a great visit with the big handsome Steller Sea Lions at Whale Rocks, including one who is molting. A beautiful, damp, but lovely day on the Salish Sea! -Bonnie Gretz, volunteer naturalist.

September 29
It was a blustery fall evening last night when we saw part of J-Pod head past Lime Kiln as dusk fell. Here's J42 Echo rocketing her way north. -Photo by Monika Wieland Shields, September 29, 2017
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After a bit of a break, I'm hearing those sweet squeaks again at 9:43pm. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
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9:25 p.m. - still some calls, along with the irritating ship noise
8:47 p.m. - getting louder and more frequent at the Orca Sound hydrophone; going north.
8:28 p.m. - full on boogy at Lime Kiln and heard a tiny bit at OrcaSound at 8:20 so great to hear. -Deborah Martyn
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8:41 p.m. - Very very chatty in Lime Kiln...Sounds like J & L.
8:34 p.m. - Getting louder on OrcaSound. -Aimee Aguilar
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20:45 p.m. - Loud calls.
20:15 p.m. - Calls getting stronger on Orcasound. Loud ship getting closer as well. -Stacia Simonson
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20:17 - Faint resident calls on Orcasound hydro. -Ariel Yseth
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They're still passing Lime Kiln at 8:10 along with a ship doing 14.6 knots during the 11 knots slow down trial. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
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7:40 p.m. - Hearing Southern Resident orca calls on the Lime Kiln hydrophone at We believe they are traveling north. -Susan Berta, Orca Network
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7:02 p.m. - Orcas on Lime Kiln hydrophone now. -Alethea Leddy
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Sept 29th trip report - with news that J-pod was near Partridge Bank, we headed south in light rain, passing Minor Island on the way to check out the harbor seals and birds. With a photography group on board, we were rewarded with amazing action from J-pod whales, they were spread out over a large area but we were able to get good looks at them. Those most visible to us were J27 Blackberry, and L87 Onyx, both such beauties. Tons of breaching and huge tail slaps - it was SO GOOD to see them again. We even had sun on our return trip. Looking forward to seeing many more photos from today's trip, hoping members of the photography group will post to our page!! Stay tuned! -Jill Hein, volunteer naturalist.
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1:00 p.m. - leaving them at Ft. Ebey. Members of Jpod traveling north and a bit west with lots of activities mixed in.
11:40 a.m. - About 20 Residents, members of JPod identified plus L87. (Note: Yesterday and today L87 has remained pretty separate and lagging behind the rest of Jpod. Still right offshore slowly moving straight north along shore.
10:45 a.m. - J pod foraging off Ft Casey. -Susan Marie Andersson
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People aboard the Coupeville to Port Townsend ferry crossing this morning had the good fortune to transect with J pod and L87 who were making their way north out Admiralty Inlet after their overnight stay inland Puget Sound. Pod of approximately 15 orcas seen at around 10:15 a.m. this morning while on a ferry boat from Coupeville to Port Townsend, WA. They were spread out and traveling at a slow speed in the direction of Coupeville. A few were doing tail slaps. Coordinates: 48 08 419 N 122 41 134 W. What an awesome surprise to see them on our way to set up for my daughter's wedding tomorrow. I flew up from SoCal yesterday and wasn't expecting to see these beauties. -Robin Lowe
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As of 9:05 am the orcas are off Admiralty Head, with a large Coast Guard Cutter floating nearby enjoying the show! -Kathy Pulley
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8:13 a.m. - In North end of Lagoon Point, still close to Whidbey. At least one adult male and one juvenile. Failed to observe saddle distinctions (and too far away now)
7:53 a.m. - Woke up to a wonderful site of Orcas! 6-8 foraging very near Whidbey Island on South end of Lagoon Point. Trending slowly northbound. -Margaret Marshall

September 28
J27 approaching Salmon Bank on the afternoon of September 29th. -Photo by Mark Malleson, 2017
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Ls - Juan de Fuca Strait - L72 Racer - A very special day! L Pod of the Endangerd Southern Resident Killer Whales were foraging off French Beach with 20+ Humpback whales all around! -Photo by Paul Pudwell, September 28, 2017
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L105 has grown into a handsome young guy...-Photo by Paul Pudwell, September 28, 2017
(ID confirmed by Melisa Pinnow, Center for Whale Research)
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September 28 - Js & L87 - Puget Sound - We saw them and the moon was out, it was great, this was taken at 7:30 as they passed Blakely Rock Bainbridge Island. Very far west in channel and heading towards Manchester. I was on shore at Alki, Constellation Park. Hopefully some ferry folks got to see them. -Photo by Kersti Muul, September 28, 2017
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5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. - Saw at least 20 whales cruising south. Orca pod sighting off Yeomalt Point, Bainbridge island, they were very playful with each other! -Nate Watson
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6:45 p.m. - Watching from Creosote, BI. PARADE of orcas believe L87 is part of it. West side of channel. Folks on Ferry should get a fabulous view. Calm waters, lovely light. Slow and steady southbound traveling intermixed with foraging behaviors. It took four hours (3pm to 7pm) for them to pass by Bainbridge this afternoon. L87 ? (pretty sure) bringing up the rear by 1/2 mile or so the entire time. -Susan Marie Andersson
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6:30 p.m. - Spotted four or five orcas just south of West Point/discovery Park off of Magnolia. Mid channel at 6:30 tonight. Heading South. -Terri Daniel
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4:50 p.m - Viewing from Rolling Bay, Bainbridge-several orcas straight out just west of mid-channel and north of West Point. Moving slowly south,saw several breaches and what could be foraging behavior. -Susan Marie Andersson
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3:50 p.m . - watching from Jefferson Point, looking south to marina (Richmond?), orca are spread out on Seattle side. A few have stalled and are circling/huntimg. Hope they find some fish. Tail slaps. Many boats respectfully idle as they watch. -Kimberly Sylvester-Nalzahn
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3:20 p.m. - 4-5 orcas trending south near Richmond Beach. -Sue Larkin
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2:46 p.m. - Whitney and Susann from Whale Scout seeing fins from Richmond Beach south bound. -Whitney Neugebauer
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2:06 p.m. - I'm looking from Kingston bluff with Jennifer and Charlie. Large dorsal and tail slapping west of mid-channel south bound, spread out. Gulls everywhere. -Susan Marie Andersson
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1:34 pm. - There are at least three Orcas milling east-west mid channel on a line from Edmonds to PNP. One boat is floating in the vicinity. -Steve Marczewski
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1:56 p.m - 10-12 Orcas now moving south pretty much in the shipping lane. Still widely spread out just south of Edmonds/Kingston ferries.
1:30 p.m. - 6+ orcas moving west across from Edmonds towards Kingston. 1:30 eastbound Walla Walla ferry. -Mary Bond
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1:25 p.m. - very spread out north of Edmonds ferry. -Brian Berry
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1:24 p.m. - North of Edmonds Ferry Terminal. Heading South. Far Eastern side of channel. -Carol Johnson Derusha
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1:15 p.m. - Chilkat left them heading slowly south while foraging between Edmonds and Kingston. Spread out all across the Channel with J16s close to the Edmonds side and J22s close to the Kingston side, everyone else all spread out in between! Looks like all J Pod. No Ks or Ls except L87. ..watched J pod feed and socialize in Puget Sound. We were just about to turn for home when J16 Slick suddenly changed direction, approaching the boat closely and breaching twice! Our engines were shut down and we waited until she and her daughters were over 400 yards away before starting back up and heading to port. -Justine Buckmaster
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1:20 p.m. - I see a large male and half a dozen smaller fins south of Eglon in the shipping lanes headed south, about a third of the way from Eglon to Apple Cove Point (Kingston). I also see some between Eglon and Edmonds as well as line of sight from Edmonds to PnP and Double Bluff.
1:05 p.m. - I see several halfway between Eglon and Edmonds. Another breach and half a dozen fins. generally headed south
12:40 p.m. - I see them spread out between Scatchet Head and Eglon. Chilkat is with them near Eglon. Heading south. At 12:50, two big breaches 4 miles NW of Edmonds. -Sherman Page
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Still seeing blows and dorsals from Pt no Pt as of 11:30. I was with Marilyn they seemed to head south from Possession just after she hung up with Howard. -Melinda Barajas
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11:25 a.m. - Point No Point orcas have turned eastward toward Possession Point...we thought they were a 'couple hundred yards' from shore at PNP this morning. It was one of our more beautiful orca sightings with at least one breach, a couple leaps (do orcas leap?), and the glistening black and white very visible just with the naked eye. The porpoises, a sea lion, and a seal were all right in the same vicinity. -Called in by Marilyn Deroy
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Watched them pass between pt no pt and double bluff at 11:10-11:30 currently south of possession seem to be trending south still. They were a bit active with some great lunges! Watching from point directly across point no point. I saw a lot of fish jump! They were also seals, possibly a sea lion, and two small pods of porpoise went by. Calm waters, perfect temperature, sun in the sky it was gorgeous! -Photo by Melinda Barajas, September 28, 2017
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Tim Dale reported a pod of orcas off Bush Pt. between 10 and 10:30.
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10:15 a.m. - HUGE group of orcas, most likely residents heading south between Bush Point and Foulweather Bluff. Spread all across the channel! -Justine Buckmaster
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9:57 - Jan Bell reported Orca southbound two groups passing our house at Bushpoint spread out.
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9:50 a.m. - Connie reported a pod of orcas with babies, heading south off the SW side of Bush Point.
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9:30 a.m. - Southern Residents headed south down Admiralty, south of Bush Point to Double Bluff, mid-channel, spread out, foraging. Thanks to Dana Lyons, Anna SihnDo, and Elsa Leavitt for calling in alerts.
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Humpback whales - September 28 - Juan de Fuca Strait - A very special day! L Pod of the Endangerd Southern Resident Killer Whales were foraging off French Beach with 20+ Humpback whales all around! -Paul Pudwell
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September 28 - North Puget Sound - Approximately 1:20 p.m. - Humpback Whale sighted off of Point No Point---close in to point. -Jane Brandt
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Had two reports of Humpbacks in Admiralty Inlet this afternoon: 1:20 p.m. - Patty Michak of Hansville reports seeing a humpback breaching and diving, heading NW from the Hansville/Point No Point area. Another report from 1:30 pm, of a humpback heading N from Point No Point, mid-way between PNP and Whidbey Island.

September 27
J31 near Hein Bank on the evening of September 27th. -Photo by Mark Malleson
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12:21 p.m. - J pod, and perhaps L, passing South down the West side of San Juan Island. Foraging and breaching! -Bri Wilson
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10:25 a.m. - I'm at Land Bank they all seem to be generally southbound here. -Cindy Hanson, Orca Network
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10:24 a.m. - Some rolling around as they head south, many more blows visible to north now coming back south
9:34 a.m. - The north ones may be coming back- at least they're in sight to north again.
9:21 am. - They're foraging, No direction just hanging.
9:13 am. - many hanging near Lime Kiln and seeing more blows to south too.
8:48 a.m. - Many in sight now to south slow spread milling. Up close and personal with L87 Onyx this morning off Lime Kiln as he played in the kelp while Js and Ls headed south down Haro Strait. Photo by Monika Wieland Shields, September 27, 2017 -Monika Wieland Shields
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Onyx L87 (pictured hear draping kelp) was hanging with J19, J16, J36, J42, J50, L72 & L105. Amazing close pass at Lime Kiln this morning. Mix of some J's and L's together in the one group that I saw close to shore. -Photo by Alison Engle, September 27, 2017
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8:59 a.m. - Listen live NOW to great calls & clicks of SRKWs on the Orcasound-Listen for Whales hydrophones in north Haro Strait. Background noise levels are very quiet this morning, so you can hear their calls echoing off the walls of the underwater canyon! -Scott Veirs
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9:50 a.m. - hearing cargo ship now on OS, can hear calls under noise. (Ship still very loud on LK)
9:44 a.m - echolocation, click trains OS
9:39 a.m. - over to OS (due to approaching/loud ship noise on LK) OS seas still quiet, hearing distant and loud calls, echolocation
9:37 a.m. - Cargo ship noise LK. BBC Amber northbound 15.7 knots.
9:33 a.m. - Still calls on both hydrophones. (staying on LK)
9:14 a.m. - back over to LK, quiet seas, calls and echolocation
9:05 a.m. - awesome cute repeating call over and over for several minutes OS
8:34 a.m. - S3 call OS (8:39 briefly over to LK heard calls under loud tanker nocise)
8:30 a.m.- Over to OrcaSound hearing distant calls and echolocation (still calls on LK)
7:55 - 8:30 a.m. - Listening to J pod vocalize on Lime Kiln hydrophone. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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8:29 a.m - Calls on Orcasound hydrophone
7:53 a.m. - Calls on Lime Kiln hydrophone. -Jack Collins
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September 27 - North Puget Sound - 8:25 p.m. - Just watched a humpback whale repeatedly breaching off Point No Point (N. Kitsap Peninsula) in the tide line after dark at 2025hours about one hundred yards from the tug. -Doug Paterson
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September 27 - South Puget Sound - 9:00 a.m. - 4-6 Common dolphins in South Puget Sound. They are traveling back and forth near the mouth of Budd Inlet/Boston Harbor Marina. Water is like glass. I can see them from across the bay. They are in the shadowed area near shore. The lighting is just right that I can actually see them exhale! Then as they surface, the sunlight glistens off their backs as they glide through the water. And without much fanfare, they explode into the air, creating the eruption of sunlit splashes. -Kim Merriman

September 26
A group of 15 Orcas passed by Point Roberts between 3 and 330 pm. Travelling quickly, heading south then across the Strait of Georgia to Saturna Island, small groups of 2-4, three large males. I believe one of the males could have been L87 based on the shape of the dorsal fin. Hope so! -Sandra Scott
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Js and Ls cruising south from Pt Roberts. Their groups were all jumbled up. L82 and L87 hanging together; J26, 27, 39 and L92 traveling with J19. L103 & J41 were socializing together with their little boys. We were able to shut down and drop a hydrophone and listen to them chat it up. L103 tail lobbing, J51 spyhopping, and J41 logging at the surface. J41 and L103 seemed to be getting in some quality girl time together with their boys having a play date. J51 and L123 both got good spy hops in. L123 and L103 cruising south from Pt. Roberts. -Ariel Yseth
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Northern Residents - September 26 - I heard that approx. 30 NRKWs headed SE past Cape Mudge (north end of Georgia Strait) at 1740 (Tues). I'll be out looking around Comox ...and will let you know. Please send any info you get? -Peter Hamilton
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Bigg's killer whales - September 26 - Juan de Fuca - Mama T11 off Sooke again today. Always great to find my favorite local Transients today...again! After visiting 12 of the 20+ humpbacks of the Salish Sea in the Juan De Fuca Strait from Sooke to Jordan River we were cruising back to the docks...and as always I say we will run the shoreline and look for Orca...Well shortly Deanna says hey there is one right there... 2 miles out and she spots T11a! -Paul Pudwell
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September 26 - T10C was with his mom just outside of Deer Harbor on the afternoon of 9/26/17. They started the morning supposedly on the N end of Griffin Bay before disappearing into the fog and then were seen in San Juan Channel heading toward Deer Harbor. We found them exiting the Harbor and back out to the Channel heading north. We then buzzed up to Pt Roberts where we found J&Ls in a travel/socializing mode making their way southbound. All taken aboard Spirit of Orca. -Ariel Yseth
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September 26 - Puget Sound - 1:39 p.m. - Lone male T87 Puget Sound off Possession Point, South Whidbey. they are heading straight for Possession Point, not sure if they will go up Saratoga or Admiralty.
1:29 p.m. - T100Bs (who T87 often travels with) They made a kill, now trending once again NW, close to Whidbey side. I'm thinking, one male, little one and 2 females.
12:54 p.m. - 4 orcas near in North Puget Sound south of Possession Point trending slowly northwest into Admiralty. May be more than 4. -Janine Harles
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September 26 - Juan de Fuca Strait - Humpback CS334 - 20+ humpbacks of the Salish Sea in the Juan De Fuca Strait from Sooke to Jordan. CRC-13704 aka BCZ0180. BCYUnknown "Boulder."- Photo by Paul Pudwell, September 26, 2017
(ID by Alisa Lemire Brooks)
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September 26 - North Puget Sound - 2:46p.m. - Humpback is not fluking but it was last seen in Possesion heading west towards Point No Point. (CS631/CRC16017 "Two Spot" - see photo below)
2:02 p.m. - Got humpback here as well. North Puget Sound, south of Possession Point. -Janine Harles
(ID by Tasli Shaw)
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Unidentified whales - September 26 - 5:45 p.m. - Seeing spouts south of Point No Point in shipping lane seen from Picnic Point with binoculars. I was looking for that (if humpback or the pod of Bigg's -ALB) thought I saw a multiple (blows) initially later I thought I saw a hump that lingered for a long time so not quite sure (which species). -John Carroll
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On Tues Sept 26th, while crossing from Victoria to Port Angeles, we saw a dolphin at the end of the spit as we came into port. I did not get any photos but there was just one animal traveling out of the bay... definitely not a harbour porpoise. -Kimberly Sylvester-Malzahn

September 25
South Puget Sound - 6:02 p.m - I got Orcas on the south end of Vashon. One large male and looked like either two female and a baby or just a couple of adolescents. Traveling west. Not sure if they went north toward Colvos or south towards narrows. -Holly Bailey
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4:40 p.m. - Just saw 3 orca pass Dash point heading towards Tacoma. -Lars Strandberg
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September 25 - North Puget Sound - 2:00 p.m. - At least three orcas headed north. Saratoga Passage, closer to the Camano side, almost at Mabana Beach. -Kerri Jones
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September 25 - Juan de Fuca - Over 35 Bigg's killer whales were photographed together in Juan De Fuca Strait. The group including T010s, T065As, T137s, T036Bs, T065Bs, T046Bs and T046Cs also included over 10 animals with U or CA designations - four of which have never been documented in coastal waters before. -BC Killer Whale Research Report FB Page
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Unidentified killer whales - September 25 - South Puget Sound - 7:14 p.m. - my mother in law just texted that she saw 2 orcas from her place on Day Island. -Kiana Weinschenk
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6:02 p.m - I got Orcas on the south end of Vashon. One large male and looked like either two female and a baby or just a couple of adolescents. Traveling west. Not sure if they went north toward colvos or south towards Narrows. -Holly Bailey
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4:40 p.m. - Just saw 3 orca pass Dash Point heading towards Tacoma. -Lars Strandberg
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September 25 - Saratoga Passage - 2:00 p.m. - at least three orcas headed north, Saratoga Passage, closer to the Camano side, almost at Mabana Beach. -Kerri Jones
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Minke whales - September 25 - ...Onward to Swanson, Hein and to Eastern Bank where we found a group of Dall's porpoise - and a Minke whale who was being elusive. Continuing to Smith Island, we found Tufted Puffins, AND another Minke whale. This whale appeared to be a juvenile - we had great looks at him as he came close to us to check us out ... what a treat. The water was glass calm and easy to see our wildlife, with lots of harbor porpoise "flashing" by us. How lucky we were finding so much wildlife? Thank you Capt. Eric. -Jill Hein, volunteer naturalist
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September 25 - South Puget Sound - Common dolphins in South Puget Sound. 6:00 p.m. Approx. 8 common dolphins heading south toward Budd Inlet/Boston Harbor. Very active. Surfacing. Milling. Traveling with a purpose. -Photo by Kim Merriman, September 25, 2017
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Dall's porpoise - ... Eastern Bank where we found a group of Dall's porpoise... -Photo by Jill Hein, September 25, 2017

September 24
On Sunday morning we ventured out on J1 for one of our special all-day tours with a fantastic group of passengers. What we normally see in three or four trips we saw in just eight mere hours! At the end we were all (crew included) a boat full of smiles and amazement. We watched the Southern Residents almost go through Active Pass (twice), a huge group of Bigg's Orcas almost go through Active Pass (once), we saw the Southern Resident orcas engaged in stunning social behavior, breaching Humpback whales, lots of wildlife, and gorgeous scenery. Each of our all day tours is uniquely different and we never know what we will see when we leave the dock. -Maya's WW
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Juan de Fuca - Unknown Transient surfing in the Juan de Fuca Strait late afternoon September 24th. -Photo by Mark Malleson, 2017
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Bigg's (Transient) Killer Whales in BC Gulf Islands: T137s, T65As, T65Bs, T37A1, T36Bs and possibly more. -Video by Connie Bickerton, September 24, 2017
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September 24 - Western Juan de Fuca Strait - Late report. 0930 Motoring due North out of Sekiu in the seperation zone in the heavy fog. 10+ Orcas with at least 2 males due east. Heading east. -Doug Olson
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September 24 - Juan de Fuca Strait - Humpback BCY Unknown. You never know...Today mother nature brought us THICK FOG! We were lucky to find a Humpback Whale near Sooke. -Photo by Paul Pudwell, September 24, 2017
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September 24 - Puget Sound - Chilkat is with CS631 "Two Spot" south of Posession, mugging us again! -Renee Beitzel
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September 24 - Trip report - an afternoon charter whale watch today - we headed to Canadian Waters to find whales - and what a great day/evening. Two humpbacks (known as Heather and Kappa), weather was perfect for an evening cruise, fog drifting in from the south and colorful skies. Thank you Adrift and Mystic Sea for an enchanting afternoon/evening. -Jill Hein, volunteer naturalist.
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Saw Kappa (BCX0158) and Heather (BCY0160) feeding together off Turn Point State Park today, around 3pm. -Courtney Flynn
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September 24 - Some funky Minke behavior yesterday. Two feeding together between sierra alpha buoy and protection island. There was actually a third one around as well. Stayed with them for about 45 minutes. -Photo by Joey LaMarche, September 24, 2017
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September 24 - (reported as Fin whale. Based on size, description, further discussion, and reports of other minke in the area that day (and that we've had no other reports of a Fin whale inland this year) it is presumed to be a minke - ALB) 6:30 p.m. - We saw a single Fin whale heading NNW out between Fort Casey and Port Townsend at approximately 1830. Traveling. 48°08'56.3"N 122°42'23.4"W.
You are probably right that it was most likely a minke. I was looking through binoculars and I estimated that once if broke the surface there was about 12-16 feet between the front (not the head, just looked like the top of the whales back) and the fin. It then looked like another 4 to 6 feet until the body was under water (from the fin). So I guess that the part of the whale above the surface was somewhere between 16 to 22 feet long. I did not see a head or a tail. Both were under water. I saw it break the surface about 10 or 12 times over a 5 minute period. When I returned home, I looked up pictures on the internet to try to find one that looked like...the picture I found was of a fin whale but what I am not experienced at all so it very well may have been a minke. -Michael Colquhoun

