September 2024 Whale Sightings

Map © 2004 used with permission by
Advanced Satellite Productions, Inc.

September 30
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Mon, Sep 30 - Saratoga Passage
14:23 -
Just wanted to let you know there was a definite second blow. It's more mid channel and haven't see the mammal yet. But the down time was about sixteen minutes.
14:00 -
I'm currently at Hidden Beach [Whidbey] looking the direction of Rocky Point [Camano]. There is a very large shine that was stagnant that came up [sporadic]. Followed to what appeared to be a blow and I have not seen the blow again. I'm not getting my hopes to far up assuming it could of been a sea lion. I have nor been able to see a dorsal from this far. Just a bit shine three times and one very apparent blow. -Shannon Heuvel
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10:45 -
Patricia of Whidbey Island Kayaking for calling Two orcas went by northwest of Langley, appeared to cross Saratoga Passage from north of Langley over towards Camano. Then, five to ten minutes minutes later, two or three more orcas, a female and juvenile at least, came by hugging Whidbey shore traveling west/northwest west of Langley. So sounds like they may be split in Saratoga Passage with some hugging Whidbey shore with others out in the channel generally headed north up Saratoga Passage.
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Mon, Sep 30 - Puget Sound (T65Bs)
18:37 -
To be more specific directly across from Madison Park mid channel hugging closer to Richmond Beach they did look like they're headed northbound. I did hear from a source that they have been zig zagging a bit.
18:26 -
We’re here at Richmond Beach, got a dorsal and blow!! Mid channel directly across Madison Park. Closer to Richmond Beach side. -Shannon Heuvel
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17:26 -
Saw them about fifteen minutes ago [~17:11] traveling north in Port Madison Bay. -Julie Smart
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16:16 -
San Juan Clipper leaving this family still traveling northbound, now on the other side of the shipping lanes, approaching near Fay Bainbridge Park.
15:03 -
San Juan Clipper has located all four members of the T65Bs currently traveling northbound about to cross West Point. -Alli Montgomery
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15:09 -
San Juan Clipper following them northbound about a mile off West Point/Magnolia. -John Patrick Darmody II
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13:26 -
Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 13:33 to report: 1326hrs: Vessel TACOMA reports via 800MHz they've spotted two orcas 1 mile north of their current location [approx. 47.599153, -122.396141], off Duwamish Head. Whales are traveling northbound

September 29
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sun, Sep 29 - Haro Strait (T49C)
14:48 - T049C
filmed northbound on the west side of Haro Strait. Link to Youtube video. -Gerald Graham
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Sun, Sep 29 - Puget Sound (T65Bs) - I’d like to thank the new iPhone 16 Pro for making this video possible! Today was the first time I was able to see them without binoculars. And it was just so special [video in FB comments]. -Aly Thompson
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18:00 -
I left Sunset Hill and finally saw them from Golden Gardens. They were far out but still great! Taken with my iPhone. Headed west again [video in FB comments]. -Andrée Hurley
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18:00 - Whales have continued northbound.
Last sighting around 17:50 heading northbound about to quarter mile off of Shilshole Marina breakwater. T65B1 Birdsall. Taken from Sunset Hill. -back of camera photo by Ariel Yseth, September 29, 2024
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17:44 -
Right off Shilshole Marina north end - almost to Golden Gardens. -Julie Smart
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17:11 -
Still off Golden Gardens, milling just west of northbound traffic lane, almost exactly mid channel. Viewing from Sunset Hill. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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17:00 -
Seeing from Sunset Hill near the clusters of boats. Pretty far out. -Amy Christensen
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17:20 -
Just made another sighting, seem to be just north of Bainbridge Island now.
17:05 -
Last seen heading north after a cruise ship passed by.
16:59 -
Have been actively feeding so staying in position.
16:35 -
Still off West Point Lighthouse. -Bradley Smith
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16:42 -
Seeing them from Golden Gardens northbound closer to Bainbridge. -Aly Thompson
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16:10 -
Seeing them directly off of West Point Lighthouse. Cluster of boats nearby.  -Deb Cronheim
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16:00 -
I am at Sunset Hill Park and spotting them just north of Discovery Park Lighthouse. Still northbound. About mid channel. -Monica Finn
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16:04 -
San Juan Clipper leaving these whales split two and two. Birdsall and Corvus/Nettle will soon be crossing West Point, and Chunk and little one are across the way closer to Bainbridge.
15:17 -
San Juan Clipper has found these whales, all four of the T65Bs. Currently facing northbound in the middle of shipping lanes slowly heading towards West Point. -Alli Montgomery
*
15:10 - Four orcas reported off Magnolia
. If presumably same group, they are northbound. -[WA app]
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13:52 - Three orcas reported just west of Duwamish Head.
No direction given. -[WA app]
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UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES -

Sun, Sep 29 - Washington Coast - Sunday was one of the best days of my life! After attempting to see the orca from different shore points, boards, and kayaks all summer; I had lost hope. When I went up to Cape Flattery on Sunday, I knew there was a chance at seeing whales but I didnt go in with high expectations. But then my dreams came true! Just below the viewpoint were these three beautiful orcas, and it absolutely made my year. Link to FB reel. -Lilly Acevedo

September 28
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sat, Sep 28 - Johnstone Strait (T23s) - T23D5 - T23D4 Sixx & T23 Janice - T023s were seen in Johnstone Strait. Link to more photos. -photos by Elizabeth Zwamborn, September 28, 2024
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Sat, Sep 28 - Dodds Narrows, BC (T19s, T36/T36Bs, T60s) - An unforgettable encounter today in Dodds Narrows, Nanaimo, Vancouver Island with 3 different pods traveling together. Link to FB video. -Juan Zavaleta
*
Sat, Sep 28 - Gulf Islands, BC
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Brenda Hotte
Date of Sighting: September 28, 2024
Time: 12:46 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Mid channel between Retreat Cove, Galiano and Fernwood Salt Spring Trincomali Channel
Direction of travel : south slow, first noticed at Wallace Island this morning around 9:30. At 12:45 it was mid channel tip of Retreat Cove Island.
Behaviors observed: Milling
If orcas, any males?: very small
Any unusual markings?: just black from my view
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: 1st observed at 9:30 am and seen again at 12:45 pm. Would take a photo but just a tall thin black fin and a bit of body. Seems to disappear then I notice again.
Photos available?: No
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Sat, Sep 28 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T46Bs) - T46B3 Sedna - T46B4 Quiver
18:00 - Near Smith Island - T46Bs
. Link to more photos. -photos by Christy Berg, September 28, 2024
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T46B2 Akela
on right
15:17 -
After much milling, we are eastbound three knots just north of Hein Bank.
13:02 -
Hard turn north toward False Bay. Seven miles southwest [of] Cattle Pass.
12:47 - [Orcas]
Right in the middle of the Strait between Dungeness and Victoria. Seven total. No obvious males. EB [eastbound] three knots. -photos by A, September 28, 2024
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Sat, Sep 28 - Admiralty Inlet (T49C) - This was reported as T49C last seen headed north towards Admiralty Bay. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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11:54 -
Single male orca traveling south between Point Hudson and Marrowstone Point. Headed close to Marrowstone Point about midway. Long downtimes. -Rebecca Berger
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Sat, Sep 28 - Hood Canal
10:00 -
I spotted two orcas heading north around the Guillemot Cove [approx. 47.6284451, -122.9129506]. -Patrick Kosyuga 
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Sat, Sep 28 - Puget Sound (T65Bs) - T65B1 Birdsall - T65B Chunk - T65B2 Nettle - I waited and waited and finally heard that the whales were still in the bay. I ran back to my car and decided to head to Alki Beach. Parking was a madhouse there. I pulled off on the side of the road in a spot I couldn’t park, and just tried to collect myself and find a different spot to be. How lucky I was that two of my whale nerd friends found me there in their own car! I followed them and we found ourselves in Constellation Park. We waited here for hours and just watched as the whales went back and forth, nondirectional for a while. We jokingly said to ourselves “how awesome would it be if the whales came inside the buoy!?” For awhile, the whales were far out and hard to capture photos of. Before we knew it, they were drifting closer and closer and closer. They initiated a hunt and spent the better half of 30 minutes taking down a harbor seal maybe 40-50 feet off the shore! It was, by far, the most spectacular thing I have ever seen standing on the shore. Link to more photos. -photos by Kat Martin, September 28, 2024
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Was lucky to cross paths with what I think are the T65B’s this afternoon while sailing. -photos by Steven Levy, September 28, 2024
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Some footage of last night’s hunt from the T65Bs. This is some of my favorite footage I’ve ever caught of the Bigg’s orcas. Taken from shore at Constellation Park. Link to FB video. -Kat Martin