September 23
Why hello J19. This evening offshore of Lime Kiln. -Photo by Monika Wieland Shields, September 23, 2017
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4:22 p.m. - Lime Kiln hydrophone: begin hearing echolocation followed by loud vocals. I listened until 5:00 pm until I could hear just faint whispers of their calls as they moved further away from the hydrophones. During the 40 minutes of listening I heard a lot echolocation with S1, S4 calls for sure and what sounded to me like S7, S10 and S40 calls. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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They came from the East traveling west and then north around Eagle Point, south end of San Juan Island. It was like they were just making an appearance and traveling thru. the time was about 3pm. -Theresa Howard Jenkins
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2:51 p.m. - Lots of surface activity!! Still South and East though. Very spread out South and in shore. (from Granny's Cove, American Camp)...There was two females porpoising inshore, with a little one behind. And this last group was two females with a little one keeping right up with them. -Cher Renke
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2:16 p.m. - Boats have been in view for a while but just starting to see the whales from Cattle Point. -Monika Wieland Shields
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We were treated to another visit from Southern Resident orcas this afternoon in Rosario Strait! This is L92 Crewser (born 1995). Sure hope they are finding some salmon to eat. -Photo by Katie Jones, September 23, 2017
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Beautiful day with J and L pod off Lummi Island...J26 breaching. -Bonnie Gretz
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Bigg's/Transient killer whales - September 23 - Juan de Fuca Strait - At least 3 pods of Transient Killer Whales feeding today off Sooke, B.C. -Paul Pudwell
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September 23 - J22 Oreo - Rosario Strait, near Cypress Island, as J and L pods were traveling south in a really good mood. J22, J38, and others breached several times in a row, including a couple double breaches. -Photo by Bart Rulon, Naturalist, September 23, 2017
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September 23: On a day of beautiful fall sunshine and flat calm water, we headed out toward Lummi Island and caught up to a very large group (possibly at least 40!) of our Southern Resident orcas!!! What a treat to see them after such a long absence from their home waters. We found them just at Towhead Island, on the north side of Cypress Island, with multiple groups spread out across the water. Seeing very large J26, Mike, breaching and tail slapping, was awesome! We also got a good look at some of L pod, and a few of the approximately 2 year old calves of J and L pods. They continued south down Rosario Strait, grouping up at times, then spreading out again. We stopped to see harbor seals, a Steller sea lion, and many birds at Bird Rocks. After reluctantly leaving the whales at Colville Island, we took a scenic tour around the small islands close to Lopez Island, then under the Deception Pass bridge. -Bonnie Gretz, Volunteer Naturalist
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September 23 - I spotted a lone dorsal fin last weekend (Sat 9/23 around 9:30am) off Alki. I thought it must have been a porpoise but it seemed a little different - looked just like these photos. (in reference to Sara Frey September 30th Bottlenose dolphin - ALB) -Laura Flagg

September 22
Strait of Georgia - The scene today in the Strait of Georgia with the majority of L Pod. Here is a little spyhop from L92 "Crewser" amongst his pod. -Photo by Gary Sutton, September 22, 2107
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September 22 - Haro Strait - With the welcome return of some members of L-pod from the endangered Southern Resident community and perfect weather conditions, we were privileged to observe these charismatic whales foraging and socializing in their natural habitat west of Salmon Bank, off San Juan Island. The orcas were well spread out hunting for salmon, while a couple of the younger ones played nearby. Our return trip took us past Whale Rocks where growling Steller sea lions basked in the September sunshine, and on to Burrows Island Lighthouse. Summer may be coming to an end, but it's not over yet. -Sandra Pollard, Author/Naturalist
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11:26 a.m. - I'm a researcher with Oceans Initiative and Orcasound. I had a sighting of 5-10 SRKW heading SE from Lime Kiln this morning at 8:30 a.m. - They're currently just off South Beach on San Juan Island. -Natalie Mastick, MS Wildlife Science
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8:51 a.m. - Yay finally just heard a lovely L pod call! -Alisa Lemire Brooks, ON
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September 22 - Juan de Fuca Strait - T11A (born 1978) - It is an Amazing time in the Juan De Fuca Strait around Sooke with Transient Killer Whales (T011 & T011A) and again with 40+ Humpback whales. -Photo by Paul Pudwell, September 22, 2017
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September 22 - West entrance Juan de Fuca Strait - I exited Neah Bay last Friday delivering a boat to California when we were greeted by 3 humpback whales breaching and frolicking, fun showing. Here's a shot I took of the event. Tatoosh Island in the background. -Photo by Gary Peterson, September 22, 2017
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September 22 - Central Juan de Fuca Strait - It is an Amazing time in the Juan De Fuca Strait around Sooke with Transient Killer Whales (T011 & T011a) and again with 40+ Humpback whales. (Includes BCY0616 "K-One" photo ID'd from photo (not included) by Alisa Lemire Brooks & CRC-13704 aka BCZ0180 pictured below (ID by Ted Cheeseman). -Paul Pudwell

September 21
Juan de Fuca Strait - We found the Transient Killer Whales T11A & T11 off Sooke again this morning! Always great to have some quality time with my favorite Mother and Son. -Photo by Paul Pudwell, September 21, 2017
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Unidentified killer whales - Orca Sighting: Three traveling, 49°26'55.5"N 124°07'52.1"W (SE of Lasqueti Island). The time was about 0815hrs on September 21st. I was heading due south and they crossed in front of me port to starboard (heading westward). Sorry I did not identify saddle patches. I was more concerned about putting my boat in neutrals and staying away from them. One had a very large fin (probably male). Three in total, one youngster. -Chris Price
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Humpback whales - September 21 - Juan de Fuca Strait - WOW! Here are the pictures from this morning of the 30-40+ humpback whales west of Sooke off Jordan River to Sam Simon in the Juan De Fuca Strait from a couple miles off shore to the Traffic Lanes! You never Know. -Paul Pudwell
(including: BCXunknown "Coon", BCY0616 "K-One", BCX0158 "Kappa", MMY001 (aka MMY009) "Frankenstein", MMY0024, BCYukKeta2015#1 "Aerie", BCYUnknown "Entropy" - Some photos below. ID's by Alisa Lemire Brooks)
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September 21 - Strait of Georgia - Exciting this morning at around 10.30 Am, we saw this humpback Whale at Davis Bay, on its way to Sechelt, sunshine coast BC,Canada. -Photo by Cornelia van Berkel, September 21, 2017
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September 21 - Strait of Georgia - 2 humpbacks 1 mile N of Entrance Island (north of Gabriola Island, BC) at 3:55 pm. Moving slowly N and periodically sounding...as though feeding. -Margaret Pommert
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September 21 - Puget Sound - Humpback lunge feeding off South Whidbey Island. 3:56 p.m. - Saw him 30-40 minutes ago in the same place. So amazing!! -Report by Pandora Bjeletich, Photo by Robert Bjeletich, September 21, 2017
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1:42 p.m. - Saw humpback again just now south of Cultus Bay headed slowly west but milling. -Toby Black
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September 21 - (Again, reported as Fin but through further discussion she settled on probably a Minke -ALB) Just on the tip of South Whidbey and spotted a Fin whale. We were aware of the humpback in the vicinity. The whale only surfaced. There wasn't any breaching. Any pectoral slapping. We have had many experiences in MX with humpbacks. This animal did not appear to be a humpback. It could've been a minke. It was slender in size, dark grey, if I had to guess probably 12' long. It wasn't what struck me as a larger whale. When I look at fin whales, it did resemble the body shape, but the whale never did a full breach so we couldn't see underneath. When I look at the minke whale, the dorsal fin did resemble that as well. The dorsal fin was way more towards the rear of the whales body. Hope that helps. My husband is convinced it was a fin whale but it did look like it could be a minke as well. Were there any other reports of any other whales aside from the humpback? ...All good info. Probably not a fin whale then at that size. Probably a minke. My best guess. -Niboreel Sreyas
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September 21 - West entrance Juan de Fuca - Humpback sounding off the west entrance to Juan de Fuca Strait. -Photo by Gary Peterson, September 21, 2017

September 20
Georgia Strait - We caught up with them around 1pm just off of Ladner at Vancouver, BC...porpoising at a heavy speed....we were there between 1-2pm...The seas were heavy and the wind quite strong...they were heading north at a fast speed....I have to look at my photos to know them all, there were so many and I probably didn't get photos of all their saddles, but I do know that I saw L41, L94, L90 and J47 for sure. I'm waiting for Tyson's report to confirm. we caught up with them just off the Ladner area. In the Strait of Georgia....they were heading north at that time. -Kristina Trowbridge
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I heard J and L (I'm assuming from yesterday's posts) on the Hydrophone around 3:15 am last night. I sometimes sleep with it on and they woke me up. -Rachel Krauss Burrows
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4:00 a.m. - Now listening to the pod at the Orcasound hydrophone. Vocals and echolocation.
3:10 a.m. - Waking to orca at Lime kiln at 310 am, priceless. Vocals and echolocation. -Terri Barnett
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Southern Resident Killer Whales were heard last night at Lime Kiln (at 3:12 a.m.) and then at Orcasound Lab (5 km north of Lime Kiln) at 3:48. This is a great example of how having multiple hydrophone locations can help infer the direction in which animals are moving -- in this case north through Haro Strait. -Scott Veirs
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My FAVORITES! With a report from John Chau of some Orca off Sooke this morning I was ecstatic to find T011 & T11A. This mother and son are a great pair that frequently hunt in our area! -Photo by Paul Pudwell, September 20, 2017
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September 20 - While chatting whales with a fellow passenger (Dan Webster) while crossing on the Kingston to Edmonds ferry, he mentioned seeing at least 2 orcas early in the morningheading northbound closer to Kingston side while he was aboard the Edmonds to Kingston crossing. Time would have been around 9:50 am (September 20th). -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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September 20 - Juan de Fuca - We saw 10 humpbacks (min) in the Strait of Juan de Fuca at 2:00 pm, roughly 1/2 way between Neah Bay and Port Angeles at 48 deg 14' 58" N 124 02' 05" W. We were delivering a boat from Westport, and notice two whales ahead in our path and dropped to idle out of gear for them to pass. Those two were milling about near mid channel of the US side of the strait, close to the position above (probably 300 yards distant) as we floated we saw a total of six confirmed possible more whales heading west closer to shore on the US side, (probably 1/2 to 3/4 mile distant and an additional two milling behind us also roughly mid channel on the US side approximately 500 yards distant. Once the group had passed we continued to Anacortes. -Steve Marczewski
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September 20 - San Juan Channel - Blows...Windy, Divot, and Heather in San Juan Channel this afternoon. Incredible lighting and fun seeing three favorite humpbacks hanging out together. -Photo by Katie Jones, September 20, 2017
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We had a magical encounter with 3 humpback whales ID'd as 'Heather' BCY0160, 'Divot' BCX1057 and 'Windy' MMY0006 on Sept 20th. They were found near Skipjack Island and travelled together in a tight group all the way down past Friday Harbor when we left them at 5:40pm. -Barbara and David Howitt, All Aboard Sailing
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September 20 - Puget Sound - Late post but humpback off Possession again yesterday evening. Viewed from shore with no binoculars and no ID. Approximately 5 pm. Seemed to be milling about at least at the time. -Toby Black
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Common dolphins - September 20 - 5:00 p.m. - approx. 6 common dolphins traveling north out of Budd Inlet (close to shore) milling around just outside the Boston Harbor Marina. -Kim Merriman

September 19
From the bluffs south of Bush Point, Whidbey Island, we stand in awe watching this breathtaking scene unfold before us as members of J and L pods pass northbound, in two large bunched up groups, their blows illuminated by the late afternoon September sun. What a beautiful surprise it was when they showed up for their first inland late Summer/early Fall 2017 foray into Puget Sound. We are so blessed they stayed overnight and hope they found plenty salmon during their time here. -Photo by Susan Berta, Orca Network, September 19, 2017
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September 19 - Puget Sound - (Day report) We found them spread out and foraging scatter from Useless Bay south towards Point No Point (and beyond, most likely). They were actively feeding and there were even gulls around! I hope that means they were finding plenty of food. They continued to forage until the wake of a big container ship rolled through at which point they started surfing the wake and the juveniles nearby (L113 and L121) began breaching in the waves. Of course I wasn't ready with the camera but it will be forever ingrained in my mind. After that the whales began to slowly group up and socialize. They were EXTREMELY chatty. I'll message you a clip of that separately. At this point they were not directional, they would go north a bit and then come back south. They were still doing that when we started to leave the scene. As we did about 1/2 mile away Lpod grouped up and began porpoising together. Though distant it was amazing to see, especially those huge males! Jpod also grouped up and surfaced between us and Lpod in tight social groups, swimming north with purpose. They were social and playful as they went. We left them still heading north. -Sara Hysong-Shimazu
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7:04 p.m. - Three groups of 5-7 about a 1/4 mile between each group just N of Bush Point. -Kayli Ann Breitweiser
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5-7 orcas, including at least three big males and a juvenile passed Bush Pt around 7:00. -Elizabeth Skinner
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6:56 - Julie reported 2 groups of orcas traveling north up Admiralty Inlet north of Bush Point.
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6:50 - Patrick Scott at Bush Point reports two groups of orcas headed north up Admiralty Inlet.
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Lisa Kois called at 6:45 to report many orcas heading north in Admiralty Inlet, past Bush Pt, Whidbey Island.
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Beautiful line of residents heading northbound past Bush Point as darkness settles in on Admiralty Inlet nestled beneath the Olympic Mountains. -Photo by Marilyn Armbruster, September 19, 2017
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6:30 p.m. - Two pods traveling north bound 10 minutes apart passing Bush Point in the middle of channel. Moving quickly. -Lorie & Guy Calkins
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6:34 p.m. - Many many Rs in multiple groups moving north mid channel south of Bush Pt.
6:10 p.m. - large pod of orcas with several males heading N up Admiralty Inlet, 1 mile south of Bush Pt. THIS TIME we believe they are the Ls/Js that have been hanging out in the Possession Triangle, finally heading north -
5:00 p.m. - - The 5 or so probable Ts came south in mid-channel down Admiralty Inlet accompanied by well-behaved whale watch boats to about even with Foulweather Bluff at the entrance to Hood Canal. At that point they turned about, making a wide U-turn and heading back north. They should be approaching Bush Pt. light about now. Meanwhile the Ls and Js who had been milling and foraging for hours between Possession Point and Point No Point were still there at 5PM. Could it be that the Ts came within acoustic range of the Rs and decided it would be prudent to turn around and avoid an encounter? They often turn around so there's no way to know, but it was an interesting U-turn when they reached about 7-8 miles from the Residents.
4:20 pm - At least 8 orcas 1 mile south of Bush Pt, headed N, close to Whidbey side. We THINK these are maybe the Ls/Js that were off Possession Pt. earlier (?), however we had reports of a pod coming SOUTH in Admiralty Inlet that we were expecting to be here about now - hoping someone on the boats that are with the whales will kindly post any IDs here and help us out! -Susan Berta and Howard Garrett, Orca Network
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3:55 p.m. - Noticed Victoria Clipper stopped near Possession Point and could see multiple whales. -Judith Lievesley
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3:40 p.m. - The orca I earlier reported swimming south toward Point No Point (from Possession Point) are now heading North toward Double Bluff, and it looks like the NOAA Research boat is off Double Bluff as well. I believe the orcas that were off Marrowstone earlier (turned out to be Ts) are headed down our way and may be approaching the Bush Point area.
3:32 p.m. - Seeing distant whales from our home/office S. of Bush Point through the "Big Eyes" - the orcas we can see are swimming south toward Point No Point, but it could be the larger group is just milling/fishing in the "Possession Triangle" between Point No Point, S. Whidbey and Edmonds. -Susan Berta, Orca Network
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3:08 p.m. - Small group that is furthest north, circling, some heading South....From Dave Mackie County Park, Clinton (south end Useless Bay). -Kayli Ann Breitweiser
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3:02 p.m. - Update, large Orca passing Eglon mid channel heading north.
2:55 p.m. - Orca's passed Eglon Beach heading North, Whidbey side. -Judith Lievesley
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2:20 p.m. - sighting of orcas from my living room, I see with my underpowered binoculars a pod of orcas off in the distance, there are 5 to 7. They look like they're playing with lots of splashing going on. Looks like they're traveling north up Admiralty Inlet. I live in Sandy Hook, Clinton on Cultus Bay. There are several boats out there keeping their distance. So exciting! -Kathy Durham, Whidbey Island
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2:10 p.m. - they've all turned and are following Whidbey shore west/northwest. West of Scatchet Head.
1:40 p.m. - close pass by at Possession Point state park headed West around the point. -Rachel Haight
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2:20 p.m. - whales heading north from Possession in Admiralty Inlet.
1:30 p.m. - Whales may have changed direction or perhaps stalled. Seeing two whales definitely heading west fairly quickly.
1:15 p.m. - watching from Possession boat ramp. Whales bound for Mukilteo on east side. Spread out. NOAA present. -Sandra Pollard
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1:04 p.m. - Seems orcas are moving north to southern tip of Whidbey Island.
12:56 p.m. - Watching orcas feed from our home! 1/2 mile off Picnic Point just south. (Picnic Point is south Lynnwood). -Lorraine Wilmoth
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1235 - Chilkat is just east of Possession- confirmed Js and L's! The train is stopped at the bottom of Sunset Ave in Edmonds so best to view from to the north. Also, it's raining so wear your gear. -Renee Beitzel
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12:31 p.m. - One group, off south end Whidbey. Heading slowly north on west side of channel. Other group further north look to be headed towards Clinton. -Karen Knight
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11:45 a.m. - 8-9 orcas just north of Edmonds ferry, heading north but spreading out. Several breaches. -Jennifer Wentworth
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11:35 a.m. - large group in front of Edmonds ferry dock heading north. -Carey Kirkland
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11:30 a.m. - Mike at WS Ferries relayed a report at least eight orcas at the entrance to Possession Sound, east of Possession Point, milling and heading all directions. Sounds like they're chasing fish!
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Aboard the 11:10am Edmonds to Clinton ferry: while still at port I see an adult male and a few others (including wee one) grouped up heading northbound south and west of the ferry terminal. I see another group closer inshore. Just as the ferry begins to depart I then see more (first just the blows) beyond the jetty off south end of the marina very close to shore (at least 4-5 separate blows). As we left the dock they were all south of us, with those furthest offshore off our bow...by the time we met up with them the others were now at our stern. I then ran to the back decks (squealing with excitement and telling all the passengers who we were seeing along the way) to watch spread out groups who I later learned included Js with the Ls heading steady northbound. People lined the interior windows and the outer decks to watche these beauties. As fate would have it, on my time to get away, I was gifted a crossing with these beloveds. Heart is a lot more full at this moment. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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11:10 a.m. - Headed north towards Edmonds ferry terminal. Still on the far eastern channel. Chilkat is with them. -Carol Johnson DeRusha
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10:54 a.m. - Another 12 headed toward Point Wells. We have counted at least 21 headed north around 3/4 mile off shore.
10:40 a.m. - pod of 6 orcas with one large male, plus 3 more stragglers just off Point Wells. (Town of Woodway). -Jim Devereaux
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9:40 a.m. - watching from Bainbridge at Rolling Bay. Large group 15+ Orca. Started off in tight group, traveling north swiftly in the outgoing current. At least 3 males. At least one little one. Just north of the light house, on mainland side. Then, lots of tail slapping and a few breaches. Stalled and split up now. Seem to be hunting in smaller groups. My guess would be SRKW's by straight fins. Too far to see any saddles or get photos through my scope. -Kimberly Sylvester-Malzahn
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9:54 a.m. - small group of 5 just passed Golden Gardens heading north
9:40 a.m. - 5-6 orcas now in sight line from Bainbridge with fishing boats north of Golden Gardens. Lots of breaching activity
9:33 a.m. just spotted huge breach off Shilshole, whales moving north. East of mid channel approaching Golden Gardens. -Sue Larkin
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9:23 a.m. - Seeing them now from my roof on the bluff above Golden Gardens park. Spread out group of at least 8. A spy hop and some tail slapping. Couple juveniles in the group...closer to the seattle side for sure. -Jennifer Greiner Clark
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9:15 a.m. - Kimberly Malzahn reported 12 +orcas in a tight group northbound. She is viewing from Rolling Bay, Bainbridge. Line of sight had them just north of West Point lighthouse mid-channel or east side of channel. 3 large males in group, lots of surface activity. Potentially Residents. -Susan Marie Andersson
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8:54 a.m. - off West Point/Discovery Park... Mid channel, headed north. They're really strung out, feeding I think. -Sandra Prow
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7:30 a.m. - At least 6 orcas went around Alki Point. Heading north. At least one adult male sized dorsal and at least 5 small dorsals. Within 200 to 300 yards of shore. I live up the hill and spotted them south of 4000 Beach Drive and watched as they rounded Point towards Elliott Bay. -Linda J Rusch
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Sighting of 8-11 orcas: 7:30 a.m. - At least 10 Orcas, including several young and one with a huge dorsal fin seen at 7:30am-8am off Alki Beach Seattle swimming towards Magnolia (Northbound). Feeding and traveling in a line. -Cynthia Faubion
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Sighting of approximately 7 or 8 orca whales heading North just off Beach Drive in West Seattle at 7:00 am Tuesday, September 19th. They appeared to just be moving through the area. There was at least one male in the group. -Dawnie Moss
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September 19 - Admiralty Inlet - 5:00 p.m. - The 5 or so probable Ts came south in mid-channel down Admiralty Inlet accompanied by well-behaved whale watch boats to about even with Foulweather Bluff at the entrance to Hood Canal. At that point they turned about, making a wide U-turn and heading back north. They should be approaching Bush Pt. light about now. Meanwhile the Ls and Js who had been milling and foraging for hours between Possession Point and Point No Point were still there at 5PM. Could it be that the Ts came within acoustic range of the Rs and decided it would be prudent to turn around and avoid and encounter? They often turn around so there's no way to know, but it was an interesting U-turn when they reached about 7-8 miles from the Residents. Here's another 4 mile shot from the bluff. -Susan Berta and Howard Garrett, Orca Network
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4:00 p.m - Southbound whales passed Bush Pt. No clue who they are. -Rachel Haight
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2:16 p.m. - In Port Townsend and just wandered out to Point Wilson Lighthouse aimed my binos to the south when what a surprise at least 3 WW boats off the northend of Marrowstone Island caught my attention. I then could see blows. WW boats coming and going for the next 30 mintues. (Js & Ls are much further south in Admiralty so I know it's is not them). -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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Killer whales inbound through Admiralty Inlet ~13:45. 2 WW boats with them and a 3rd enroute. Look to be mid channel. -Frances Robertson, SMRU Consulting and NE Pacific Minke Whale Project
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September 19 - Ts in Admiralty on the 19th were T49A1, T49Bs, and T65Bs. -Sara Hysong-Shimazu
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September 19 - Juan de Fuca Strait - Flat calm day in the Juan de Fuca Strait with a few humpback whales around. -Photo by Paul Pudwell, September 19, 2017

September 18
Southern Residents - 7:00 p.m. - Saw our long lost orca friends from Marina Beach in Edmonds. The group I saw are south of the Kingston ferry terminal. Saw tail lobs and a breach. Perhaps midchannel although quite a ways away with the poor visibility. -Michelle Goll
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6:30 p.m. - half a dozen orcas just passed by the microwave tower near Apple Tree Point heading south in the shipping lanes. -Sherman Page
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6:20 p.m. - Lots! Large males, etc About the ferry line and south now. Got a few pics but very hard in this weather and the chop
6:05 p.m. - few just passed Apple Tree Point, Kingston heading south. -Sara Frey
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5:00 p.m. - Lead pack north of Kingston on the Kitsap side, still heading south. -Josh Adams
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4:50 p.m. - Group I was watching are now southeast of Point No Point, east of mid-channel. I could only find them with my binoculars when the sun glinted off their dorsals.
4:39 - breaches and a big spy hop just north of Point No Point. Whales headed south at a good clip, mid-channel! - Connie Bickerton
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4:10 pm: The orcas are spread out across Admiralty Inlet, from Skunk Bay to N. Mutiny Bay, approaching the green channel marker and still heading SE at a fast pace. There are literally orcas everywhere we look out our windows toward the SE - what a wonderful surprise to have L pod come and visit today!! -Susan Berta, Orca Network
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4:38 p.m. - Yes. Southbound , Now past Double Bluff at speed.
4:00 p.m. - Passing Skunk Bay for Point No Point and Double Bluff Whidbey side of mid channel. Lots of whales. -Sandra Pollard
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3:49 p.m. - They are Rs! There were so many!!! So exciting! -Photo by Rachel Haight, September 18, 2017
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3:45 pm, we are seeing MORE orcas heading south in Admiralty Inlet, at least another 20 - wondering if somehow Residents sneaked in, or if this is just a huge transient superpod?! Working on trying to get some ID shots - Just south of Bush Point. -Susan Berta, Orca Network
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3:42 p.m. - From 4 miles away between Bush Pt. and Foulweather Bluff, first group of 20+ followed by another group of about the same number, here are the best shots so far. -Photo by Howard Garrett, Orca Network, September 18, 2017
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Jan Bell reported a pod of 5 or 6 headed south off Bush Pt at 3 pm, at 3:24 pm we are seeing a LARGE pod (possibly 20?) heading south several miles south of Bush Pt, heading toward Point No Point/N. Kitsap Peninsula!
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I counted 17 at Bush Point! -Ashley Teague
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3:25 p.m. - Watched a group of about 7-8 pass Bush pt around 3 pm heading south and now another group of 5 just passing Bush Point. All Southbound. -Photo by Marilyn Armbruster, September 18, 2017
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3:21 p.m. - Just saw a pod in Mutiny Bay headed south! Not sure if the same as I'm flying on a sea plane, but the number seemed large! -Kristin Byrne
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3:13 p.m. - See some south of Marrowstone somewhat near the buoy/navigational marker. Just saw two big breaches there.
2:59 p.m. - Wow! A third group now at south end of Lagoon Point, Whidbey side of midchannel. they are everywhere! Biggest group I've seen in quite some time when you add the three together. This group has at least 4 on Whidbey side of channel and at least another 2 true midchannel. Traveling pretty fast.
2:35 p.m. - They are passing Lagoon Point now. Split in three groups, two midchannel and two near Whidbey. At least 8 in total. travelling, but still lots of breaches and tail slaps! All Southbound. -Margaret Marshall
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Back at Fort Casey today...Just had a pod of KW travelling SE into Sound on far side of Admiralty Inlet. Passed Marrowstone Light house ~14:17. At least 9 animals inc. 2 large males. Hard to confirm numbers and pod composition from my land station. -Frances Robertson
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2:03 p.m. - Pod spotted between Marrowstone point and Port Townsend. Headed south. -Anlee Chung Cox
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Unidentified killer whales - September 18 - North Puget Sound - 7:05 p.m. - 2 or 3 orcas a mile offshore Edmonds marina, 2 heading north and 1 heading south or circling, at least one is a male. T's? -Sherman Page
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5:48 p.m. - Can still see 2 orca line of sight Cultas Bay Whidbey to here. NE bound.
5:20 p.m. - just had one large dorsal fin...northbound though off Apple Tree point. T's? Neighbors think we saw 2-3 total orca. All I saw was the male dorsal but neighbors saw more...definitely northbound very close to shore. Doesn't seem like L pod yet. Same time the humpback surfaced about 100 yards off shore...Apple Tree point. Good tail shots, will post later. -Sara Frey
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September 18 - South/Central Puget Sound - 10:30 a.m. - Ts in Colvos Passage. Appears to be same group that has passed by a couple times in as many weeks. Apx 6-7 NB 1 mile south of Southworth. One juvenile in group. -Cheers, Tim Ferris
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Pod of orcas in Colvos passage just now approaching Southworth ferry lane northbound. 5 or 6 moving at a steady pace on Kitsap side. 10:30 AM. -Noreen Ferris
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At least 4 Orcas heading North in Colvos Passage at 9:30 a.m. this morning (Monday). -Jan Cameron Alferness
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8:10 a.m. - At least 3 mid channel between Pt Defiance and Vashon viewed from ferry. Rounded Point from Narrows but no obvious direction now. -Glenn Myles
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September 18 - Central Puget Sound - Kelly Keenan relayed report per friends video: 2-3 on the video. Lots of tails slapping going on..off the waterfront at 7:00 a.m. while aboard the Vashon/Seattle Passenger only ferry. I saw them, too on Alaska Highway! 6:50am, 3-5 jumping through the water. -Amara Gorman
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Driving on the Alaska Way Viaduct this morning, I thought I saw orcas in Elliott Bay at approx. 6:45. I only got a couple quick glances, but saw splashes and at least three dorsal fins. -Danile Talevich
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Humpback whales - September 18 - Humpback CS631/CRC16017 "Two Spot" - 5:20 p.m. - ...Same time (residents southbound, Ts northbound) the humpback surfaced about 100 yards off shore...Apple Tree Point, Kingston. -Photo by Sara Frey, September 18, 2017
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2:35p.m. - Edmonds Kingston ferry lane, west side of shipping lane. Milling about. NOAA vessel here too. -Sara Frey
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7:40 a.m. - Lone humpback inside the buoy at Richmond Beach just now at 7:40am. Traveling south along the shoreline toward Blue Ridge. -Karen Jeanne Rutter Weber
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September 18 - Rosario Strait - WOW, whales close to home port today - we traveled north in Rosario Strait and found the T101s between Lummi and Orcas Islands! T101, T101A, T101B and T102, Mom and 3 BIG boys! We had excellent viewing time with these incredible mammals - then took a side trip to Sucia Island where Capt. Eric spotted an Elephant seal in the water!! Many Steller sea lions and harbor seals were hauled out also. Then a quick 2nd visit with the whales before heading back to port - the season is winding down and fall weather is with us - beautiful calm day again, come out and join us! -Jill Hein, volunteer naturalist, Mystic Sea
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September 18 - Central Puget Sound - We were on the Bainbridge ferry at 1 PM when we saw two Orcas milling about between Rockaway beach and the Channel marker at the mouth of Eagle Harbor. One large adult and one juvenile. They stayed in a relatively small area for 5 - 10 minutes as the ferry passed by. -Adrienne Brown
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September 18 - South Puget Sound - 9:30 a.m. - While sailing north past Pt Defiance we were passed by either five or six orcas headed south. This was at about 9:30ish in the am. Traveling. -Scott Perry
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September 18 - 4:50 p.m. - Pod of 5+ Orca's moving west towards Kingston, traveling towards another whale just off the the Kingston ferry terminal (0.5 to 1.5mi east of kingston ferry terminal) observed on the 440pm sailing from kingston to edmonds on 9/18/17. -Brian Wyse
(Residents and Bigg's had been in the Puget Sound area, though likely these were Rs -ALB)

September 17
Possession Sound/Saratoga Passage - 12:04 p.m. - Just saw them close to shore at Shangri la, still north bound.
11:47 a.m. - a little bit up from Hidden Beach, still trending NB mid channel. -Elizabeth Skinner
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11:17 a.m. - Ts are very spread out now off Baby Island and spread across to The Camano side. Still NB.
10:44 a.m. - mid channel off Bells Beach, Whidbey Island now, still NB.
10:36 a.m - Yep, we have all the same animals from yesterday. (T137s, T36, T36Bs, and T37A1). They zig zagged back aiming more towards Whidbey now still NB
10:30 a.m. - Ts northbound in Saratoga Passage. A couple of miles north of Langley but closer to the Camano Island side. Just spotted them. We have T137s and probably the rest too. Will let you know soon. -Bart Rulon Chilkat Express
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8:45 a.m. - I was visiting your center yesterday and noticed your whale sightings board. This morning, as we left Langley and headed back to Seattle in our boat, we saw three Orcas just south of the Mukilteo ferry route. So thrilling! One surfaced about 150 feet in front of our boat! -Jessica Hanson
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September 17 - Puget Sound - 9:30 a.m. - Boaters told me they saw large group of orcas near Clinton ferry dock. -Janine Harles
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September 17 - Admiralty Inlet - 10:00 a.m. - 5 orcas sighted off lighthouse in Port Townsend headed into Puget Sound. 3 females, 1 baby and 1 male. -NancyLeonard
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9:30 a.m. - Pod sighted in Port Townsend North Beach. Pod of six, possibly more, definitely including one small/baby orca (roughly what appeared to be three females, two males or larger/independent orcas and a young orca which stayed near it's mother and practiced breeching). Spotted this morning around 0930am-1000am northwest of North Beach/ Fort Worden close to shore at low tide. -Annalisa Barelli
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September 17 - Approx 10:45 am saw single large blow - humpback- north of Edmonds mid channel - from lower car level of ferry too far for fluke or dorsal view. -Donna Green VanRenselaar
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9:16 a.m. - Humpback back again in Apple Tree Cove, appears to be heading south. A constant tail slap... counted 25 times with two sessions. Amazing! -Darlene Moneypenny

September 16
Western Juan de Fuca Strait - J27 west bound off of Carmanah Lighthouse on September 16th. -Photo by Mark Malleson, 2017
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Just one from tonight as my eyes are shot from the smoke. After watching Transients come out of Sinclair Inlet and into Rich Passage, I took a painfully long detour to South Beach (Bainbridge Is.). I was sitting on the bench there, not knowing if I was behind or ahead of the whales, when I heard the first blow. Then I heard a second much closer and louder. They swam by so close, and it was just me and the whales. T36B, T36B1 and T37A1. -Photo by Connie Bickerton, September 16, 2017
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September 16 - Juan de Fuca - Just before we left on our morning tour I could see Orca from my deck aiming towards Sooke Harbour...they continued east an we caught up to them within minutes....Then visited a few Humpback whales in our area...Another great day! -Paul Pudwell
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Thirteen year-old male T65A2 is sporting some fresh-looking scarring on both sides of his dorsal fin. This evening we saw members of the T65As and T99s as they headed up San Juan Channel and west through Spieden Channel. -Photo by Monika Wieland Shields, September 16, 2017
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September 16 - Bremerton (T137s, T36, T36Bs, T37A).
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7:30 p.m. - Kayla Black reports a large pod headed north off Restoration Point. Darkness is falling so that may be the last sighting of the day.
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7:01 p.m. - Saw them feeding right off Bainbridge in Rich Passage from Watauga Beach Port Orchard. Four dorsals. -Colleen Coleman
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6:55 p.m. - headed east out of Rich Passage. Hugging Bainbridge shoreline. Appear to be going to go North around the south end of Bainbridge. -Connie Bickerton
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Rich Passage: so fun to see so so many people watching and waiting for the orcas in Kitsap County! -Photo by Sue Larkin, September 16 2017
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6:05 p.m. - T137s, T36, T36Bs, and T37A1 heading east in Rich Passage at the south end of Bainbridge Island now. Two groups a quarter mile apart maybe. -Bart Rulon Chilkat Express
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5:51 pm - Spotted near Waterman Point (seen from just north of Enetai in East Bremerton). Still eastbound. -Brian Johnson
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5:30 p.m. - Swimming near the fast ferry (Passenger Only ferry) take off zone. Looked like one pod spread out in two different locations, possibly 2 pods. -Desi Chipman
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4:42 p.m. - They are passing the Manette bridge right now (closer to Bremerton). Can't tell what way they are headed. watching from Annapolis pier.
4:36 p.m. - they are right in front of the navy ships. Headed towards port orchard bay from Sinclair inlet.
3:10 p.m. - watching from the boat launch @ Evergreen Park. They are Between the two bridges headed out towards Port Orchard Bay. -Brittany Gordon
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3:22 p.m. - We watched them pass under Manette Bridge and appear to head towards Sinclair Inlet. Currently waiting at Bachmann Park for another pass. -Melinda Barajas
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2:56 p.m. - Quickly passing Lions Park headed towards Warren Avenue Bridge. -Rick Vandenhole
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2:44 p.m. - they are exiting Phinney Bay now. 1 boat following them.. they are headed towards Lyons park. -Britanny Gordon
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2:40 p.m. - Near Lions Park - Port Washington Narrows. -Photo by Katrina Browning, September 16, 2017
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1:26 p.m. - 3-4 milling off Rocky Point in Dyes Inlet. T137A today in Dyes Inlet/Port Washington Narrows as an admirer looks on from the nearby shore...-Photo by Sue Larkin, September 16, 2017
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12:50 p .m. - headed out of Dyes Inlet. Would be by Lions Field by now. Big beautiful bull! And possibly 4 to 5 others behind. -Douglas Olson
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12:30 p.m. - across from Tracyton boat launch Silverdale side. Milling. -Ginny Sisk
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11:19 a.m. - A pod of at least two orcas just passed through Sinclair Inlet and are heading to Silverdale. -Pauline Meyers
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11:00 a.m. - Ts in Bremerton: I think there were six. They went into Dyes Inlet, so we left them alone after the bridge since it gets pretty tight in there. (We were initially headed to the park for the kids). We actually turned our motor off but they kept swimming towards us! They went into the inlet and we left. -Mary Kay Hurt
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10:29 a.m - Maia at WS Ferries reports 6 orcas heading south in Rich Passage toward Bremerton.
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September 16 - Puget Sound - 7:30 p.m. - Still milling around just north of Kingston ferry. -Jae Ly
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We saw her from the 7pm ferry from Kingston! Closer to the Kingston side. -Elyssa Kerr
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4:52 p.m. - several slow nice blows, then a beautiful tail up. North side of the 4:40 departure ferry from Kingston. Clearly a Humpback. On the West side of the channel. -Jae Ly
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4:15 p.m. - Humpback off Apple Tree Point. Line of sight to south Whidbey tip. Slow southbound I believe. West side channel. Approaching ferry. -Sara Frey
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3:42 p.m. - Humback just north of Apple Tree Cove. -Darlene Moneypenny
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1:51 p.m. - The eye of a humpback - CS631/CRC16017 - I have waited my entire life for this! For whatever reason, today was the day and I am still in disbelief as to why this whale decided to spend so much time with us. Thank you, "Two Spot", for making one of my biggest dreams come true. -Photo by Renee Beitzel, September 16, 2017
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11:59 a.m. - Just saw it right in the ferry lane. Several shallow crests and small blows. Heading southbound. -Ruth Rogovoy Berkman
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10:41 a.m. - Very busy whale (Humpie?) north of Apple Tree Cove in Kingston right now!!! I have been on so many tours but haven't seen breaching and slapping like this. Love it!! ...and not moving any direction really. Deckhand on the boat said it'd been there a while. -Kelly Thomas
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Humpback MMY0024 - Just before we left on our morning tour I could see Orca from my deck aiming towards Sooke Harbour...they continued east an we caught up to them within minutes, then we visited a few Humpback whales in our area. Another great day! -Photo by Paul Pudwell, September 16, 2017
(ID by Alisa Lemire Brooks)
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September 16 - The T109A's sharing a seal at Fraser Island, Becher Bay in the evening. -Photo taken under permit #MML-001 by Mark Malleson, 2017
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On September 16th we encountered 6 of the 9 whales in the T65A and T99 matrilines, pictured here (see photo below).This encounter for us was in San Juan and Spieden Channels in the evening about 5-6 PM. It's not unusual for some members of a group to seemingly "appear" and "disappear" throughout an encounter, but apparently this was a bit of a longer separation than usual, because our next two transient encounters included those "missing" three whales and not the rest of their families! It seems unusual to us that T65A3 (age 10), T65A4 (age 6) and T99B (age 10) would separate from their families for several days at their age, so we're wondering if it was an intentional separation or if they "got lost", but we will never know for sure! We did hear today, however, that the three roaming sub-adults were reunited with their mothers today! -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
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Unique splits the last few days. This was the group traveling together...T065A, T065A2, T065A3, T099, T099C and T099D. We had no sign of T065A4, T065A3 and T099B. -Photo by Gary Sutton, September 16, 2017
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T65A2 with new injuries right side dorsal. On Saturday, September 16, 2017 at 11:56 a.m., we spotted three Orca whales in the Strait of Juan de Fuca along North Beach in Port Townsend, WA. Feeding, playing, traveling. -Photo by Paula Lewis, September 16, 2017
(ID confirmed by Dave Ellifrit, Center for Whale Research (CWR)
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"The juvenile next to T65A2 in the third picture is T99C." -Photo y Paula Lewis, September 16, 2017
(ID by Dave Ellifrit, CWR)