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Here is some raw unedited video clips of the incredible seal hunt the T65Bs family had about 50-75 feet off of Constellation Park. What an incredible force of nature to witness up close. Link to FB videos. -April Janice Basham
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18:31 -
They have now moved further south. No longer seeing them from Constellation Park anymore.
18:20 -
After a close to shore hunt at Constellation Park the T65Bs are hanging out just south of the park. In no hurry to any specific direction. Seem to be milling around a bit. -Candace Gavin
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T65B3 - T65B2 Nettle
17:51 -
Close to shore hunting off Constellation Park, West Seattle. -photos by Robin Sinner, September 28, 2024
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Sat, Sep 28 - Puget Sound (T65Bs) - T65B Chunk - T65B3, T65B1 Birdsall, T65B Chunk, T65B2 Nettle - T65Bs. Link to more photos. -photos by April Janice Basham, September 28, 2024
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T65B Chunk - T65B1 Birdsall, T65B2 Nettle, T65B3
17:50 -
Tail lob.
17:47 - T065B Chunk
hunting close to shore off Constellation Park.
17:11 -
Some directional changes beautiful blows. Still between Vashon and southworth but east of mid channel.
17:02 -
Slow southbound between Vashon and Southworth still east in channel view from Constellation Park in West Seattle.
16:49 -
In line with south tip Bainbridge.
16:47 -
East in channel off Constellation moving southbound.
16:28 -
Moving southwest off 1700 Alki toward Restoration Point.
16:07 -
Close to shore off 1700 Alki moving southwest.
16:04 - T065B1 Birdsall, from Anchor Park
in West Seattle. -photos by Mary Hartmann, September 28, 2024
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16:32 -
Straight out from 58th and Alki now. -Rachel Aronson
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16:00 -
Exiting the bay, just north of Duwamish Head.
15:51 - In Elliot Bay
, dead center, food sharing after a kill. Slowly pointed towards the Great Wheel. -David Scott
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15:57 -
No direction yet. They are just sitting in the bay between the Olympic Sculpture Path and the metal buoy.
15:48 -
Watching two in Elliot Bay right now. -Kelsey Montoya
*
16:05 -
Leaving them now about half mile northwest of Duwamish Head.
15:22 -
Currently one mile south of Elliott Bay Marina and tracking southbound. -Craig Smith McMaster
*
13:58 -
Viewing right now from the south end of Sunset Hill Park, still between Shilshole and Magnolia. -Sarah Nickel Smith
*
13:22 -
I have an excellent land based view. Orcas between Magnolia and Shilshole. -Brenda Ferguson
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13:18 -
SJC is leaving the T65Bs now pointed north crossing the entrance to the Locks.
12:38 -
SJC has located these orcas north of West Point, traveling south. T65Bs. -Alli Montgomery
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12:08 -
A pair of orcas just popped up to keep us company in the Rum Run Regatta, just off of Shilshole Marina - thanks for saying hello, my salty friends. They appeared to be heading south in the same direction we were headed. -Victoria Mead Bitto
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09:26 -
Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: WALLA WALLA Captain reports 2 ORCA heading South, one mile North of current position [approx. 47.604319, -122.430735 (Elliott Bay)].
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08:25 -
Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 08:28 to report: TACOMA Captain reports 2 ORCA heading South, one mile North of current position [approx. 47.618873, -122.485683 (mid-channel, Seattle-Bainbridge ferry route)].
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UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES -

Sat, Sep 28 - WA Coast
16:44 -
I’m on a cruise ship and just saw 30 humpbacks and just a few yards back orcas! With the baby. We are off the coast of Neah Bay pretty far out as we speak. -Melissa Almony
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HUMPBACK WHALES -

Sat, Sep 28 - Puget Sound
12:01 - Humpback northbound west of mid channel out from Golden Gardens/Fay Bainbridge
sight line. -Sue Surowiec Larkin
*
11:34 -
SJC has noted this humpback currently traveling north/northwest in the middle of the southbound shipping lanes in line with West Point. -Alli Montgomery
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08:30 - Lone humpback
observed from Pritchard Park Lookout on Bainbridge Island, heading south. Lots of spouts, breaching, and saw tail once. Just past the channel marker.  -Susanne Hutchinson [PSWS]
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MINKE WHALES -