September 15
San Juans - Trip Report from 9/15/17 3:30 - 7:30 PM - Departed Friday Harbor aboard J1 heading out into San Juan Channel where we encountered lone male T049A1 just off the shore of Lopez Island with some directional changes and long dives, possibly looking for dinner. We had a few looks at him but he eventually did a long dive of several minutes crossing the distance more than halfway over to the San Juan Island shoreline. We left him and headed up to Kanaka Bay in Haro Strait where we found the T123's accompanied by a NOAA research skiff. They were traveling in a group very close to shore. Mind blowing to see T's in the kelp beds off Eagle Point in September which is where we should be seeing southern residents foraging for Chinook. They traveled south and did a large circle south of Cattle Point at one point heading directly into the majestic peak of Mt. Rainier visible on a clear and calm evening from more than 100 miles away. At this point they had also separated with T123 and T123C traveling closely together and T123A always about a mile away, still well within vocal range. We left them to travel out toward Hein Bank to see if we could find a humpback that had been spotted earlier in the day and encountered a small group of four Pacific white-sided dolphins who played in our wake at times. Leaving them, we almost immediately encountered a minke whale who was surfacing frequently and we got at least a half dozen good looks at this slim, sleek baleen whale. We then pointed back towards San Juan Channel and got many more looks at the T123's still traveling in the split grouping but directionally pointed into San Juan Channel with the Cascades alpenglow making them appear dreamlike. At one point we were drifting idle looking at T123A about 300-400 yards on the starboard side, when T123C surfaced very close to the port side. The engine was immediately shut down and T123 came up within feet of the boat, rolled on her side and looked up. As darkness became imminent, we went over to take a look at Steller sea lions hauled out and vying for real estate with one another as we pondered if one of these giant mammals would eventually become a Friday night feast for the T123's coming up behind us. There is no prettier place on the planet than the Salish Sea in September! -Debbie Stewart
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While the Southern Residents were here, there were only 2-3 groups of transients spotted per day in the Salish Sea. Now that the Residents have left again, we were back up to 10 groups of transients in the Salish Sea today. The T123s (including T123A Stanley, pictured here) in Haro Strait were just one of them. Coincidence? Do we not find transients as much when we have residents to look at, or do the transients clear out when the residents are here? -Photo by Monika Wieland Shields, September 15, 2017
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6:22 p.m. - Just saw a large male (I think) off of Point Caution heading northwest through the San Juan channel. -April Nagrodski
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Another Killer morning! Cpt. Dan found the T123's of the Biggs/ Transient Killer Whales 6 minutes from our docks (Sooke), then we had the pleasure to also visit the T010's and the T109's from Sooke to Race Rocks....WOW! -Photo by Paul Pudwell, September 15, 2017
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September 15 - Puget Sound - 7:00 p.m. - I lucked into hopping onto a boat as they passed Anderson Island and had a little "into the sunset" time with these guys - T137s and another pod traveling with them, 7 in total;
6:45 p.m. - headed south around Anderson Island toward Nisqually;
6:11 p.m. - 2 groups spread out. Big male is passing the Steilacoom ferry dock mid channel, further from shore, other group is behind and closer to shore;
6:07 p.m. - still southbound, south of chambers creek now, coming into Steilacoom. Two small boats keeping a respectful distance and the ferry is headed their way too;
6:00 p.m. - Seen from Anderson island ferry dock. Headed south, already past the golf course and just north of the Chambers Creek railroad bridge, very close to shore. Matriarch T137 (34 years old), was travelling with offspring T137B past Anderson Island's shoreline. As the sun was setting, the T137s and another pod made their way south of Anderson Island into Nisqually Reach. We had T137 and her kiddo T137B traveling together, T137A on his own, and another group of 4 beyond him. T137B (11 years old) was travelling with Mom T137 past Anderson Island shoreline. -Belen Bilgic Schneider
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Email received at 6:09 .m. - Sighted a pod near Steliacoom in between Chambers Bay and McNeil Island heading south towards Anderson island no estimate on size of the pod but plenty of breaching. Traveling. -Daniel Martin
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5:35 p.m. - South of Narrows Bridge near Chambers Bay. Just off golf course. -Deanna Sparks Kjorlien
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5:07 p.m. - watched five orcas southbound from narrows bridge travel fairly slowly close to Gig Harbor side then more mid channel towards Day Island where they are now out of our sight range. At least one large male in group. -Jill Clogston
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T137A - Taken in front my friends house on Day Island (just south of Tacoma Narrows bridge today) around 5 pm. -Photo by Zeno Martin, September 15, 2017
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4:44 p.m. - I can count one group of three and one group of 7. Southbound under the narrows at 1644 hours. -Matt Graham
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4:17 p.m. - Watching from Gig Harbor. There's at least 5 females/young traveling together & one male. They are pretty spread out so possibly more? The male is close to rounding the bend towards the Narrows bridge. At least some of the others stalled out a bit past Salmon Beach. -Heidi Armstrong
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3:55 p.m. - They are entering The Narrows now. At least 5, with the Adult Male. They also made a kill in Dalco. Research Boat got a sample.
3:33 p.m. - They are in Dalco Passage. Some heading for Colvos, some heading for the Point (proper) at Pt. Defiance. -Melissa Burke
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3:15 p.m. - Orcas just off Tahlaquah ferry terminal 15 min ago, 3-4 definitely a bull male , heading west towards the Narrows crossing ferry lane. Moving fast with 3 boats way to close in pursuit. -Wayne McFarland, WSF
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3:10 p.m. - Passing by the ferry dock on the south end of Vashon now. -Neal McCulloch
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1:45 p.m. - larger group milling 1/2-1 mile south of mid channel buoy that is out from PT Robinson.
1:35 p.m. - after passing Point Robinson larger group in two groups close to one another held line that took them to mid channel. Bull male and maybe others still inside Vashon side, but also trending towards mid but still Vashon side of others. All southbound last I saw. Long down times and slow/med travel. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
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1:25 p.m. - T137 in the lead, then T36B, then T36 with T137D far left. They passed Point Robinson close to Vashon side, still heading south. Research boat still with them. -Photo by Kelly Burns Keenan, September 15, 2017
(ID's confirmed by Melisa Pinnow, Center for Whale Research)
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12:45 p.m. - Mid channel steady pace southbound sightline south side Three Tree Point and KVI Beach, Vashon heading towards Point Robinson. Research skiff still with them. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
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12:10 p.m. - Kelly Keenan called then the orcas showed up! At least 7 Mid channel out from Dilworth, Vashon still southbound.
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11:30 a.m. - At least 3 Orca headed south, just passing Vashon ferry dock. -Ellen Cole
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T36B in the lead. Passing Constellation Point, southbound mid-channel around 11:15 am. -Photo by Kersti Muul, September 15, 2017
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10:54 a.m. - they've rounded Alki spread; some in groups and others in ones and twos. Closest groups rounded Alki maybe 1/4 mile offshore. Serene and beautiful in the calm & stillness this morning to watch two groups pass close together inshore Alki side. Lovely to see others through binoculars in the distance spread to far west of the yellow mid channel. At least 2 bulls total. All southbound in flat calm seas. From southside Alki. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
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Three groups. Large male behind the rest. Passing Blake SB mid channel 1053. -Kersti Muul
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10:34 a.m. - Elliot Bay- Two groups heading south, towards Alki Point. -Photo by Janine Harles, September 15, 2017
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9:55 a.m. - group of 6 are well south of West Point/Discovery Park skirting Elliot Bay slow/med steady pace southbound aiming for Alki. With others spread to the west.
9:30 a.m. - spread group total 6+ few inshore heading toward West Point Lighthouse. The other few further offshore per my 9:20 update.
9:20 a.m. - pod I just saw go under was directly West of Shilshole marina east if mid channel. Southbound. Have not resurfaced to get count. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
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9:22 a.m. - mid channel near Discovery Park. Headed south. Maybe a bit east channel.
9:15 a.m. - mid channel, in front of Fay Bainbridge. Milling. -Sandra Prow
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Directly west of me at north beach now, heading south at 8:51 shortly behind fishing vessel cape flattery. If they aren't visible from Golden Gardens yet, they will be within minutes. Mid channel. -Stephen Sommerfeld
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8:45 a.m. - off Carkeek milling by fishing boats. -Steve Smith
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8:30 a.m - pod is in between Richmond Beach and Carkeek Park. Probably more out from Carkeek very close to this side. Southbound but then milling. No bulls in this group. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
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8:27 a.m. - they're south of Shoreline now, swimming east toward Blue Ridge (north of Golden Gardens, North Seattle) great views down at golden gardens soon I would think.
8:03 a.m. - I moved to Saltwater Park in Richmond Beach and they're here now. Lagging group almost here.
7:41 a.m - the rest of the squad just showed up, at least 6, southbound. They passed very close to Edmonds side.
7:28 a.m. - I'm seeing at least 2 from Marina Beach in Edmonds, southbound.Very close to Edmonds shore! -Michelle Goll
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7:15 a.m. - Orcas. Just saw what looked like about four orcas this morning from train. Breached once then dove and didnt see again. About a mile north of the Edmonds ferry dock. -David Freed
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September 15 - Possession Sound/Saratoga Passage - 1:47 p.m. - Chilkat leaving the T99s, (spread out) northbound in Saratoga at Lowell Point. -Renee Beitzell
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12:30 p.m. - We left them heading north up the southwest side of Camano.
11:52 a.m. - Now towards south end of Camano.
11:41 a.m - Red Head just picked them up Sandy Pt on Whidbey, southbound. -Rob Sanderson
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8:28 a.m. - Ah ha! 3/4 orcas just east of Boeing pier east of Mukilteo ferry. Milling about, possibly feeding. Moving west slowly. -Jason R Bourne
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September 15 - Possession Sound/Admiralty Inlet (T65As)
4:40 p.m. - The clipper moved on but from my prospective people on smaller boat must be getting quite a show. Because they are stopped but the Orca are swimming quite close with a couple breaches.
4:36 p.m. - The Clipper and another boat a stopped watching Orca due west of Lagoon Point close to Marrowstone. Too far for me to see from Whidbey, just a fin now and then. Boats are moving north so I assume Orca are also. -Paul Kukuk
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3:46 p.m. - They have stalled in front of Lagoon Point. Still midchannel. Appear to be hunting. A whale watching boat has arrived and is nearby, north or the last sighting.
3:25 p.m. - At least four Orcas moving quickly northbound in Admiralty Inlet. Midchannel, off of Lagoon Point, Whidbey Island. -Margaret Marshall
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7:06 a.m. - 6-7 orcas passing Mukilteo Lighthouse Park. Headed south. (No ID's on this morning group but we had not more reports of this group and then the T65As showed up in Admiralty northoubnd, per Puget Sound Express, so is possible this was T65As based on time and group size and factors of the day - ALB) -Jason R. Bourne
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September 15 - Thought I would share an Orca sighting from 9/15/2017 (8:30 a.m.). Was trolling (fishing) Puget Sound, just south of Richmond Beach when behind me, to my left, maybe 200 yards we spotted an Orca, T137A. It was heading south as well. Was the only boat in the area at the time. Saw the Orca go down and 10 seconds later it surfaced about 30ft off my right side. Must have just wanted to check us out because it altered its path south to make a loop around me. I also thought it strange to see a lone Orca. I've seen the pods go by in the past but never a single Orca. Attached a couple pictures I was able to take and one shows some pretty good tail markings. If you're able to tell me the Orca number by those markings that would be pretty neat. Also, maybe a couple hours later I saw the Edmonds whale watching boat heading South as well. Presumably to see the Orca(s). -Jeramy Thompson
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September 15 - Admiralty Inlet - 9:45 a.m. - We saw a small Humpback). Too big for a sea lion and not an orca. Surfaced many times. It did look like an irregular dorsal fin. There was definitely a fin though. Heading north about 150 ft from shore. Smugglers Lagoon Lane , Greenbank. It's just north of S Whidbey State Park on the west wide of Whidbey Island. Would love to know if others were able to give it a positive id. -Nancy Ritzenthaler
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Gray whales - September 15 - We saw a single grey whale at 5:30 pm this evening in Holmes Harbor right at Dines Point. It was small. Maybe a baby. That's the best shot I got. I was so fascinated by watching it. It came up for breaths 4 times. Each time it was pretty close to the shore, maybe 50 feet away from me. I'm pretty sure it was feeding. It was small, maybe a baby? We could clearly see the barnacles on it, and it was light in color. Each time it surfaced we could hear the exhalations, short but loud enough to hear. In fact, that's how I first saw it, I heard it out there and then I turned around to see it. It was going south, into Holmes Harbor around 5:30 last night. About 30 minutes later we saw it again, farther out, maybe 200 feet or so, and it was headed north west, towards Greenbank Farm. It surfaced 2 more times that time, and we got to see much more of the body, longer and out of the water a little longer each of those times. It was clearly a Gray. -Debi Wayland
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September 15 - WA coast - We lucked out at Kalaloch Beach on Friday with grey whales passing close to shore and feeding in the surf. They looked near enough to walk out to, but we respected the 100 yard distance regulation and were too scared of the water anyway! Seeing their blows highlighted against the blue of the sea and sky and watching them feed in the shallows was an unexpected treat and a booster to the soul. -Sandra Pollard/Richard Snowberger

September 14
Central Puget Sound - 5:44 p.m. - I think I saw one at Point Vashon heading towards N Vashon ferry terminal! Uploading a video on my page soon. Heading east towards West Seattle. -Ian Ma
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One male transient feeding right by the Vashon dock at the 5:35pm sailing. It was right by the north slip. -Aimee Demarest
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September 14 - North Puget Sound - 12:30 p.m. - Lone bull reported 3nm off Kingston ferry terminal. -Joseph Shadwick
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September 14 - Admiralty to Possession to Saratoga - 6:46 p.m. - At least three just passed! Heading north close to Camano, Pebble Beach. -Sarah Malmstead
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6:23 p.m. - They're just passing the Langley marina northbound entering Langley. -Durand Dace
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Watched orcas from just north of Clinton Ferry terminal to Langley 4:45 - 6:30 pm. First saw them in the ferry lanes, somewhat closer to the Whidbey side, active and splashing...pretty sure hunting and killing prey...hard to narrow down photos, but truly I did. There were around 7 of them, at least 2 males and a young one and 4 females, just making the best guess...Still in awe, loved hearing them breathe and exhale. There is something about shore/land based whale watching, hard to explain... some of the photos zoomed, most are cropped. By 6:20 p.m. - they had passed Sandy Point and are heading toward Langley. ..."There is something about shore/land based whale watching, hard to explain.." -Marilyn Armbruster
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5:15 p.m. - They've passed the Clinton dock and have rounded the corner, headed toward Saratoga. Lots of splashing and playful lobbing. Easily 6 or more counting their blows. -Durand Dace
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5:18 p.m. - Active Orca group heading north past Clinton ferry. Clinton ferry delayed due to activity. -Kevin H Doar
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5:00 p.m. - Orca Network board member Fred Lundahl relayed a report of orcas headed north across the Clinton/Mukilteo ferry lane, up Saratoga Passage.
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Orcas from 430pm Mukilteo/Clinton ferry. 7 or 8 orcas in middle of waterway. Not noticebly heading in a direction. Not breaching but surfacing. -Cindy and Tom Reuland
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Seeing them from the 4:00 sailing to Clinton. Heading north close to whidbey. We left them at 5:30 continuing north up Whidbey Island heading towards Langley. -Danielle Pennington
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4:59 p.m. - Just saw a half dozen or so orcas just off Clinton dock (a quarter mile or so), -David Freed
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4:50 p.m. - at least in two groups maybe three. What was lead group has moved offshore still west of mid channel. Sightline from Mukilteo passing Clinton ferry. Other group closer to Whidbey nearing Clinton dock. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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4:37 p.m. - travelling north approaching houses on Whidbey side nearing Clinton ferry dock. -Jill Clogston
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3:30 p.m. - lead group porpoising towards Glendale. Another group trailing with larger group trailing them and porpoising! All northbound
3:25 p.m. - one group with bull well north of Possession Point northbound. Large group just of east side of Point making a ruckous. Directional changes, -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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3:22 p.m. - Two groups: the bull and 3 females continued north toward Clinton, but there is another group of 4 to 6 south of near the blue sailboat.
3:05 p.m. - easily seeing them with the naked eye from Possession Beach. The bull is active and there is breaching. -Durand Dace
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2:50 p.m. - they look committed to northbound up Possession Sound hugging Whidbey side. More grouped now in Steady travel mode directionally towards Clinton.
2:45 p.m. - two groups just to the east of green buoy at Possession Point. Not going anywhere too fast. Maybe trending north. Another group with bull is south of and heading towards buoy . Viewing from aHaines Whatf park, north Edmonds.
2:24 p.m. - Another pod (incl. bull) came from the south ( maybe that earlier Kingston bull and family) headed towards all the others south of Possession Point. Maybe to join in a meal. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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1409: We met up with the T36Bs, 36, 37A1, 65As, 99s and 137s today in Puget Sound and some were on a Common Murre rampage! Possession Point.Chilkat currently with Ts- hedging toward Posession point but stil south, hunting common murres! -Renee Beitzel, Chilkat Express
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2:02 p.m - spread in 3 groups, but in close proximity. middle group surface active. Thrashing. Maybe on a kill?
1:55 p.m. - tanker just went by and looks like they had some fun in it's wake. Group is split with one moving west the other milling about same as 1:45 p.m. - location. Seas have fair chop so visibility not awesome. Barely see them even with binos.
1:45 p.m. - Ts were relocated by Chilkat off of North Edmonds, south of Possession Point. I myself finally just saw a fin, a real live male orca. Finally. Phew,-Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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11:49 a.m. - Red Head is with the 137s, 65a's, 99's and 36b's. At Point No Point southbound slowly. -Rob Sanderson
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10:20 a.m. - Orcas passed heading south about a mile south of Bush Point lighthouse, mid-strait. -Howard Garrett, Orca Network
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9:37 a.m. - T65As and 137s southbound between Lagoon and Bush Points. -Christopher Hanke, PSE
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September 14 - Trip with Humpbacks! Humpback BCY0409 "Yogi" off San Juan Island. Orca reports today had those whales far south, far west and far north - so we headed towards Cattle Pass to find two humpbacks reported traveling southbound. We found them in beautifully calm seas, and had excellent views as they continued on their journey, with a lot of diving and showing of their flukes (tails). Lots more wildlife to see, by Smith/Minor Islands we found Tufted Puffins, lots of harbor seals hauled out and at Bird Rocks a bunch of Steller Sea Lions enjoying the sun. No two days are alike on the Salish Sea! -Jill Hein, volunteer naturalist.

September 13
3:50 p.m. - They're porpoising north from False Bay per Jimmie.
2:54 p.m. - Southern Residents - They all just merged at Salmon Bank with the L12s. San Juan Channel whales went crazy with percussives as they left Cattle Pass!
2:11 p.m. - L4s are here too. Looks like they're in a resting line. In sight of Cattle Point now; they're still north of here going very slow. -Monika Wieland Shields
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12:08 p.m. - heading for San Juan Channel. ID'd so far L92, L105, L47s - present were all Ls.
11:30 a.m. - Just left them heading down Presidents Channel. Will be interesting to see which way they go. I picked a good day to be on a boat with Road Scholar!
10:15 a.m. - Whales near Sucia...definitely Rs - lots of them and very active. -Cindy Hansen, Orca Network
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September 13 - Saw L-Pod swim East down the San Juan de Fuca tonight from American Camp at 6pm. -Cy Scammell
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After a transient killer whale filled summer, we're pleased to share that we've had seven straight encounters with the Southern Residents as the majority of L-Pod has decided to spend some time in inland waters. Here's a shot of L72 Racer and her son L105 Fluke this evening under the Olympic Mountains. -Photo by Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institure, September 13, 2017
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After coming down San Juan Channel on their way south from the Fraser River, the 19 whales in sub-group of L-Pod I call the Greater L4s exited Cattle Pass and made a bee-line for the L12 sub-group that had been foraging off San Juan Island for a few days. -Photo by Monika Wieland Shields, September 13, 2017
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The majority of L-Pod has hung around for a few days, and it was too beautiful not to get out for a short visit with them this evening. L55 Nugget, L118 Jade, and L123 Lazuli were in a playful mood, spending some time rolling around together. -Photo by Monika Wieland Shields, September 13, 2017
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Bigg's/Transient killer whales - September 18 - North Puget Sound/Admiralty Inlet - T137s and 36Bs are PNP whales. -Renee Beitzel
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11:10 a.m. - Glacier Spirit reports northbound Orcas off Point No Point, Kitsap Peninsula. -Christopher Hanke, Puget Sound Express
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Here is a video of a single male orca west bound Sept 13 2017 7:50PM taken from Sooke Point. I heard a blow, grabbed the camera and started videoing. -Video by Vincenz Eberl, September 13

September 12
Bigg's/Transient killer whales - 2:30 p.m. - Very excited to report an orca (1) his dorsal fin was really tall - had to be 5-6 feet. He was definitely on a speedy mission traveling south. Sighting this afternoon, 9/12/17, at Marrowstone Point, Fort Flagler State Park. Traveling at a fairly rapid rate. We do have a photo. -Paul and Kathy Marshall
(proof of presence adult male, possibly T49C who was seen entering Admiralty earlier -ALB)
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1:00 p.m. - Chilkat Express left lone male orca T49C traveling south about a mile out from the Whidbey Island shoreline at Point Partridge, he was heading into Admiralty Inlet. Just before that, we had 2 Minkes at Partridge Bank moving quickly south toward Protection Island, and right after we left T49C, we met up with Humpback BCX1210 "Slate" just north of Point Wilson, heading across toward Point Partridge. -Justine Buckmaster
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September 12 - Haro Strait - T99 & T99B - On the way to catch the ferry this morning. Land Bank, just south of Lime Kiln. Look closely. Breakfast to go! -Photo by Jim Maya, September 12, 2017
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Unidentified killer whales - September 12 - 9:27 a.m. - There are orcas (2 female, small ones) at Dungeness Spit, Pacific side/Juan de Fuca side of spit. Only saw them for a few seconds right now about a mile into the hike. -Luke Schwantes
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9:00 a.m. - September 12, 2017 - Orca pod sighting by Sequim. A large pod was traveling west along Miller Peninsula in the fog this morning. 5 females, a few juveniles, 2 bulls (tall erect dorsal fins) further off shore. Traveling west. -Megan Black, N Diamond Shore Lane
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Humpback whales - September 12 - Juan de Fuca - Another great day out west in the Juan De Fuca Strait with 25-30 humpback whales. -Paul Pudwell
(including CS596 "Mercury" & BCY Unknown "Frodo" ID"d by Alisa Lemire Brooks)
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September 12 - Looked like a humpback around 5:15 pm east of Decatur Island. Lolling and flopping around, maybe eating, considering the seagulls above her/him. -Heather Nicholson
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1:00 p.m. -...and right after we left T49C, we met up with Humpback BCX1210 "Slate" just north of Point Wilson, heading across toward Point Partridge. -Justine Buckmaster
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Orcas off Landbank and County Park 9:30 -10:30 today...Not good service in West Side but I will share when we head into town. Heard these were T65As and T99s. They were in the kelp beds for a bit - kayakers came through. Maybe too close and they took off towards Lime Kiln. -Julie Shelton
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Minke whales - September 12 - 1:00 p.m...we had 2 Minkes at Partridge Bank moving quickly south toward Protection Island. -Justine Buckmaster
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Dolphins - September 12 - 2:39 p.m. - 6 common dolphins in S. Puget Sound. Mid channel, between Boston Harbor Marina (Budd Inlet) and Edgewater Beach (Eld Inlet). Milling and jumping. Very active. Lots of feeder fish here, too. -Kim Merriman
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September 12 - Today I found a little flyer in the marine office in falls creek with the information that you are looking for info about orca spotting. I was sailing towards Gambier Island with a friend of mine and we saw two orcas on the way - between Horseshoe Bay and Bowen Island. Vancouver. That was around 6:00 / 7:00 pm I would guess. Not sure if this info is detailed enough for you but I thought it's better than nothing. Attached I send you some pics of the whales. "The male is T012" -Silke Steinberg
(Report above. ID by Dave Ellifrit, Center for Whale Research)
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9:52 a.m. - Bigg's/Transients in Haro Strait off Land Bank, west side of San Juan Island. Orca Sighting. Definitely at least 5, possibly 6 or more. Feeding, then traveling at a pretty good speed. Spy hop, some belly rolls near shore. Very active and moved fast. 48.5161532,-123.1574043. -Video by Laurelle Lee, September 12, 2017

September 11
L77 off the south end of San Juan & Lopez Islands backdropped by Turtle Back Mountain on Orcas Island. L-92 Crewser, L-90 Ballena passing Lime Kiln Lighthouse. -Photo by Ariel Yseth, Naturalist, Spirit of Orca
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Monday morning Mystic Sea left port with warm air, sunny skies, and flat calm waters. We first cruised to Colville where we stopped to see harbor seals lounging about in one of their favorite places. We continued on towards Salmon Bank where we were so thankful to find members of L-pod (finally!), including the L12s. We stayed with L-pod for the day, and Mystic Sea passengers and crew saw something that is very rare - L85 (also known as Mystery) swimming alongside a juvenile minke whale! One of our crew members caught a short video of them surfacing near each other, as everyone looked on excitedly. To round out an already amazing day, Captain Eric cruised us to Smith Island where we found nearly 20 puffins and Minor Island where additional harbor seals could be seen. We were back at port by 4pm with a fantastic day of whales and wildlife etched in our memories. -Amy W., Mystic Sea
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9:57 a.m. - still hearing S2iii calls with tanker coming
9:24 a.m. - tuned in a few minutes ago, now start hearing echolocation and sweet L pod vocals. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, ON
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8:39 a.m. - Listening to orca off Lime kiln point 8:39 am. This is awesome! -Terri Barnett
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September 11 - Juan de Fuca - With great anticipation we headed out west in search of Whales...We found them! (with camera working after drying out) 40+ humpback whales. And...then a Surprise, Transient orcasT49C (forefront) and T68 wests Juan de Fuca in the calmest seas you can imagine. Some of my favorite shots from today, with All the ID shots of Humpbacks next...Have to look for T's ID to make sure. So many whales and pictures...so little time...Wow what a day! -Paul Pudwell
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September 11 - Kayak Brinnon reported orcas in Hood Canal, seen by Pulali Point, as posted on the Brinnon and Hood Canal Adventures page. -Sally Marone, visitor
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80% sure of orca sighting in Hood Canal yesterday off Brinnon about 11:30 am. I am a Marine Biologist so I know how to identify but I was pretty far away. But if you hear of another report than you can probably be sure. -JC Maloney
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September 11 - Puget Sound - 8:10 a.m. 8-10 Orcas (including 1 adult male) spread out off Apple Tree Point, Kingston northbound. On Kitsap side. Chez Nous pleasure craft is with the male. Others are heading towards Eglon. -Sara Frey
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September 11 - Juan de Fuca - Fluking AWSOME! We attempted to get as many ID shots as possible...with great care for so many Humpback whales were ..well JUST EVERYWHERE. -Paul Pudwell , Sooke Coastal WW
(including CS249, BCZUnk "Lyra", BCX0345 "Victory" & CS596 "Mercury"- ID'd by Alisa Lemire Brooks)
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September 11 - 10:30 a.m. - We have 2 humpbacks off Possession right now and Cultus Bay. CRC 13632/BCX 0700 ID on one, not sure on the other yet. -Bart Rulon, Chilkat Express.
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10:25 a.m. - 2 Humpbacks 2 Miles south of Whidbey (off Possession Point) -Christopher Hanke, Chilkat
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September 11 - Today on 9/11/17 at 2:45pm we were approximately 3 miles northeast of the RA buoy headed back towards Cattle Pass when a minke whale breached in the distance twice, lunged in the water twice, and then breached again! There were Southern Resident orcas in the area including L25 who was about 250 yards away from him, and L41 who was about 400 yards on his other side. We also heard on the radio that there was a small juvenile minke whale hanging out near L85....We saw another minke in the distance who was traveling towards L77 and L119. We're not sure if it is the same minke that we saw breaching an hour later. Plus, someone was with orcas and a minke whale near the Salmon Bank marker...It was incredible to see! -Cheers, Barbara Howitt, All Aboard Sailing
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Unidentified whales - September 11 - 9:06 a.m. - Just saw a whale spouting and splashing off Alki (north side) straight out from the Starbucks. Not clear enough to know what type! -Tim-Amie Van Liew
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Neighbor reported it here (three-quarters of a mile south of Brace Point) heading north about 7:45 AM. Could not ID type. (in respone to 9:06 am report). -Jim Nunn

September 10
September 10 - April showers bring May flowers, but apparently September pours bring the L4s! There's something about a good rain bringing in the salmon, and hence the whales as well. We got our first few days of steady rainfall in about 3 months and sure enough this morning we were surprised to learn the L4s (9 whales) were in Haro Strait, where they spent the day! Here is L82 Kasatka passing American Camp this afternoon. -Monika Wieland Shields
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The L4's inbound on the morning of September 10th south of Trial Island. -Photo by Mark Malleson September 10 - Juan de Fuca - An incredible trip today with three different species of whale - transient orcas, a humpback and a Minke. Time of transient encounter was 1:00 pm at Eastern Bank (Strait of Juan de Fuca) The T65As joined forces with the T99s to make a formidable foe for the resilient harbor seal on their radar, fighting hard for survival. The orcas worked cooperatively and systematically to wear down their prey, leaving much of the work to the younger members of the group. This was nature in the raw with the full power of the ocean's top predator in sharp contrast to our later encounter with the gentle humpback and Minke baleen whales. The HB and the Minke were both in the same area between Smith and Minor Islands and NAS Whidbey spotted 2:45pm. -Sandra Pollard, Author/Naturalist. (Photos Richard Snowberger using 300 mm lens plus - all photos cropped).
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...The T65As joined forces with the T99s to make a formidable foe for the resilient harbor seal on their radar, fighting hard for survival...-Photo by Richard Snowberger, September 10, 2017
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September 10 - South Puget Sound (T137s) - T137A - 7:45 p.m. - Headed towards Pt Robinson (Vashon) looks like a male, female and a young one. -Photo by Tammi Pickett, September 10, 2017
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7:22 p.m. - Last I saw they were heading north on the east of Vashon towards Pt Robinson, we were at Brown's Point! We left about 5 mins ago.
7:02 p.m. - Just spotted them again, heading north up Maury Island.
6:55 p.m. - just south of Maury Island heading north, possibly into Quartermaster Harbor. -Kim Boeve Bolman
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6:25 p.m. - I was sitting on the deck of the Tacoma Yacht Club facing out toward Vashon Island when I saw what I thought were orca whale fins emerge from the water. A small sailboat was nearby, and I saw it maneuver to give the whales some distance. I saw a large male, and one or two females. They each surfaced a number of times. They were too far for me to capture on my phone, but I was so thrilled to see them. I grew up in Tacoma, and I've only seen orcas once in the South Puget Sound, so this was exciting! I thought they were feeding at first, because there were 2-3 whales just east of the Pt. Defiance-Tahlequah ferry path between Pt. Defiance and Vashon, and they appeared to stay in one spot for a little bit. However, then they started to travel, and I saw them surface around Neill Point and then glimpsed them again near Piner Point. 47°19'44.6"N 122°30'20.7"W. -Maria Manza
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We saw them from the ferry on Vashon (we were headed back to Pt. Defiance) at approx 6:25 p.m. Looked like they were right off the Point headed east towards the ferry dock at the time. Saw at least 3 different whales surface at once. Very exciting! -Tishelle Atkins Ward
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6:18 p.m. - Passed the point at 6:05, heading into Vashon inlet currently at 6:18. last I saw they were headed into this area (indicated Dalco Pass, south Maury/Vashon). Boats are still over there (6:36) but I'm on a paddleboard at Owen beach so I can't really get closer. -Britt Birdhouse
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We got to see T137A travelling north today from the Narrows Bridge to Pt. Defiance. One of the remakarable observations was seeing a Sea Lion near our boat with Orca's travelling about a 1/4 mile away or less at Pt Defiance. T he Sea Lion came up with a fish in his mouth as the Orca's travelled away. Usually we don't see Sea Lions or Harbor Seals anywhere near the T's. I think the Orca fed well in the south sound. -Zeno Martin
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T137s - Transients heading under the Narrows Bridge in Gig Harbor. -Photo by Gaby Kinner, September 10, 2017
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We got to spend an hour watching an Orca family hunt down their Sunday dinner along Narrows Beach in Gig Harbor! There was a large male (T137A), two smaller adults and an adorable Juvenile. At the 4:00 mark of the video there are three tail slaps and a nice side fin slap too. That slap was so loud it sounded like a crack of lightning! At the 6:15 mark you can see the male appear to do an end-over-end underwater. A mini-jump at 9:35. Thanks to the Orca network and all the followers for all you do! Hope you enjoy. -Mark Schurer
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T137A - South side of Tacoma Narrows bridge. I believe it was around 4:30 or 5pm. -Photo by Cheryl Nelson, September 10, 2017
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4:30 p.m. - They are still moving northward toward the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, close to the west side near Tacoma Narrows Park. -Gayle Swigart
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3:49 p.m. - T137 family - Now headed towards the Narrows Bridge going north. 4 of them. -Photo by Heather Pauline, September 10, 2017
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4:06 p.m. - almost in front of Narrows Park on the Gig Harbor side, still surrounded by boats, heading North slowly. Large pod of harbor porpoise right under us from our vantage point on the Narrows bridge.
3:40 p.m. - Traveling east along the shore of Fox Island going into Hale Passage.
3:19 p.m. - Group of four hanging out almost directly to the north of the Fox Island fishing pier. Many boats. -Amy Bliss-Miller
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3:45 p.m. - Taken at Fox Island fishing pier. Able to identify one of the males as T137A. -Photo by Sarah Cardinal, September 10, 2017
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3:03 p.m. - The orcas are heading to the Narrows Bridge in front of Chambers far out by Fox Island. -Ryan Sheridan
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2:20 p.m. - At the very southern end of the island halfway between Fox Island and McNeil island.
1:49 p.m. - Midpoint of Fox Island headed south. -Lance Loyd
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1:05 p.m. - 3 orcas just seen at Green Point (Gig Harbor side Case Inlet) headed south towards Fox island. We are following on a jets, they're headed south towards the Fox Island pier. We maintained our 200 yd distance but they decided to say hi! (video of female coming under idle jet ski). -Juliana Morris
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12:20 p.m. - Same 4 spotted just south of Kopachuck beach but more on western side of Inlet than yesterday. Breached twice. Swimming around, seem to be fishing, so not traveling fast. One boat was near but motor seemed to be off. -Sarah Richey Guenther
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11:10 a.m. they are off Cutts island headed out of Henderson bay. A few blows. -Tracy Dodge Hamilton
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10:40 a.m. - They were/are on the Gig Harbor side heading out of Henderson Bay. -Tami Virgo Ferguson
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10:14 a.m. - Orcas in Henderson Bay. It did appear to be adults and juveniles. -Jonah Smith
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10:02 a.m. - Three orca in Purdy. (Henderson Bay, Case Inlet). -Robert Cooper
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September 10 - Puget Sound - Late post but watched two humpbacks feeding near south Whidbey this afternoon. Some pectoral slaps and lunge feeding. -Toby Black
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September 10 - Eastern Juan de Fuca - 2:45 p.m. - Young Humpback whale between Smith and Minor Islands and Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey. -Photo by Richard Snowberger, September 10, 2017
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September 10 - 2:45 p.m. - Minke in the same area as the humpback...between Smith and Minor Islands and NAS Whidbey. -Photo by Richard Snowberger, September 10, 2017
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14:10 - Just saw what I'm 99% certain was a Minke heading SW from Bellingham Channel through the ferry lanes into Rosario Straight. Couldn't keep up to see where it might be headed next! SW from Bellingham channel into Rosario Strait. -Lauren Phillips
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10:12 am - WS Ferries reports two minke whales off the Anacortes docks.
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September 10 - we heard that there was a Pacific white sided dolphin hanging out on the westside (San Juan Island) with the L4's. -Barbara Howitt

September 9
Saratoga Passage - We saw at least 3 including a large one going north at 8pm, after sunset, by Sunset Beach on Camano side. We've seen them a number of times since Labor Day and these were the closest to the Camano side. -Nedra Wilson
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Killer Whales in Saratoga passage. We saw a pod of about 7 killer whales off of Onamac point on Camano island. Feeding/playing on their way south. About 2-3 hours later they swam back by heading north at about 20 knots. I have a good video, and more pics. -Brian Nicholson
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6:00 pm - they have gone north veering towards Camano Island and out of view now. Im at Fox Spit. If i had to make a guess somewhere near Onimac Pt mid channel. I watched at least 4 of them including a large male.
5:45 p.m. - They are now heading north, Whidbey side looking like between Hidden Beach and Shangri La Shores. Almost out of view here from Fox Spit. Looks like maybe heading towards Camano aimed that way..
5:30 p.m. - They are out in the middle of Saratoga roughly between Baby Island and Camano State Park...just milling. -Marilyn Armbruster
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5:10 p.m. - Ts mid channel still very slowly southbound off Lowell Point, Camano Island.
4:30 p.m. - Ts heading south along shore nearing Lowell Point on Camano Island very slowly 1-2 mph. (that is between Cama and Camano state parks). -Bart Rulon
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4:52 p.m. - Watching about 7 orca right now in front if Camano Island State Park, ooks like 3 males and 4 females. Traveling south in front of boat launch Camano side. -Shelly Greybeck
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2:17 p.m. - Just saw 3 orcas at Saratoga passage Madrona beach Camano Island. -Jacqui Loader
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1:05 pm - Slowly southbound nearing Madrona (north end of Camano) - very close to Camano shoreline. Mystic Sea is with them (Chilkat and IE5 left the scene). -Jill Hein
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12:40 p.m. - Chilkat Express just left T101s, T36, T36Bs, and T37A1 southbound at Rocky Point, N end of Camano Island. Very close to shore. -Bart Rulon
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12:21 p.m. - Orcas off of PoLnell Point heading south. Viewing from Utsalady Bay on Camano Island. Several boats in the area. -Colleen Johnson
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12:16 p.m. - Directly across from Mariners Cove. Moving south along shore. -Debi Smith Stapel
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11:42 a.m. - Second group of orcas headed same direction now, but closer to Camano side. Headed north 1142. Looks like puget sound express boat is with them.
11:37 a.m. - headed north towards Strawberry Point mid channel.
11:10 a.m. - Group of orcas (5) just went by headed towards Mariners Cove, Whidbey. No boats are with them. -Marcie Barney Goldberg
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10:44 a.m. - Right off Harrington Lagoon. -Mary Fell Cheston
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10:24 - Alice Runk reports a single orca heading east out of Penn Cove.
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10:10 a.m. - Orcas on Penn Cove, heading out. Appears to be 3 males and 1 female. Sorry too far away for IDs. -Jill Hein
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9:30 a.m. - Orca sighting on north side of Penn Cove. 5 were seen. Playing. -Robyn Bowles
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September 9 - North puget Sound
2:33 p.m. - Groups heading into the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
1:34 p.m. - Flagler group seems to be trending towards the other group
1:15 p.m. - there are TWO groups in Admiralty Inlet directly across from one another. The one group north of Lagoon Point (T28s) and the a 2nd with 5 (incl possible sprouter male) directly across. Somewhere off Fort Flagler or south of. Both groups northbound. -Call from Janine Harles
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John Boyd called at 1:00 pm to report the T28s heading north at Lagoon Pt., Whidbey
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12:58 p.m. - We have another group behind us and Redhead! Group of 4 or 5 crossing over to Kitsap side!
12:34 p.m. - Orcas still heading north, at Bush point, seem to have slowed a bit. -Janine Harles
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12:01 p.m. - Now at Double bluff 6 kts for Bush Point.
11:39 a.m - Redhead on scene. Northwest from Point No Point. T28s? -Trevor Tillman, PSE
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11:20 a.m. - They passed Point-No-Point about 11:20, headed North. -James DeRoy
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11:15 a.m. - Posting up from Point No Point. They are in the mix with several boats on scene, headed towards Edmonds/Mukilteo. Having to use binos to see them. (possible 2nd group)
10:53 a.m. - They just passed Eglon headed north at a fast pace. Was able to count 4. -Trevor Thompson
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10:20 p.m. - 4-6 orcas seen off Apple Tree Point Kingston, steady northbound toward Point No Point. Didn't see a male. Perhaps 1 or 2 youngsters. They were moving quickly with longer down times. -Photo by Sara Frey , September 9, 2017
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10:01 a.m. - Three more just off Kingston. Foraging in open water. White speednoat blatantly ignoring whale wise principles.
9:54 a.m. - Orca sighting- Edmonds-Kingston ferry at least two adults and a juvenile headed NE towards Possession Sound entrance, about 2/3 of the way across to Kingston. -Patrick Hutchins
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9:57 a.m. - Orcas seen off the Walla Walla ferry Edmonds to Kingston. 3 adults and 1 baby heading N towards Edmonds! -Bri Wilson
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September 9 - South Puget Sound (T137s) 6:54 p.m. They are almost into Purdy Spit. -Danielle Clark
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6:10 p.m. - four orcas spotted heading north in Carr Inlet. 200 yards off our beach (we are 1/4 mile south of the mouth of Horsehead Bay.) Saw red water as they dove, presumably caught something yummy to eat? Confirming earlier post: 1 large, 3 smaller. -Sarah Richey Guenther
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Here are a few images that Chris Hamilton took (below) of the orcas that headed out of Case Inlet, to Nisqually Reach and then north up the east side of Anderson Island. He left them about 2:30 as they traveled north. They were very active and did a few surfacing series and then long dives. The house in the background of that one photo is on the tip of Johnson Point. (T137s). -Kim Merriman
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2:10 p.m. - just passed Nisqually reach (3) going north. East side of Anderson (facing Dupont) headed north. -Jason You
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1:40 - Orcas have passed Zittles Marina and are heading toward Nisqually Reach. -Kim Merriman
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1:16 p.m. - spotted headed south Case Inlet out front of Taylor Bay. Headed towards Devils Head. One big whale 3? Little ones. -Photo by Nick Hartman, September 9, 2017
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10:00 a.m. - 4 orcas Case Inlet North Bay. -Pat Karman
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September 9 - Puget Sound - Who doesn't love a good breach shot, or a spyhop?! Not one person will tell you they don't. In fact I LOVE spyhops. BUT, I think what I love even more than either of those is when a killer whale surfaces right next to the boat and the water is flat calm. Conditions need to be right for it to work, but I think this mini series shows what I mean. Seeing them underwater and then gliding to the surface to take a breath is a complete moment of zen for me. Lucky for me, my subject, T36B1 and the water around him/her were very cooperative. -Renee Beitzel
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September 9 - South Puget Sound - We saw a solo gray whale pass by our house on Pickering Passage at 3:30pm moving south towards Hope Island. -Chad Queirolo