Sat, Sep 28 - Hein Bank
13:11 - Minke at Hein Bank.
-A

September 27
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Fri, Sep 27 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T109As) - Near Race Rocks. He [T109A4] swam right under our whale watching boat! -back of camera photo by Elizabeth Skinner, September 27, 2024
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Fri, Sep 27 - Esquimalt Harbor, BC (T69s) - T69C Kye - T69 Komox & T69C Kye - The beautiful, breathtaking T69s in Esquimalt Harbour. Link to more photos. -photos by Elizabeth Skinner, September 27, 2024
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Fri, Sep 27 - Strait of Juan de Fuca
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Andrew Croy
Date of Sighting: September 27, 2024
Time: 12:39 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 8
Where seen: 48.32469, -123.63019 (East of Sooke)
Direction of travel : East
Behaviors observed: Hunting
If orcas, any males?: 5ft
Any unusual markings?: No
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: 2 possible calves
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org -photos by Andrew Croy, September 27, 2024
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Fri, Sep 27 - Spieden Channel (T49A1)
17:30 -
We left T49A1 aka Noah headed for the Pender Island no go zone. -John Boyd [WSSJI]
*
14:27 -
Orca, big male in Spieden Channel, westbound. Nearing Sentinel. -Edenonthe Salishsea [WSSJI]
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Fri, Sep 27 - Possession Sound (T65Bs) - T65B1 Birdsall - T65B3 with lots of rake marks - We can confirm Rachel Haight’s ID, the leading female of Camano Head today was T65B. Both her dorsal notch and right eye patch are clear ID’s in our pictures. We found them there just as they had made a kill, not sure what it was, just saw the pieces while they were food sharing around a crab pod buoy which they also played with for about 15-20 minutes at least while still sharing food. Indeed, the youngster T065B3 was still carrying food when the started moving east and then southeast again towards Clinton. That little fellow is quite the “tattoo orca” - lots of rake marks! There were all four T65Bs - all the time, they were just all over each other so much. His older brother [T65B1] has two deep long scars behind his saddle patch on his left side, they don’t look like rake marks, they are straight lines and look like they were deep cuts in the past.  -photos taken under NMFS Permit 26599 by Florian Graner, September 27, 2024
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18:26 -
Our friends are Whidbey side of mid passing through the ferry lanes. They have picked up a bit of speed and still headed south. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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T65B Chunk & T65B2 Nettle - T65B1 Birdsall
18:15 -
Stalled with surface activity east of Clinton ferry terminal. -photos & IDs by Rachel Haight, September 27, 2024
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17:20 -
Flipped southwest, now between Sandy Point and north end end of Hat Island. Headed toward Clinton ferry terminal.
17:13 -
The three orcas are now half mile north of the harbor at Hat Island.
16:53 - Three orcas off Camano Head heading east
toward Everett. They just played with a crab pot buoy. -Florian Graner
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12:08 -
I just had two ladies in the [Langley] Whale Center that saw two orcas from the Clinton ferry. They were eastbound from the Clinton side. [Video in FB comments, appears to show female & two juveniles]. -Donna George
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Fri, Sep 27 - Puget Sound (T36/T36Bs)
18:30 -
Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: KENNEWICK Master reports 4 orca on North Admiralty Inlet headed northbound.
*
17:00 -
Several orca between Marrowstone and Lagoon Point northbound still, east of center channel. Straight out from central Lagoon Point. -Bill Setter
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17:04 -
They are out from Lagoon Point northbound blows easy to see, just east of midchannel.
17:00 -
They're now nearly out from Lagoon Point steady north, blows easy to see.
16:35 -
After a loooooong time of scanning, finally found them viewing from south Lagoon public access, still south of here, distant, slight east of midchannel, northbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
13:51 -
They’re here between Norwegian Point and Point No Point. Swiftsure is with them. -Micky Bates
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12:57 -
SJC leaving these whales (T36s) currently traveling northwest towards Point No Point midchannel. Soundwatch is on scene. -Alli Montgomery
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12:10 -
Per AIS, San Juan Clipper is with these whales as they continue north in the Eglon area, Kitsap side. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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11:19 -
Just saw them traveling north of Kingston, closer to the Kitsap side. -Kate Stovel
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09:03 -
Three orcas reported off Carkeek Park. No direction given, but if presumably same group, then they are still northbound. -[WA app]
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06:55 -
I saw ‘em right in front of the Great Wheel. -Alexander Simenstad
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06:45 -
Clipper 5 saw orcas off Pier 66 pointed northwest this morning. They seem to have exited Elliot Bay by now.
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HUMPBACK WHALES -