September 8
I've only ever seen something like this once before, and it was in Monterey Bay, California in 2014. But as we got on scene last night it was almost a flashback to that Sunday morning when I'd watched a group of nearly 30 California transient killer whales take down a gray whale calf. It was different whales, a different place, different prey, but the scale was the same. The smell, the sounds, the mood. We could see the slick before we had reached the whales. It was huge, stretching for over a mile and you could trace it's path through the waves to where the whales were actively feeding. It was two families we know well---the T65As and the T99s. Two excellent moms, two excellent hunters.
The gulls had gathered by the hundreds and they hovered over the whales, even when we couldn't see them, waiting for any scrap they could snatch up. We saw some with pieces of blubber, squabbling with the others as they tried to steal it. The whales didn't notice them, they were too busy feasting and playing. The youngsters rolled in the waves, pec slapping and tail lobbing. Sometimes even launching themselves in a half breach between long dives.
The passengers on board were hearty souls, braving the rolling seas for glimpses of something rarely seen here in these inland waters. Their own observations sparked questions: Do they eat it all? How long will it take them? What was it? How did they kill it? I explained their tactics in hypotheticals, we didn't witness it after all. I told them what parts they seem to prefer, generally of course, we've never witnessed these particular families taking a whale down before. I assured them that even though the whales wouldn't eat it all, nothing would go to waste.
In all the time we spent with them they didn't move. We left them where we found them, still feeding. It was incredible to witness, even just the aftermath of what must have been an epic hunt, and I feel a great privilege in having been there to see it in the first place. -Sara Hysong-Shimazu
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September 8 - Admiralty Inlet - We headed north today around Blakely Island, through Peavine Pass, scouting in the very foggy conditions for whales. The fog persisted as we headed out Cattle Pass, with a brief stop at Whale Rocks to check on the Steller sea lions. Continuing southward, we eventually received a report of whales by the Port Townsend ferry! Off we traveled and it was well worth it - Transient/Biggs killer whales - the T28s - rarely seen in the Salish Sea were off Admiralty Head, and heard whispers that the T124s were with them! Good to see these whales, lots of tail slaps and some great looks at them. It was a 100 mile round trip today - but well worth the long trip! -Jill Hein, volunteer naturalist.
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6:03 p.m. - Small Orca pod (5) sighting west of Whidbey Island. 1 mile west of Lagoon Pt, west side Whidbey. Mainly traveling. They would circle around periodically, maybe feeding. Some tail slapping. -Photo by Lachlan Pope, September 8, 2017
(T28s)
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6 10 p.m. - Whales southbound past Lagoon Point. Still seeing occasional milling.
5.35 p.m. - whales are still north of Lagoon Point feeding. Lots of bird's. -Sandra Pollard
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3:57 p.m. - They are feeding moving slowly south. 2 miles north of Lagoon Pt. -Trevor tillman
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3:15 p.m. - About 10 (?) whales. I have pics of T028, not sure of others. We left them about 3:15 pm heading very slowly towards Lagoon Point, close to Whidbey. -Report received from Jill Hein
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12:25 p.m. - WS Ferries reported - 4 orcas were seen off Admiralty Head (Pt. Townsend/Coupeville) foraging on a sea lion. No direction.
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September 8 - 2nd group Southbound Narrows
6:34 p.m. - Three at north east end Anderson Island, milling?
6:23 p.m. - large male traveling south mid channel
6:08 p.m. - mid channel between McNeil and Steilacoom, southbound. Only saw two surface once. Hard to tell size from this distance. -Jill & Bill Clogston
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5:58 p.m. - Directly in front of Chambers bay heading south towards Steilacoom. -Kelsey Lynn
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5:34 p.m. - can see them from Fox Island pier but they are all the way on the Tacoma side of channel. Heading towards Chambers Bay right now. -Alex Kjorlien
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5:15 p.m. - Spotted 4 to 6 orcas heading south going under the Narrows. -Krissie Carl
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4:55 p.m. - 3 headed south (towards Narrows) NW of Owens beach across the water. Was looking through binoculars. Gig Harbor side. -Travis Burns
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4:43 p.m. - heading west along sout side of Vashon just before the ferry dock. Moving fast. -Bill Clogston
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4:40 p.m. - orca pod off PT Dalco heading mid ferry channel...4-6 in group...-Wayne McFarland, WSF
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3:39 p.m. - Moving fast kind of spread out headed south, Maury island side of the channel, one very big bull
3:34 p.m . - Another group of orca just passed by Maury Island Marine Park headed south. -Janne Ignatow
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12:38 p.m. - Now watching from Rockaway Beach as the sea lions all fought for space on a buoy. Started hunting circling and then one breach! - Kimberly Sylvester-Malzahn
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12:15 a.m. - WS Ferries reports 2 orcas were seen heading south off Fauntleroy ferry landing.
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11:45 a.m. - Watching 4-5 Orca travelling south, Kitsap side about a mile out. Seen from Manitou Beach. They are south of Seattle skyline from our viewing point. Heading toward Eagle Harbor. LONG down times...-Kimberly Sylvester-Malzahn
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11:30 a.m. - scanning from Rolling Bay on Bainbridge and saw 3 Orca, 1 male traveling south mid channel. -John Ton Won Ton
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We saw them, too. They were off Boeing Creek (south Richmond Beach, Shoreline). My buddy and I counted 4 to 5 individuals. My original time estimate should be closer to 0900. They appeared to be no more than 500 yards offshore, but we were moving at 30 knots and about 200 yards offshore from them. -Bob Pacunski
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September 8th - Lead group (T36, T36Bs, 37A1 are with T101)
7:15 p.m. - Big male and three others just passed Alki and headed into Elliott Bay. So lucky they decided to come over from the Bainbridge side to swim past West Seattle into Elliott Bay. -Rebecca Sherwood
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T's returning to say goodnight, heading into Elliot bay as they round Alki Point at 7:15. The exact reversal of my morning with them. -Photo by Kersti Muul, September 8, 2017
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6:50 p.m. - 4 orcas seen while on Passenger Only boat to Vashon. One small gave a tail flap. Headed from near Vashon toward West Seattle. -Berneta Walraven
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6:24 p.m. - I saw 3 fins east of Blake island and then they disappeared. (watching from between Lowman beach and Mee Kwa Mooks. -Jennifer Farley
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6:32 p.m. - Still there one fin. Sailboat with it. It no longer appears to be traveling.
6:17 p.m. - Got one! On east side of Blake island. Fairly close to it. Off Northeast tip of Blake Island heading out into the sound. Moving towards Alki at a pretty good clip. I see only one fin. -Aviva Weiss Grele
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5:25 p.m. - Chilkat leaving the T101's, 36Bs, 36 and 37A1at the top of Colvos Passage, still northbound. -Renee Beitzel
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I told Moby (their dog) the whales were coming, and he spent the next hour on his 'whale rock' we call it on point waiting to let us know when they were here. This guy is in doggy heaven here, loves the whales! So literally less than 5 minutes before these Ts swam by, two large males together close to shore on the Kitsap side, and several females paralleling them 1 mile across tight to Vashon, I see this guy (again) snoozing on my boat. (here was a seal on the stern of Tim's anchored sailboat) But he went into the water just minutes before they came by. I thought we were going to witness some activity, kind of hoped for it as this juvenile delinquent testosterone rich seal has been very aggressive making me paddle him off the boat when I row out to sail. Then he takes over my dingy until I get back, seemingly waiting for his big boat! And then these guys popped up right in front of the house...God I love living here!...-Tim Ferris
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Friday evening I was alone on the beach and got a chance to see Transient orcas (T101's, T36B's, T36, T37A) pass by Cove on Vashon Island. The sun was going down, the water was flat, still, and all I could hear was the sound of orcas surfacing and breathing before they disappeared under the water again. Catching orcas twice in one week, hope there is more to come this season. -Photo by Kelly Burns Keenan, September 8, 2017
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5:07 p.m. - they passed Cove on Vashon. 4:55 p.m. - Big boys leading at Cove (Vashon) heading north. Boats with them, One looks to be a research vessel. -Kelly Burns Keenan
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4:30 p.m - They have just passed Al's Oasis, heading north.
4:20 p.m. - Just south of Olalla! 5 and then 3. Mid channel. 3 moving North.. Just south of old pier by ALS. -Danielle Clark
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4:05 p.m. - northbound in Colvos passage heading toward Olalla. -Renee Beitzel.
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3:20 heading north up Colvos, closer to Vashon side, watching from Gig Harbor. -Lisa Durbin Charbonnearu
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3:00 p.m. - Orcas now heading mid channel between Tahlaquah and Point Defiance, slight towards Ruston , spread out and on a mission.
2:51 p.m. - Pod of orcas headed south from Tahlaquah just now- 5 to 6 spread out headed towards Tacoma, large male in group...-Wayne McFarland, WSF
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2:45 p.m. - Orcas in Commencement Bay between Browns Point and Pt Ruston. There were two, traveling towards Pt Defiance. Kind of looked like they split up, though. Very cool!!! -Jenny DeMars
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2 orcas were seen off Redondo Beach (Des Moines) swimming south near the Highline MAST pier. About 1:45 pm Sept 8th. First time seen any in area in 11 years of residence. Orcas seen from condo balcony. Traveling. -Gerald Brower
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The Orcas we saw today were going south past Salty's Restaurant in Redondo Beach. It was approx 1:30pm. We saw 2 for sure but there may have been others following shortly behind. -Janell Erickson
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1-1:30pm. - out kayaking and 7 orcas pass us just past Pt Robinson on Vashon Island. Heading to Commencement Bay. Fabulous!! -Katrina Druckey
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1:15 p.m. - this pod of more than three is now in front of Maury Island Marine Park, swimming close to shore, milling maybe feeding. -Janna Ignatow
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1:00 p.m. - T36B passing Point Robinson, Vashon. -Photo by David Earl, September 8, 2017
(ID by Alisa Lemire Brooks)
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12:58 p.m. - passed Point Robinson headed south. -Kristi Monroe Thigpen
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12:01 p.m. - Orcas just passed Three Tree Point going south with whale boat following. -Elston HIll
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11:59 a.m. - 2 orcas traveling south off Normandy park, one more in shipping lane between Normandy park and Vashon island same time. -Anita Schenk
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11:17 a.m. - Two groups of orcas southbound at about Seola beach headed toward Three Tree Point (Burien). One big fun one small. Out in center of shipping lane are two more w private boat following too closely. -Carolyn DUncan
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11:07 a.m - ID's: T36, T36Bs, 37A1 are with T101s.
10:53 a.m. - The males are close to shore while females further off but same direction. They're now approaching the Fauntleroy ferry terminal.
10:42 a.m. - 101's and possibly others heading south towards point Williams. (Lincoln Park). -Renee Beitzel
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10:45 a.m. - Heading south into Fauntleroy ferry lane more East in channel. Two males still in lead (T102 T101).
10:30 a.m. - Passing Me Kwa Mooks, close to shore.
10:15 a.m. - Passing Alki lighthouse, three groups spread large male in lead heading west mid channel. -Kersti Muul
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At approximately 10:15 am on September 8th, we saw two whales, thought to be Orcas, off Alki Beach by the club house. The whales looked to be smaller in size. Two dorsel fins were seen, and at least one came partially up out of the water. Playing. -Veronica Hapgood
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10:10 a.m. - two males slowly west bound a couple hundred yards off Alki Bathhouse. -Jason Lee Bell
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9:45 a.m. - 2 near Bell Street Pier cruise ship area. Heading very close to shore. -Tammy Jo
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9:39 a.m. - Just off Smith Cove Marina now. Spyhop! Trending south through the ferry channel towards west Seattle. Looks like two males. looking from the park at the west end of Smith Cove. -Becca Knox
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8:48 a.m. - east side of channel, moving south. Almost to Discovery Park/West Point. May be more coming. I saw two males. -Sandra Prow
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7:12 a.m - Several orcas (At least 4-5 and one big male) headed south off Edmonds dog park now. -Toby Black
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7:00 a.m. - Orcas in front of Edmonds marina. Headed south. -Jason Bourne
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Spotted a lone Orca this morning off Edmonds. -Chris Tompkins
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September 8 - 5:25 p.m. - Humpback headed North between Point No Point and Southbound shipping lanes. Followed for a while at a safe distance of course. Saw a couple deep dives with the tail fully coming out of the water. -Marcellina Ann
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Lone humpback off Point Jefferson Kingston meandering it's way north. Closer to Kingston side. 9/8/17 12:45PM -Chris Beamer Otterson
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September 8 - South Puget Sound - 8:23 p.m. - Whale, no way to determine type, heading south at Harstine Island Bridge. Spouts about 7-8 minutes apart, 1st across from Timberlake dock, 2nd and 3rd just north of bridge. About 1847 to 1855. Seen, spouts, and a roll of the back. no fins no tails. In the deep side. -Kristen Hauge
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September 8 - WA Coast - We saw several grey whales not more than 50 yards off shore at Ruby beach number 1. The park ranger said they'd been hanging around for about a week now. -Debbie Canny Wood

September 7
A great morning off Sooke with Southern Resident Killer Whales (15-20 of L Pod) heading west...-Paul Pudwell
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Bigg's/Transient killer whales - September 7 - Juan de Fuca - (T10`s & T109`s off Sooke) following a few miles behind. WOW! Calm Seas with smokey skies and fog made for some interesting picture opportunities. -Paul Pudwell
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September 7 - Posession Sound & Saratoga Passage - 4:55 p.m - Crescent Harbor, milling and spread way out. T65A'S, T99's at least. -Brian McGinn, Chilkat
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3:55 p.m. - Orcas right off Harrington Lagoon at 3:55pm, headed north. One large fin, a couple of juveniles and a couple of others!! -Mary Fell Chasten
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3:35 p.m. - A pod of orcas just passed between Race Lagoon and Harrington Lagoon on the east side of Whidbey Island. Looks like they may be headed to Penn Cove. -Randy Zimmerman Furnas
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3:30 p.m. - 1 male, 4 female- 2 were juvenile just passed Madrona Beach Camano side travelling pretty quickly heading north. Only one cabin cruiser, tan canopy, following with them keeping plenty of distance between them (thank you). -Michele Ashley Sarver
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2:45 p.m. - Orcas sighted on the Camano side of Saratoga Passage across from Bell's Beach. About 9-10, 2 males, possibly 3 calves. Multiple boats approaching and following far too close. Alot of tail slapping, spy-hopping, and breaching. -Mark Johnson
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1:37 p.m. - At least 12 orcas just passed across from Langley on the Camano side 150 yards from shore heading towards the state park. -Heidi Vogl
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1:10 p.m. - Visibility is poor but I think I see them north of Hat Island heading north. -Sandra Pollard
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11:33 a.m - Just now - Orcas heading north between Mukilteo and Hat Island, as seen from the Clinton/Muk ferry. -Janine Courtright
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11:28 a.m. - Hey I'm working on the Tokitae and about 4-6 orcas in front of Mukilteo dock headed to Everett at least one male and the others were too far away to tell. -Melissa Simmons
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11:10 a.m. - Orcas headed North towards Clinton, 2 miles south of Clinton. One had a large round light grey patch on its right side. I think there were 20 or more. -Fred Clark
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September 7 & early hour of 8th - Saratoga Passage - My wife and I were fortunate enough to see and hear orcas for our first time, tonight. I first heard a heavy breathing sound about 200 yards off shore at around 8:45pm at 2300 block Hidden Beach drive, Greenbank. I just checked again at 12:15 AM 9/8/2017 and more breathing noises in very calm waters. Extremely humbling experience and somewhat sad as I read they may be having difficulty finding food. There are too many of us on the planet. Thank you for the work you do. To complete the report as requested. 2 confirmed 5-6ft dorsal fins swimming together. First headed southbound towards Baby island but then 3 1/2 hrs later we could hear more breathing off shore about 200 yes from our bulkhead. There were two other females at the 8:45 pm sighting. Behavior was breaching, blowing steam and what I would characterize as feeding given distance covered in seconds. -Michael Curneen
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September 7 - East Bank - No whale reports so we headed in the smoky haze towards Lopez Island and found a humpback whale - waiting for us! He came fairly close for a visit so we had some great looks at him, but wait - here's another humpback wanting to visit also. After some quick looks we headed towards a new orca report - south towards Eastern Bank where we found Transient/Biggs killer whales, T18, T19 and T19C - had a nice visit with them which rounded out the day. Every day is different - who will we see tomorrow? Can't wait to find out -Jill Hein, volunteer naturalist.
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September 7 - San Juans - 7:45 a.m. - WS Ferries called in a report of 3-4 orcas at the north end of Thatcher Pass, east of Orcas Island. No direction of travel given.
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September 7th (continuation of Saratoga pods from last report) - We had dinner at Captain Whidbey Inn tonight and enjoyed watching a pod of between 6-8 orcas feeding in Penn Cove, in front of Coupeville! -Julie Mae Pigott
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Camano Island Park they are south bound 19:47. -Shannon Olson
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7:15 p.m. - Two brief sightings of a small group of orcas (approx 5) in Saratoga Passage from Camano shoreline. Group of at least 4 surfaced together with 1 a bit apart. Too distant and brief to ID. Definitely one small fin, maybe 2. Traveling. 48.157138, -122.560042. -Ruth Westra
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At 1755 this evening spotted orcas in Crescent Harbor, 1/2 mile east of Polnell Point. -Steve Rothboeck
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Also confirmed we have 137's, T36Bs, T36, T37A1. Now slowly southbound. In several different groupings. -Renee Beitzel
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Not the greatest pictures because of smoke and distance but 7 whales seen from our deck (live on Harrington Road, south of Coupeville). We became aware of the whales around 345PM. -Photo by Brenda Kidd, September 7, 2017
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1:57 p.m. - Headed south near Cama Beach they came up suddenly from south, headed north....Appeared to be teaching 2 juveniles to fish while moving north. Boats stopped and let them pass. -Jay Spearman
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We saw a large pod of orcas Swimming north past Mukilteo lighthouse on Thursday September 7th around 10:00 am. Traveling. 47.9488 N, 122.3062 W. -Kevin Hagen
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Gray whales - September 7 - 2:14 p.m. - A stray gray whale westbound in Hammersly Inlet passing Libby Point. -Photo by Pamela Burger, September 7, 2017
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12:50 p.m. - (Humpback) whale going into Hammersly inlet right now be careful. -Brandon Nelson
(Was a Gray whale; see Burger photo/report above)
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September 7 - trip report - no whale reports so we headed in the smoky haze towards Lopez Island and found a humpback whale - waiting for us! He came fairly close for a visit so we had some great looks at him, but wait - here's another humpback wanting to visit also...-Jill Hein, volunteer naturalist.
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September 7 - Puget Sound - Time: 1510-1625 - Species: 2 Humpbacks - Position: Original sighting approx 1.0 nm northwest of Edmonds ferry. Behavior: Traveling together steadily to the northwest at approx 2-4 knots. Typical arched back for terminal dives but only once did both display raised flukes (photos). Respiration: Consistent 5-7 breadths between dives. Dives consistently 9-10 minutes in length. Observed from: 45' sailboat sailing steadily to the northwest. Photos should be enough for positive IDs, but I have more photos if needed, some showing scars. -Gary Carter
(One of the whales was positively ID'd in our last Sighitng Report as Humpback CS631/CRC16017 "Two Spot" - ALB)
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September 7 - South Puget Sound -
7:30 p.m. - Hammersley Inlet - (Libby point)...Whale was headed out of Hammersley, toward Pickering.
7:07 p.m. - Whale in Hammersley Inlet about 3.4 mile mark across from Agate Beach at 7:07 pm. Not sure if gray or humpback. It is following the tugboat pushing the gravel barge. -Jody Johnson
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7:15 p.m. - The Hammersley post - the whale was heading back out toward Arcadia Point. I think it was humpback (was a gray) and it is hanging right with the barge. The tug keeps stopping but the whale is staying with it. -Brenda Rix
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2:14 p.m. - Gray whale westbound - past Libby Point, Hammersley Inlet. -Photo by Pamela Burger, September 7, 2017
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12:50 p.m. - Gray whale (reported as humpback) going into Hammersly Inlet right now, be careful. -Brandon Nelson
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September 7 - Not sure if it's the same whale, but we just had a nighttime encounter, again just yards offshore from our bulkhead. My wife heard all kinds of splashing, and when we went out, we are fairly certain we saw a small whale. It stayed around for at least 10 minutes before seeming to head back out midchannel. SE Maury (Sandy Shores area). -John Ehret

September 6
Dave was working at home when John Durban called mid-morning to say the drone photogrammetry team had found southern residents heading our way off Blunden Island in Boundary Pass. Dave and his sister Sally grabbed their stuff and met Erin down at Snug Harbor. Ken had also got the whale report and he and Gail got off the dock and on scene with the whales first in "Shachi". "Orcinus" left a little while later and got on scene a mile or so southwest of Tiptop Hill on Stuart Island at about 1100. The first whales the crew in "Orcinus" saw were the J19s, L77s, J39, and L85. These whales were loosely spread in small groups and singles and were traveling south at a high rate of speed....Full encounter report & photos at Center for Whale Research Encounter 74.
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Superpod of residents near Cattle Point! -Tia Hoca
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After spending a day up in the Strait of Georgia, the Southern Residents made their way back down Haro Strait this afternoon. I can't describe how good it feels to see all those familiar dorsal fins again! Here'sL55 Nugget and L123 Lazuli, L82 Kasatka and K36 Yoda as they passed Lime Kiln. -Photo by Monika Wieland Shields, September 6, 2017
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I first tuned in to Lime Kiln hydrophone starting at 11:57 a.m and was hearing J calls, S1s and maybe S3s, wide variety at times, but was having hard time IDing the calls while listening. Was hearing Ls too... hearing S2iii calls suggesting L12 subgroup. Echolocation followed and by 12:31 calls were amped up in volume. I could see whales on the web too heading south. At 12:38 I switched over to Orcasound hydrophone and was hearing medium loud calls there. Js and Ls; S2 and S37? calls. Lots of echolocation. At 12:44 pm I switched back over to Lime Kiln again but there was loud boat noise so I went right back to OS and am hearing Ks as well in quiet seas. 12:51 I'm back on LK where calls are loud, boisterous and plenty along with much echolocation. By 1:12 still audible but getting distant; I can hear they are moving away from the Lighthouse...that and can see them on the webam moving south through pleasure boats stopped in their path south of the light. Such a gift this beautiful hour plus listening to Js, Ks, & Ls off the west side! -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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September 6 - Juan de Fuca - T28s & T10s between Middle and Hein Bank! Also, harbor porpoise AND minke here. -Mana Rahl
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T028 feeding south west of Hein Bank on the afternoon of September 6th. T065A2 south of Turn Point on the morning of September 6th.-Photo by Mark Malleson
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September 6 - South Puget Sound T137s, T36, T36Bs, T37A1, and T99s - 9:22 p.m. - At Blake Island tonight. In the past 30 min large pod headed north. Very loud in the dark night. Could see at least 7 on the surface at one time. Should be by west Seattle by now. -Rob Moore
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Orcas off Blake Island: Several Orcas (3-5) were spotted off the east side of Blake Island at approximately 9:00 pm on 9/6. They were moving slowly north. Although it was dark, they put on a nice show with breaching and numerous tail slaps. Blake Island State Park, Breaching, tail slaps. Taking their time. -Paul Ruppert
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6:55 p.m. - Just passed Pt. Richmond Beach (Colvos Passage) headed north. -Taylor Straub
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6:45 p.m. - 4 orcas seen 5 minutes ago along Sunshine Beach Gig Harbor going north. Right along coast! -Dawn Brooks
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6:25 p.m. - 4 orcas passing Gig Harbor headed north; 6:33 p.m. - Gig Harbor side, moved their way up through all the salmon fishers. They already passed the mouth to the harbor going north. There were 2 other groups maybe 25 mins ahead of them, they turned towards Commencement Bay. Both groups had males. Foursome headed along Gig Harbor is all female. -Sara Henricks
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Saw 3 separate pods of orcas tonight. Started at Narrows Bridge, went north towards Olalla. 6-7PM. -Photo by Maura Murphy McKinney, September 6, 2017
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These are pictures taken throughout the afternoon today, between 3 and 6 pm, just north of the Tacoma narrows bridge. They appeared to be feeding and hung around a long time. There were many different groups, the largest with 7 whales. Report by Susan Dynes. -Photo by Darrell Anderson, September 6, 2017
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5:50 p.m. - heading north between Vashon and Pt Defiance. -Gaby Kinner
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1800 - Chilkat left them heading north towards Point Defiance. T137's up ahead further than the rest.
1704 - group is pushing north and rounding Pt Evans, out of the current, finally. -Renee Beitzel
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A gathering of Ts in the Tacoma Narrows. -Photo by Kim Merriman, September 6, 2017.
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4:50 p.m. - They are under Narrows Bridge, staying in same area...These guys were huge and very active; breeching, spy hopping, tail slapping. -Gaby Kinner
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4:23 p.m. - They turned back! North side of Narrows park closer to Gig Harbor side. -Jami Cantrell
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1510 p.m. - between Point Evans and Gig Harbor. Headed north right now. -Matt Graham
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2:45 p.m. - They made a kill, are milling, eating, socializing. Lots of lobbing, tail slaps, breaches. ( From Narrows Viewpoint, Pt Defiance)
2:38 p.m. - Possible hunting activity off Narrows Viewpoint Pt.Defiance Park. Heading towards Narrows Bridge.
2:26 p.m. - They are entering The Narrows. (viewing from Gig Harbor Viewpoint, Pt Defiance). -Melissa Burke
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2:10 p.m. - Traveling and rolling around off Point Defiance Marina, Tacoma waterfront. -Photo by Trina Jones, September 6, 2017
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2:11 p.m. - they have turned on the speed!! Porpoising fast past Owen Beach, heading for The Point at Pt. Defiance, close to shore. Thanks to the boater who stopped Jet ski's from harassing;
2:03 p.m. - they are right off Pt. Defiance Ferry Terminal, lots of splashing, close to shore & yacht club.
1:23 p.m. - Almost to Point Ruston, heading in the direction of Quartermaster Harbor. Boats surrounding them. -Melissa Burke
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1:13 p.m. - Orcas along Ruston Way in Tacoma. Sighted several orcas this afternoon. Initially spotted them in front of Les Davis Pier and they made their way along the shore. Lots of activity, Playing? Saw one breaching, lots of blows from blowhole, lots of activity. video too large to attach. -Annie Almazar Penfield
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1:12 p.m. - they are cruising along Ruston Way Waterfront, heading towards Pt. Defiance close to shore. Lots of socializing behavior.
1:03 p.m. - directly off Les Davis pier Ruston Way milling, westboundish. -Melissa Burke
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12:50 p.m. - just left the KWs heading north along the west side of Commencement Bay. T137s, T36, T36Bs, and T37A1 all grouped up together again and having a party right now! Still no sign of the T99s. -Bart Rulon, Chilkat Express
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T137s, T36, T36Bs, and T37A1 after visiting Polly, mom and I hit up Owen Beach Point Defiance Park, they were last reported nearing Commencement Bay from Dash and Browns Point. We then headed to Les Davis Fishing Pier, I could see them near the port of Tacoma in Commencement Bay. About after 10 minutes, a second group popped up right out from the pier from me...from who knows where, it was great. My photos start with them...they headed and grouped up with the ones in the bay. Drove down to C.I. Shenanagins and watched them leave the bay and come back our way not too far out from shore. They were so active and playful. I think they had found lots of food. ... I know they have been ID'd by the experts as the T137s, T36, T36Bs and T37A1. Multiple breaches and many tailslaps.
12:31 p.m. - Kind of hanging...really no direction yet. Cant say if its the whole pod...
12:15 p.m. - Now near the waterway to dowtown Tacoma, Commencment Bay. They are left of 2 like navy boats? Intrepid?
11:50 a.m. - A group of about 3 passed in front of the Les Davis fishing pier/park on Ruston way heading southeast into Commencement Bay. -Marilyn Armbruster
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11:55 a.m. - This second group that came in is the T36Bs. All in Commencement Bay now.
11:37 a.m. - T137s and T36 only, just passed Browns point heading south into Commencement Bay. We just spotted another group of Ts approaching Browns Point from the north too. -Bart Rulon, Chilkat Express
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11:30 a.m. - T137A and a female are very close to beach Caledonia area (north of Brown's Point) heading South, the other 3 are nearing the Browns point lighthouse, all on another deep dive.
11:19 a.m. - Chilkat is with T137's and T36, heading South past Dash Point heading towards Brown's point, only 5 animals in this group, have not spotted the other group yet. Pod is in travel doing about 5knots. -Janine Harles
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10:14 a.m. - They passed Point Robinson still heading south. (T137A plus) The other group was at least 3-5 minutes in front of T137's when they passed Point Robinson. T137A passing Point Robinson, Vashon in the wildfire induced ominous yet beautiful smokey haze.
9:55 a.m. - They are approaching Point Robinson. -Kelly Burns Keenan
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8:45 a.m. - Orcas off Vashon! Kelly Burns Keenan relayed a report from her friend of at least 11 orcas off Dilworth, Vashon heading southbound close to Vashon side. Two groups (of 5 and of 6) a short distance apart.
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8:09 a.m. - Mike from WSFs again, report of 6 - 12 orcas off the top end of Vashon Island, off Vashon Head, heading south.
6:33 a.m. - Mike from WSF Ops relaying a report of 3 orcas off the Seattle-Bainbridge run, heading south in the shipping lanes between Seattle & BI.
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Humpback whales - September 6 - Juan de Fuca - Humpback BCY0532 Graze - Great to sea humpback whales minutes from our docks and Transient killer whales off Victoria on our adventure today! -Photo by Paul Pudwell, September 6, 2017
(ID by Alisa Lemire Brooks)
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September 6 - South Puget Sound - Single humpback south of Fox Island near shore, swimming southward. 1715 hours. It had been in Hales Passage for about 45 minutes before turning south from Fox Point. -Tom Wiggin Sr.
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3:16 p.m. - There is also a humpback whale at Salmon Beach headed Northbound at 1516. I can't believe I am seeing Orcas and a Humpback at the same time right now! -Matt Graham
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10:37 a.m. - Humpback now south towards Commencement Bay, near Ferry lanes, sorry no pics , working on Ferry!!
10:20 am - Humpback 100 yards south of Tahlaquah ferry terminal...moving south , showed fluke , deep dive. -Wayne, WSF

September 5
J16 and J50 - Georgia Strait - One for the memory bank... watching the socializing and logging was the best part. Shut down in the middle of [Georgia] Strait with smokey skies made for quite the scene. Tons of vocals and lots of surface active behaviour. Missed this amazing culture of killer whales....welcome home. -Photo by Gary Sutton, September 5
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September 5 - Admiralty Inlet & Possession Sound - 8:03 p.m - At one point they started going off like popcorn with three different animals breaching and a boat came charging at them which settled them right down. I was so mad. Can't make out the registration of the boat.
7:02 p.m. - Just when I thought they resumed travel they stopped again. Tail slaps, headstands, breaches and spyhops. Can still hear blows from north of Glendale but heading towards mid channel and northerly. A female does a headstand during a predation event near Glendale Boat Launch about 7:00 PM. I saw more headstands in this one encounter than all other orca encounters combined. -Debbie Stewart
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Still after it got dark it was so calm you could hear every breath and breach. A very surreal experience.
8:01 p.m. - They just crossed the ferry lines heading north still. Lots of surface activity still. Mid channel.
7:33 p.m. - Seeing them now from Clinton. Still heading north. Still close to shore on whidbey. Also still a lot of surface activity. Lots of tail slaps.
6:47 p.m. - past Glendale still super close to shore Whidbey. Combo milling and travel in two tight groups. Maybe taking some dinner along?
6:40 p.m. - super close to shore now! I've never seen so many headstands!
6:34 p.m. - We were just down at Possession Park for an amazing display. So calm. You could hear every breath and tail slap. They continued north. I'm up at the Clinton ferry terminal now. T137A in Possession Sound off southeast Whidbey Island. -Danielle Pennington
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5:45 p.m. - After lots of socializing they all turned north, harassed a sea lion on the Possession Point buoy but then moved on. Looks like they're all heading up Possession Sound close to the Whidbey Island shore! -Justine Buckmaster
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5:40 p.m. - they slowly moved north and are right off the green buoy at Possession Point. Saw some breaches...but still visibility terrible at this distance.
5:15 p.m. - After stalling out for a bit Bart reports they are now trending northbound towards Possession Point. I'm in North Edmonds now and even with binocs visibility is very limited due to wildfire smoke. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, ON
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4:23 a.m. - amazing hunting action at Possession Point multiple kills. Hunting common murres! T137A breaches 5-6 times. Now they are slowly southbound again from Possession.
3:50 p.m. - many of them flipped north toward Cultus Bay. On the chase!
3:45 p.m.- Ts very spread out south east of Possession mid channel. Mostly southbound but one pod heading east at the moment.
3:00 the Ts are just outside of Useless Bay aiming toward Possession Point. -Bart Rulon
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1:30 - 1:50 p.m. - Ts meander south slowly passing a tug boat, down the middle of Admiralty Inlet, from the bluff south of Bush Point, looking across Admiralty toward Hood Canal. -Photo by Howard Garrett, Orca Network, September 5, 2017
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1:21 p.m. - They are moving south at a good clip. Almost at Bush Point now. Margaret Marshall
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1:06 p.m. - Half way between Lagoon and Bush pnts, mid channel still southbound tightly grouped. -Bart Rulon
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12:54 p.m. - Whales just southbound passing Lagoon Point. -Patirica Prochaska
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11:57 a.m. - This inbound T group is T137s, T99s, T36, T36Bs, and it looks likeT37A1 too! Still southbound in a tight sleeping mode 11:55am just south of pt/coupeville ferry lanes. -Bart Rulon, Chilkat Express
ID'd by Trevor Tillman, Chilkat, as the T99s & T137s.
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10:45 a.m. - 8-10 whales just passing Point Wilson heading into Admiralty Inlet. At least one male, on the Port Townsend side. Watching from Fort Casey, one ww boat nearby, Glacier Spirit? -Jill Hein
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Unidentified killer whales - Orcas spotted Kayak Point today! Wasn't fast enough/close enough to get pictures but they were there! Hard to tell how many, we saw 3...could have been more. Yes, Port Susan at Kayak Point. We were beachcombing on a field trip. We had been on beach for hours. Can't be exactly certain of the time, I would guess somewhere between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM. -Julie Urie
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September 5 - Juan de Fuca - We Love Sooke for the diversity of marine wildlife and anticipation of what we will experience every day! Humpback whales were encountered all around the Juan De Fuca Strait. Humpback BCX1251 "Orion"...Also some disturbed California & Stellar Sea Lions feasting on salmon and our Local Sea Otter (Ollie) resting DESPITE ALL THE EXPLOSIONS around Bentwick Island near Race Rocks Light house from the Royal Canadian Navy. -Photo by Paul Pudwell, September 5, 2017
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September 5 - South Puget Sound - 4:52 p.m. - looks like he is headed towards Colvos Passage now.
4:35 p.m. - He's closer to the Tahlequah ferry dock now. Very active.
4:15 p.m. - Lots of tail slapping
4:10 p.m. - Just saw him between Tahlequah and Ruston! Cruising towards Ruston. -Lori Patch
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6:55 p.m. - Still there, just west of Owens beach. Just surfaced closer to Tacoma eastbound.
5:37 p.m. - He's making his way westbound again between Anthony's and Owens beach.
5:15 p.m. - He's now eastbound mid channel at the Point Defiance/Talequah ferry lane.
5:00 p.m. - Activity patterns suggest this is the same whale from the last several days. The tendency is that he is pretty slow moving and under for long stretches on deep dives, then has 2-3 30 minute periods per day of wild vocalization and pectoral slapping (usually when surrounded by way too many boats way too close). My house is one of the cottages that sits out over the water, (the last one with the Oregon Duck flag). I heard him overnight a bit and saw him all weekend. I'm a little worried about this guy. He's still out just northeast of Owens beach, just saw him surface 5:00.
3:41 p.m. - He's still out there in front of Owens beach...deep dives and not a lot of action, but still meandering (no real direction). Seen from my deck at Point Dalco. -Sarah Bradford Honeywell
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4:42 p.m. - visible hump then fluke seen from the port side of the WSF Sealth en route to Tahlequah nearer Vashon on a sightline to Point Defiance (not Ruston). -Andrew Casad
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1:59 p.m. - Humpback breaching outside of Quartermaster Harbor, south end of Vashon Is. -Amy Bliss-Miller
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1:23 p.m. - Off Ruston way single whaleflipping flopping and calling out right now. -Nancy Polich
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September 5 - North Puget Sound - 7:45 pm. Humpback at Point No Point close to shore waiting for a moonrise and now a pleasant surprise! -Elyse Sollitto
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6:06 p.m. - Just crossed the ferry lane might be headed more southwest now towards Kingston.
4:59 p.m. - Humpback Edmonds Ferry Terminal. Headed south. Appears to be alone, may be a different humpback than the one reported earlier this morning. -Courtney Burrell
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1:00 p.m. - Watched 2 humpbacks milling about just south of Whidbey island east of the northbound shipping lane right about 1.00pm. They turned and headed North, up Admiralty Inlet. -Shannan Epps
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11:55 a.m. - It is glassy calm out here, I've not seen the humpbacks. Whales headed NWerly directionally towards Admiralty well over 30 minutes ago according to a woman I spoke with in Edmonds.
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10:13 a.m. - Now with them on Chillkat Express, Edmonds ferry terminal north maybe 3/4 mile offshore. -Trevor Tillman
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9:00 a.m. - WS Ferries reports a humpback in the Kingston-Edmonds ferry lane. No direction given.
8:03 a.m. - Trevor Tillman reports seeing 2 humpbacks heading northeast along the Edmonds/Kingston ferry route. Approx 2 miles off Kingston.
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September 5 - Juan de Fuca - Email received 8:53 a.m. - And, a resident Gray is still poking around Bullman Beach this morning. Not so close as before/tide is very low, but still around. -Scott Hartman
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September 5 - 11:33 a.m. - Sounds like there are two. We just got back home to Manzanita beach and heard there was a whale that came up into Quartermaster Harbor. In harbor now going towards Burton. That must have been the one that surfaced next to our canoe at Point Piner. -K Rachel Keil
(possible 2nd whale is gray whale - see Ehret report below)
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9:09 a.m. - (reported as humpback) just passed us on SE Maury (Sandy Shores area), in very shallow water, quickly heading south close to shore. After some discussion: ...given the speed it was traveling and the very shallow water it was in. I thought it was a humpback based on the fin that surfaced the two times I saw it rise and blow. But gray makes more sense. I've gone out and polled my neighbors who also saw the whale as it passed. They all agree that it wasn't a true fin, and was more of a ridge. -Jon Ehret
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September 5 - Puget Sound - We encountered a transient superpod off Possession Point on our afternoon trip for Chilkat Express. They were very spread out in the beginning, but it didn't take long before things got really exciting. The T137s, T99s, T36Bs, T36, and T37A1 were aiming southward toward Kingston and Edmonds when all of a sudden they turned around and started porpoising (speed swimming) toward Possession Point! The chase was on! As we kept our eyes on 4 of them racing north another few whales, to the east of us, busted into a bait ball! 75 -100 gulls all shot into flight at the same time to avoid them. Chases were going on in all directions, and T137A, a big 15 year old male who was the farthest away and swimming by himself at the time, burst out of the air 5 times in a row, for some very impressive breaches!! It took us a while to realize that these killer whales were hunting common murres. The murres were scurrying around at the surface trying to get away, and the transients were exploding out of the water attempting to catch them, or slapping them with their tail flukes to stun them! It was a truly remarkable experience! No common murre within 400 hundred yards was safe. The anxious birds were frequently plunging their heads into the water over and over to try to spot any black and white torpedoes shooting toward them! Most of the adult common murres can't fly right now because they molt their flight feathers after nesting, which leaves them flightless for 1-2 months! It makes them much easier targets! -Bart Rulon, Puget Sound Express naturalist
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Morning Trip: September 5 2017 - a very memorable day for our passengers with Puget Sound Express! A transient superpod swam into Puget Sound from Admiralty Inlet! The pods included the T137s, T36Bs, T99s, T36, and T37A1! They were grouped up together very tightly, as if they were sleeping, to start things off. After about 20 minutes we noticed a nuclear submarine coming in from the Strait of Juan de Fuca, with its various escorts. As the submarine approached the killer whales from behind the animals woke up and started getting very active. We witnessed several breaches and tailslaps from the killer whales as the submarine approached and passed by. One of the frequent breachers was T37A1, who is a 10 year old killer whale that does not travel with its birth pod anymore. This is a rarity among killer whales! -Puget Sound Express naturalist, Bart Rulon

September 4
Taken from Lime Kiln, west side San Juan Island. Lots of whales back and forth for hours. Night came, and there was the orange moon. It was dead quiet and calm, the only sounds to fill the air were crickets and the blows of several orca. They didn't come super close to shore but it was amazing to spend hours in their presence. And did I mention an incredible sunset too? So glad to have the residents back, hope they stay! -Photo by Rachel Haight, September 4
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They're back! See Center for Whale Research Encounter #73 Sept 4 for full report and photos: For several weeks there have been reports of whales coming in off Jordan River in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and whale watch boats have been dutifully going west from Victoria to hopefully encounter incoming residents. But, each time it has turned out that the whales that are found are Bigg's Transient killer whales, and we now have a record number of sightings and encounters of this ecotype in Salish Sea waters. Today, however, Mark Malleson was able to confirm that incoming whales he encountered west of Sheringham lighthouse at 1030 AM were RESIDENTS!! We decided to launch in two waves, with "Shachi" leaving Snug Harbor at 1128 as the whales were reported to be nearing Otter Point, and "Orcinus" departing a couple of hours later if the whales came in as far as Victoria. "Shachi" encountered the lead group of whales at 1310 just east of Secretary Island, and the first whale identified was J19, who seems to have taken over as leader after the passing of J2 in the winter of 2015/16.
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Today we welcomed back our Southern Residents after an extended absence from the Salish Sea. Wherever they were I hope they were finding enough to eat and I'm so happy to see them. Here is a spyhop from Slick (J16) alongside her daughter, Scarlet (J50). Sunset was stunning, and better yet it was spent in the company of members of J, K, and L pods. Here's Matia (L77) and a friend under a swiftly setting sun. -Sara Hysong-Shimazu, September 4
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K37 & K43 passing Lime Kiln this evening. -Photo by Rachel Haight, September 4
(Id by Monika Wieland Shields)
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FINALLY. After an astounding one month absence the Southern Residents returned to inland waters today. This evening members of all three pods were off Lime Kiln and the vocalizations were incredible. Here's J19 Shachi and J51 Nova. -Photo by Monika Wieland Shields, September 4
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21:16 - Still hearing some kittens on LK hydro, but the container ship is drowning them out. -Ariel Yseth
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Just got quiet at 8:40 and now hear someone at 8:42; lots of squeeky balloon sounds. such a JOY to have them all here; wish you good eatin', Beloveds! -Deborah Martyn
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8:40 pm super close to the hydrophone- loud calls/squeaks, no ship noise. Beautiful. Currently passing Lime Kiln 7:52-7:57 pm ship in background, but you can hear them faintly. Saw dorsal on Live Cam. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
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8:18 p.m. - Hello, My son and I were just listening to the live feed at Lime Kiln and heard lots of orca sounds!!! First time we have tuned in. -Christina George
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8:04 a.m. - Orca calls on Lime Kiln hydrophone. -Jack Collins
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5:57 p.m. - Listening to whales right now, 557 pm Sept 4th just off Lime kiln point! So exciting!Sounds like Orca. -Terri Barnett
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5:20 - 7:00 p.m. - I listened to Js, Ks, and Ls on Lime Kiln hydrophone arriving and spending time off one of their summer homes, the west side of San Juan Island. It has been so long. The sweetest of summer sounds! -Alisa Lemire Brooks
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I was one of the lucky people that got to see some of our southern resident orcas today! I got this one of K26 lobo when he came over to people watch! we were at Beecher bay out past race rocks. -Photo by Marcie Barney Goldberg, September 4
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Ok...EPIC! As we left out docks in Sooke Cpt. Dan heard fisherman saying many ORCA off French Beach coming east...Dan found some incoming Transients first thinking SRKW...we had a good look and quickly Cpt. Paul decided to head west to find our beloved Southern Resident Killer Whales returning to the Salish Sea. It was a SUPER POD! J,K,&L matrilines were all present. Not sure who all was there but the tight groups huntind salmon, socializing and playing was the best thing I have seen all year! Please find many salmon and be well nourished. Here is K21 Cappuccino, K22 powering east in Juan de Fuca this morning! -Paul Pudwell
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September 4 - Western Juan de Fuca - 2:00 p.m. - Bullman Bay - A pod of orca, at least six or seven. They were heading east, about 1/2 mile from shore. Full speed ahead! -Scott Hartman
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September 4 - North Puget Sound - 3:57 p.m. - Humpback still milling about halfway between Apple Cove Point and Edmonds. Has been here pretty much all day. -Gina James Vigna
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12:57 p.m. - CS631/CRC16017's right side dorsal. humpback at Apple Cove Point, heading north. Super cool! -Photo by Lisa Corona, September 4, 2017
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Tim and I went out on our own boat today and got word as we were leaving the dock that there was a breaching humpback CS631/CRC16017 "Two Spot" at Apple Tree Cove near Kingston! We joined Chilkat and watched Two Spot surface and dive a few times. Eventually Chilkat and all the other boats around left, as they were leaving Two Spot surfaced right in front of our idle boat!! She then circled us slowly, checking us out, she stayed right under the surface and kept circling, then she went under the boat and came up next to us again! Then she fluked...-Janine Harles
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11:00 a.m. - heading south again. Almost to ferry line.
9:44 a.m. - Just north of Kingston/Edmonds ferry line, mid to west channel. 2? Breaching, etc. mod down times. Northbound. -Sara Frey
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10:22 a.m - Humpback still off Apple Tree Point, mid channel. Milling. Chilkat and several other boats around it.
9:30 a.m. - Humpback off Apple Tree Point, between mid channel & Kingston side. Breaching multiple times. Milling around. -Gina James Vigna
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September 4 - SOUTH Puget Sound - 4:00 p.m. - whale still SW of the Vashon ferry. Seeing him from the Vashon lookout. 7-10 boats in the area.
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1:53 p.m. - Still west of the ferry dock.
1:10 p.m. - southern Vashon, west of the ferry dock, heading east. -Photo by Joy Donogh, September 4, 2017
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1:00 p.m. - I just spotted it from Vashon Island Viewpoint, it is now heading east along the southern tip of Vashon. -Connor O'Brien
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11:59 p.m. - Still on Vashon side, just east of ferry dock heading west.
11:23 a.m. - westbound hugging Vashon island about midway between ferry terminal and the Southwest tip.
11:11 a.m. - BCX0700 - Dalco Passage, westbound close to Vashon just to the left of the ferry dock. -Jill Clogston
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11:33 a.m. - Sounds like there are two. We just got back home to Manzanita beach and heard there was a whale that came up into Quartermaster Harbor. In harbor now going towards Burton. That must have been the one that surfaced next to our canoe at Point Piner. (possible 2nd whale is gray whale). -K Rachel Keil
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10:00 p.m. - Many tail slaps north of Browns Point mid Channel. -Bill Clogston
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9:58 a.m. - Breaching tail flapping 400 yards east Point Defiance.
9:45 a.m - Just saw it surface going towards ferry. -John Ehret
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9:59 a.m. - He is slapping his tail like mad...I can't believe we hear it. -Nancy Polich
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9:02 a.m - Now Trending west. Almost mid channel between Browns Point.
8:45 a.m - Trending east towards Commencement Bay.
8:18 am. - moved a little further east outside of Quartermaster Harbor.
8:10 a.m. -just outside Quartermaster Harbor, tail waving.
7:49 a.m. - SE corner of Vashon trending east. -Jill Clogston
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7:45 a.m. - In the ferry lane headed toward Point Defiance.
7:00 a.m. - Large whale (humpback) 1/4 mile north of Pt Defiance at 7am close to fishing boats. -Michele Riley Campbell
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September 4 - There is a video on Gig Harbor's Town Talk Facebook page - it looks like a gray. It actually swam into the harbor a bit and then back out. I shared your request with the owner of the video. In the meantime I got a response from someone who saw the whale in the harbor from their boat - she reports: "It was alone and seemed quite small." -Heidi Armstrong (we received screen grabs from the video and it does look like a gray whale - ALB)
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7:11 p.m. - I'm at work; second hand report of what is believed to be a gray whale that's entered the actual Gig Harbor now. -Durand Dace
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Unidentified whales - September 4 - 8:03 a.m. - Whale passing by Maury Island Marine Park this morning, swimming south toward Commencement Bay. -Matt Levi

September 3
Juan de Fuca Strait - Another GREAT day West of Sooke! BAM! Deanna Brett our eagle eye naturalist calmly says..Hey there's some Orca... Always excited to be the first to find Transient / Biggs Killer Whales T060's and T046's, 16 year-old male T60C - Juan de Fuca Strait. in flat calm seas off Jordan River and able to share their location not once, but twice today on both of our tours! We love what we do! -Paul Pudwell
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Rosario Strait - South of Clark Island tonight. It was about 7pm, there were 2, they were headed east toward Lummi. -Photo by Adrienne Delgadillo Baker, September 3, 2017
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September 3 - Puget Sound - T137s (Plus?) - 7:48 p.m. - Orcas between Golden Gardens and Carkeek headed north about a mile off shore - 4 to 5 (1 large male). -Tony Bahnick
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19:29 - At North Beach still headed north. They were on a mission going by. They were moving, but saw at least 4. One bigger male followed by 3 females grouped together. One looked quite small. -Stephen Sommerfeld
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7:35 p.m. - Turned out to be 3 I believe. They have cleared the Golden Gardens. Heading north;
7:15 p.m. - Surfaced for a second farther out from Golden Park heading north still. Thanks everyone for the updates to help us see them. -Misty Lane
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6:47 p.m. - Pod of 5 or 6 just rounded West point headed towards Golden Gardens. They hung around the Fort Lawton side for about 20 minutes, lots of milling, diving, tales flying every which way, quick course changes and even had a seal try to escape unsuccessfully under my boat. I took about 400 photos from todays orcas from the West Point beach area to Golden Gardens before they headed towards mid channel and off into the sunset North Bound. A shot of the youngest breaching one of three times while I was shooting. Off Golden Gardens north bound at a good pace. Lots of breaching..made a kill off the channel to the locks and celebrated then took off. What an experience when the male surfaced 20 ft from us....This shot is just off the Shilshole Breakwater, ...what ended up as about three kills, lots of milling, diving, quick course changes and even a seal trying to hide under my boat causing the big male to charge towards us out of nowhere. -Gary Peterson
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6:45 p.m. - I arrived at a very busy West Point lighthouse, Discovery Park in time to see at least 4 just south of the point. Female and calf in lead...male and juvenile trailing. They rounded West Point lighthouse close to shore. I ran to the north side to catch a glimpse of the male directly out from me descend quite vigoroulsy underwater as if to catch up. All eastbound headed towards Shilshole. Such a Long dive, I think they changed course underwater and surfaced more directionally to the north than they were heading when they went down. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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6:00 a.m. - Up to 6 Orcas just swam north out of Elliott Bay - we saw them close to shore from Myrtle- Edwards Park. -Chelsea Myers
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5:43 p.m. - Still watching from Arbor Tower in Belltown. In Elliot Bay heading north leisurely close to downtown side. Counted approx 5. Pier 70. -Vanessa VanGilder
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5:15 p.m. - Still in Elliott Bay. Close to Duwamish. -Melissa Mitchell
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5:02 p.m. - Just left Alki, they were heading into Elliot Bay. -Kersti Muul
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Hello we were on the West Seattle water taxi last night (Sept 3) going towards downtown. Approx 5pm. We saw 3 possibly 4 orcas. They were traveling southeast towards mouth of Duwamish. I would say half mile due east of the water taxi dock. We were pretty far away... But at least one male. Maybe feeding near duwamish? We could see them pretty clearly but not close enough to see markings. -Brent Crossley, West Seattle
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3:31 p.m. - they just surfaced by the Vashon ferry dock (now closer to the sail boat), still north with boats way way too close. looks like they are going towards Alki.
3:02 p.m. - watching from Southworth. They are still slowly headed north barely visible from the ferry dock. A few boats with them and they look to be closer to Vashon. -Brittany Gordon
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Another small group orcas 3pm on 9.3.17 playing in Fern Cove, N end Vashon, west side. Very playful activity. One very large male with a few females and one juvenile. Apx dozen boats enjoying with one idiot in a 19' Cobalt driving on top of them. Also had yet another humpback yesterday afternoon. Perhaps same one circumnavigating Vashon again. -Cheers, Tim Ferris
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2:05 p.m - Orca Pod of 6 (including 1 male) Vashon Island at Cove, traveling with research boat nearby. -Mark Timken
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1:45 p.m. - watching from Olalla they are still northbound mid channel. Research boat with them now slow pace with some playful or hunting activity. They are near Fragaria Rd for reference. -Brittany Gordon
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Male T137A - 1:45 p.m. 5-6 transient Orca travel north up Colvos Passage. -Photo taken from shore at Olalla by Katie Schmelzer, September 3, 2017
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1:30 p.m. - From Olalla, we observed approximately 4 or 5 orca traveling north in Colvos Passage past Vashon Island, heading Southworth direction. Seemed to be traveling, some blowing and splashing about, one breached. -Susan Anderson
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1:15 p.m. - 4 or 5 Orcas on Colvos passage traveling south to north. Adult male, females, and one adolescent. Moslly traveling, one breached several times though. -Mary Stewart
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12:20 p.m. - Last seen moving towards Colvos passage. -Bill Clogston
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12:17 p.m. - They passed right by the HB and are northbound in Colvos.
12:08 p.m. - T137's and one other group together at south end of Vashon heading towards Colvos. ALSO, the HB with entanglement scars is here with them! (T36 & T37A1 have been traveling with T137s - ALB). -Renee Beitzel
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Noon- Tahlequah, westbound, noon, T137's. -Brian McGinn
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11:30 a.m. - Orcas at the Mouth of Quartermaster Harbor, at least four individuals moving South Bound. Very Surface Active. -Tony Collins
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Today We got an early report of a Humpback, so we went to have a look. We never saw the Humpback. We did, however get a nice surprise from a small Pod of Transients Orcas passing by! They are fast, and very active. Saw from the Browns Point Lighthouse 11:30 am. With this summer heat, it makes a mirage/distortion on the water. -Photo by Desiree Sauve, September 3, 2017
(T137s - ALB)
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11:30 a.m. - I had eyes on the 6+ very active orcas with binoculars, from Gig Harbor, very near Dash point and Browns point side moving toward commencement bay southbound at 1130. -Michele Riley Campbell
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10:36 a.m. - Moving very fast, headed toward south Maury island. -Janna Ignatow
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9:35 a.m. - Orcas, at least 6? Heading south from Three Tree Point. Closer to Vashon side of channel and nearing Pt Robinson. LONG down times. -Kim Rouse Baumgartner
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September 3 - Central Puget Sound - I was down in the Seattle area on Sunday and got to follow the Bigg's orcas for a little while - from Alki to West Point. I didn't get any good photos but here is one of Jack (T137A), taken from West Point. -Photo by Robyn Cartwright, September 3, 2017
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September 3 - 7:33 p.m. - Humpback spotted Commencement Bay near the Point Defiance-Vashon ferry run. -Tami Steel
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2:55 p.m. - Just had to leave, but we have been watching this humpback circle between Vashon and Ruston, feeding for 2 hours. -Sherri Desseau
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1:49 p.m. - Trending east. Closer to Vashon. Lots of boats behind it appear to be keeping a respectful distance.
1:42 p.m. - From Dalco Passge viewpoint saw Humpback fluke at SW Corner of Vashon island. Many boats surrounding. -Jill Clogston
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12:51 p.m. - This is the humpback that was first spotted a week or so ago in the eastern Strait of Juan De Fuca with old entanglement scars. -Renee Beitzel
(BCX0700 - ALB)
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11:25 a.m. - Closer to Vashon. No fluking. Traveling westward. Nearing Talequah ferry dock.
11:20 a.m. - Resisighted Humpback. Looks like came out of Commencement Bay heading east. -Jill Clogston
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11:00 a.m. - Mid Dalco in ferry channel moving toward Pt Defiance at 1100. -Michele Riely Campbell
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9:43 a.m. - milling close to Vashon side just east of ferry dock
9:21 a.m. - Humpback from Owen Beach heading west to right of Tahlequah ferry dock. Closer to Vashon. -Jill Clogston
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9:50 a.m. - Humpback now headings east looks towards Browns Point.
9:27 a.m. - Humpback headed west Vashon side of Point Defiance at Owen Beach. -Bill Clogston
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September 3 - North Puget Sound - 10:56 a.m. - This Humpback off Edmonds/Richmond Beach was ID'd as CS631/CRC16017 "Two Spot" by Renee Beitzel, Chilkat
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10:54 a.m. - Right off Point Wells right now. Heading south. -Chris Boucher
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10:45 a.m. - Confirmed, s/he's still in the area. 1/2 mile or so south of marina Beach. -Peter Mo
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10:10 a.m. - It's a humpback! 3/4 mile west of the Edmonds marina, currently headed towards Marina Beach. -Brian McGinn
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Approx 9:00 am. - Saw black fin, tail flip and 1-2 possible with regular blows this am off the back of the Edmonds Kingston ferry closer to Edmonds. We know we saw a black tail flip several times...but were too far to identify, may be the humpback mentioned! -Shannon Mitchell
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September 3 - Juan de Fuca - 4:00 p.m. - Gray whale sighting - On Sunday, Sept. 3 we saw a single Gray whale in the far western corner of Bullman Beach. Rolling on the surface, fins showing. Had time to walk down it/about 1/2 mile, and shoot photos. Then we walked with it up the beach; it, all the time, staying in shallow water and showing itself numerous times. Feeding, playing, traveling. -Scott Hartman

September 2
Juan de Fuca - Transient (Biggs) Killer Whale Super pod off Sooke - With somewhere around 30 Orca hunting and socializing traveling east & west ...so many whales so little time! -Photo by Paul Pudwell, September 2, 2017
(Included the T99s, some above & T11s image below)
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San Juans - There were transient killer whales in a dozen different locations around the Salish Sea today, totaling more than 60 whales. I was lucky enough to see the T65As and T100s this afternoon in northern Haro Strait, and then the T36Bs and T99s this evening. Here's a shot from tonight near sunset as the 36Bs and 99s rounded the point at the Cattle Point Lighthouse to head up San Juan Channel at dusk. The "back side" (aka north side) of Spieden Island is always a perfect setting for those backlit blows. This shot is from September 2nd, when we were there with the T65As. -Photo by Monika Wieland Shields, September 2, 2017
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Hi ON, we saw T65As and T100s around 15:00 9/2 near Spieden Island. The groups split with T65As heading east and T100s I believe going north. Observed T65As circle Gull Rock 3x, then passed Flattop Rock & kept heading east. Appeared to be possible foraging activity but not confirmed. We left T65As around 17:00.
Earlier 9/2 around 13:00 in Moresby passage (Canada) we saw T36As actively hunt a harbor porpoise. Sorry porpoise, but it was spectacular! I didn't personally ID - going on what nearby WW naturalists said. There was some confusion about who was who b/t the 100s & 65As... but you're right, it was a wonder day with Ts. The earlier group in Canada was especially active- tons of leaps, tail-slaps, spy hops, etc. ( Ok, confirmed it was the T36As in the 13:00 Moresby group - though we saw 5 animals, not 4. Suspect T37A might have been traveling with the T36As as the transient guide says she will sometimes do - her fin seems to match what I saw but not sure). -Michelle Leann
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September 2 - Admiralty Inlet - Yet another beautiful day with orcas reported in 3 different directions - hmmm - Capt. Eric chose Admiralty Inlet (west side of Whidbey Isl.) and we found the T046Bs who were maneuvering through the really strong riptide currents at the north end of Marrowstone Island. The tides pushed us in many directions, and it was exciting to watch the whales also maneuver these strong currents. We had good looks at the T046Bs, before heading homeward passing Partridge buoy with Sea Lions, and Minor Island with many harbor seals. Another outstanding trip aboard the Mystic Sea! 2:00 p.m. - 7 or more Transients in Admiralty passing Fort Flagler (north end Marrowstone Island) northbound. Tentatively ID'd as T46Bs (& possibly some T37s) -Jill Hein, volunteer naturalist.
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10:55 a.m - Orca Whales off Marrowstone PT slowly Northbound. -Christopher Hanke
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Approx 7:15 a.m. - Orcas sighted off Point No Point, Kitsap this morning. At least 1 large male and one calf in the group of 5-10. -Photo by Luaithrend Inghean Uiliam, September 2, 2017
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September 2 - Possession Sound & Saratoga Passage - 7:15 p.m. - Don Dahlgren saw four orcas off Sandy Point, just south of Langley, close to the beach and heading south.
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7:15 p.m. - Fred Lundahl reports four transients passed Langley heading south.
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6:55 p.m.- Orcas off the Inn at Langley! Heading south towards ferry. -Virginai Rhoads
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Hi All, Joy of joys to think they were there, on Saturday afternoon, Sept 2nd, Just swimming by Langley Seawall Park! There were 6 and they were sighted by my Whidbey Island local friends, not me this time. Thanks for all you are, do and care about! Hooray for the ORCAS and all whales and dolphins. -Maureen Freehill
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6:30 p.m. - We left the T137 family around 6.30 pm - all five whales were heading towards Langley at that point, and had been travelling together in a tight group for some time with occasional momentary rests.
5:35 p.m. - Whales passing Fox Spit southbound steady pace. It was a beautiful day in Saratoga Passage with the whales, and the fourth consecutive day of seeing whales off Whidbey. -Sandra Pollard
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4:00 p.m. - Island Explorer 4 leaving 137's, 37A1, and 36 southbound Onamac Point. -Tyler McKeen
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2:13 p.m. - 4-5 Orca north end of Camano Island across from Utsulady Bay closer to Whidbey Island. Headed towards Oak Harbor. -Brian Berry
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12:20 p.m. - Five Orca passed just off Madrona Beach, Camano Island heading north. -Michele Ashley Sarver
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11:18 a.m - T137s northbound at 6.7 knots near Camano Island. 1 mile north of Onamac Pt. -Bart Rulon Chilkat Express
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10:24 a.m. - San Juan Clipper is leaving the T137s heading north right along the beach just north of Lowell Point. -Justine Buckmaster
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8:10 a.m. - apparently they are in Langley as they are on the webcam. -Trent
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7:10 a.m. - Orcas spotted from Clinton ferry heading north towards Langley. -Brittany Nicole
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This morning , September 2, at 7:00 am we saw 5 orcas off our home at Old Clinton. Traveling north. -Margaret Norling
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September 2 - Saratoga Passage - During our encounter with the T137 pod near the northeast side of Whidbey Island in Saratoga Passage on Sept 2 the transient killer whales started hunting a harbor seal. T137A, a 15 year old male, breached 4 times in a row during the drama! Recently, during seperate encounters, we have seen him breaching multiple times in a row during hunting episodes! -Photo by Bart Rulon, Naturalist, Puget Sound Express, September 2, 2017
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September 2 - 8:30 p.m. - Humpback in between Vashon and point defiance. He was a little guy, so amazing! This was at 830 tonight. -Brandi Nix
(video shows BCX0700 - ALB)
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7:49 p.m. - still visible from Anthony's.
7:08 p.m.- Just saw several spouts of water off of Owen Beach in Tacoma. Definitely a whale, probably just one. -Allison Stewart Bishins
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6:34 p.m. - Heading north through the Colvos.
6:25 p.m. - mid channel between Vashon and Pt Defiance. Heading north slowly. -Gaby Kinner
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6:08 p.m. - Humpback just off Point Defiance heading north. -Joy Donogh
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2:30 p.m. - One or Two humpbacks between mouth of Gig Harbor and Point Defiance. I really think two. They were on the move. -Kathleen Cage
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September 2 - Spotted I think a single grey whale in Dyes inlet around 7. In the Lions park area. Couldn't tell if it went back out or down toward Silverdale? -Linda Bancroft Weinacker
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September 2 - 8:17 a.m - We just spotted whales (2-3) off the Edmonds ferry. They were heading east toward Edmonds, couldn't get good enough view to see if they were males or females. Huge tail came out of the water and a few partial dorsal fin views. There were two or three, may have been humpback. Did not get good enough views of dorsal fins to identify. -Julie Crawford

September 1
Juan de Fuca - Around 19:45 Sept 01/17 - There were approx 5 orcas, including one large male, swimming westerly nearshore at Holland Park Point, just East of the Ogden Point Breakwater, Victoria. After skirting close to shore amongst the kelp beds, they turned south and headed SW past the Ogden Point Breakwater out towards the Strait of JDF. Traveling. -Lynette Brown
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September 1 - Haro Strait - There have been an incredible number of transient killer whales in the Salish Sea this week, with as many as 8 different groups per day ranging from Puget Sound to the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Georgia Strait. Today, the T60s, along with T124A1 and the T124Ds, made their way up Haro Strait. Here's male T60C off Henry Island this evening. -Photo by Monika Wieland Shields, September 1, 2017
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September 1 - South Puget Sound - 7:10 p.m. - They are approaching Point Robinson.
6:55 p.m. - Orcas, 3-5, at least one big male, heading north to Point Robinson (from lower Gold Beach) Vashon. -Kelly Burns Keenan
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5:34 p.m. - watching from Owens Beach - just saw a big breach they look to be hunting (map indicated south Vashon east of ferry lanes, near west entrance to Quartermaster Harbor- ALB) -Brittany Gordon
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5:10 p.m. - from Dalco passage viewpoint one heading east fairly close to Point Defiance side. Another followed the first just a couple minutes behind saw only 3-4 surfaces. Maybe a cow and juvenile. -Jill Clogston
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4:51 p.m. - Assume same 4 orcas from the Ketron sighting just passed by my house heading north about a half a mile north of the Tacoma Narrows bridge. Spread out, not traveling together I am pretty sure they are transients just based on their size but they were too far away for me to know for sure. -Susan Dynes
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We saw them again around 4:45 between the Narrows Bridge and Point Defiance when we were heading back to Gig Harbor.
Approx 4:25 p.m. - Spotted orcas north of Chambers Bay and headed north. -Photo by Christyn Unzueta, September 1, 2017
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4:27 p.m. - Not sure how many. At least one large male and 2-3 others. Heading northbound under Narrows I believe, but too far to get shots.
4:15 p.m. - Orca's northbound passing Titlow park. -Jill & Bill Clogston
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Warning: Transients on a kill, there is some blood. 4:00 p.m. - Small pod near Chambers Bay in south Puget Sound. -Video by Jim Ottman, September 1, 2017
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3:13 p.m. - swimming close to McNeil Island, almost to the northern tip. -Allison Stewart Bishins
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3:07 p.m. - splashes and surfacing at the Chambers Creek railroad bridge.
2:57 p.m. - very close to Steilacoom side, north of the ferry terminal and south of the park. Northbound. They are down for a few minutes now, but they were moving fast. Expect them past chambers creek bridge and toward the golf course next.
2:37 p.m. - 4 orca headed north up the east side of Ketron, should clear the tip of the island soon. -Belen Bilgic Schneider
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6:00 a.m. - We saw them, 7 or 8, near Hope Island, near Olympia. Stayed about an hour. Between Hope Island State Park and Carlyon Beach. -Photo by Pat Marenczuk Baker, September 1, 2017
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September 1 - Saratoga Passage to Possession Sound. 6:32 p.m. - 3 spotted now, Headed past green can on east side of Possession. headed towards Admiralty.
6:30 p.m. - Just saw one orca (male I believe) off Possession Point headed southwest, may have been more but I only saw the one. -Toby Black
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4:37 p.m. - we just left the T100s southbound between Hat and Whidbey Island, mid Channel. They are grouped up pretty tightly. -Bart Rulon, Chilkat Express
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3:00 p.m. - Just watched them cruise in front of the state park headed south towards Langley pretty quickly...I love where I live! -Shelly Greybeck
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2:35 p.m. - Spotted 4 Orca off of Baby Island, Saratoga Passage, heading south. -Photo by Edward Greybeck, September 1, 2017
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2:30 p.m. - Report from Jill Hein on Saratoga Ts - southbound past Cama Beach State Park. Traveling mode. From this early afternoon on the Island Adventures boat when they were by Camano. -Photo by Holly Ihrig, September 1, 2017
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1:53 p.m. - pod headed south just off Onomac Point mid channel. -Bryan Hansen
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1:07 p.m. - Chilkat with T100's in Saratoga still. They've flipped and heating south, little west of mid channel at Onomac Pt. Heading toward Comano side. -Renee Beitzel
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1:00 p.m. - Caught a glimpse of a large dorsal mid channel directly in front of Harrington Lagoon, but he appeared to be slowly swimming southbound. Believe Chilkat and several smaller ones with him. -Durand Dace
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12:42 p.m. - Sighted mid channel off Madrona beach heading north. Mom and juvenile far in front of male. Male moved closer to entrance of Coupeville, lost sight of mom. Update 1245 p.m. - Clipper leaving Coupeville heading North full speed.
12:28 p.m. - Watching 1 male, 1-2 female and juvenile mid channel off Madrona Beach heading north! -Michel Ashley Sarver
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11:10 a.m. - We found them! Big male, female and baby (correction 4 whales 2 juveniles?) Just north of Cama Beach. They are heading north. Onamack point. -Cari Morgan Chapel
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11:00 a.m. - Orca Sighting, Saratoga Passage across from the State Park! Headed towards Coupevdlle! -Marie Gill
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9:50 a.m. - San Juan Clipper is just leaving them heading steadily north on the Camano Island side of Saratoga Passage, just south of Elger Bay. It's the T100s again! Mom is in the lead with her calf and juvenile nearby and the male is following a bit behind the rest. -Justine Buckmaster
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7:15 a.m. - 3 orcas at Clinton ferry dock - heading north. -Dori Dace
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7:13 a.m. - WS Ferry Kittitas reports a small pod of orcas in the ferry lane, heading north.
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September 1 - 5:03 p.m. - Humpback on the side of Point Defiance, at the tip of 5 mile drive. -Mana Rahl
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5:00 p.m. - if it's the same Whale he just showed back up south of Vashon west of Owen Beach. -Kelsey Lynn
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4:00 p.m. - Humpbacks (2) at Point Defiance. Dalco Passage from Owen Beach and Pt. Defiance. This one BCX0700 came up from behind us. Beautiful! -Photo by Kathy Fox, September 1, 2017
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1:05 p.m. - Now off south end of Maury headed east toward piner point close to shore. -John Troup
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I was on shore by the Browns Point Lighthouse. Taking photos across Commencement Bay around 12ish. -Photo by Krissie Carl, September 1, 2017
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11:11 a.m - I am at Brownspoint and I can see the humpback splashing and swimming in the ferry line off Vashon. -Krissie Carl
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11:09 a.m. - Humpback hanging out in Commencement Bay. -Patricia Peachy Reagan
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10:45 a.m. - Humpback spotted in Commencement Bay Friday about 10:45! Heading south. -Nancy Hammill Terrell
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September 1 - 5:30 p.m. - Twice I saw a (grey) whale arch up showing her dorsal. I was at Rocky Point, Whidbey Island. It had slanted dorsal, not like an orca but smaller. Wow I've never seen a humpback like this before. She seemed to be feeding, following krill or these shiny schools of silver fish. And a sea lion bopping up his head from time to time. What a beautiful place to enjoy such nature. -Diane Jandreau
(reported as gray but w/dorsal sounds like humpback - ALB)
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Single whale spotted waiting for Bainbridge ferry in downtown Seattle. 4:50 PM on 01sep. -Ruaraidh Stenson
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1:46 p.m. - Unidentified whale off of Shilshole Marina. We've seen 3 blows but no good look at the whale. Maybe a smaller gray. Heading towards marina. I could not see any dorsal from my angle. -Shelly Richer Edwards