Fri, Sep 27 - WA Coast
16:44 -
I’m on a cruise ship and just saw 30 humpbacks and just a few yards back orcas! With the baby. We are off the coast of Neah Bay pretty far out as we speak. The whole side of the ship got to see. It was very cool. -photos by Melissa Almony, September 27, 2024
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Fri, Sep 27 - Puget Sound
11:04 -
Just saw a blow spray and a tail here. Not sure if it’s the same whale [approx. 47.751110, -122.409224]. -Shannon Barrios Stander
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09:51 - Humpback off oil docks
now. South of Edmonds halfway to Kingston. Three blows at surface, heading east, showed fluke and disappeared. -Chris Boucher

September 26
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Thu, Sep 26 - San Juans (T35As & T65A5) - A peek above the surface by T65A5 Indy this afternoon outside Deer Harbor on Orcas Island. There must rarely be a dull moment in the life of this roving 10 year-old. Just in the month of September, we have documented him traveling with over 30 different members of the Bigg's killer whale population from at least 7 different matrilines! Today he was traveling with the T35As. Who knows where he will be tomorrow! -Orca Behavior Institute -photo by Monika Wieland Shields, September 26, 2024
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And T65A5. -Sara Hysong-Shimazu, Maya’s Legacy [WSSJI]
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T35As
according to FOTW [friends on the water]. -Ellie Sawyer, Maya’s Legacy [WSSJI]
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15:30 -
Moving west in San Juan Channel just south of Jones Island. Should be visible from Reuben Tarte County Park.
14:40 - Deer Harbor, Orcas Island.
13:55 -
Coming up on Yellow Island, east side of San Juan Channel moving northwest. Might have stalled there.
13:15 -
Hearing local chatter on VHF about five to six killer whales just outside Friday Harbor. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
*
Thu, Sep 26 - Puget Sound (T36/T36Bs)
13:40 - Southbound
spread out, main group near the top of Bainbridge. -Brian McGinn
*
13:00 -
Clipper still hanging out right here: really hard to spot the whales though [approx. 47.810200, -122.476244]. -Rubie H Baker
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12:10 - Orca southbound off Kingston
, midchannel, just passing the ferry lane. Clipper with them. Not sure on numbers. -Sara Frey
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12:04 -
SJC has located the T36s currently southbound crossing the Kingston ferry lanes! -Alli Montgomery
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ALASKA KILLER WHALES -

Thu, Sep 26 - Skagway, AK
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Abigail Principe
Date of Sighting: September 26, 2024
Time: 4:00 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 7
Where seen: CMWG+CG, Skagway, AK 99840
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed: Traveling, Miling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: At least one baby
Photos available?: No

September 25
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Wed, Sep 25 - San Juans (T49C)
14:15 - T49C
is currently heading northeast in Upright Channel. -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
Wed, Sep 25 - San Juans (T65A5)
14:15 - T65A5
is heading southeast from the Lopez ferry terminal.  -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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ALASKA KILLER WHALES -

Wed, Sep 25 - Juneau, AK
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Abigail Principe
Date of Sighting: September 25, 2024
Time: 3:15 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: 98CP+8WG Auke Bay, Juneau, AK
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?: 1
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: 3 whales seen, 1 possible male according to our whale watching guide.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org

September 24
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Tue, Sep 24 - San Juans
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Joni Dennison
Date of Sighting: September 24, 2024
Time: 7:55 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: North shore of Orcas Is., WA, just east of Buckhorn Lodge near Coho Point.
Direction of travel : N/NW, slow
Behaviors observed: She was hunting solo at dusk, just on the outside of the kelp bed, very quiet and close to shore. It was nearly dark and we heard a very soft blow and could just make out the dorsal fin through the gloom.
If orcas, any males?: No
Any unusual markings?: No
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: It was too dark to get a very good picture, but I think I could ID her from memory of what I observed of her size and dorsal fin if I had some other pictures of the Ts that were in the area to compare to.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org -photo by Joni Dennison, September 24, 2024

September 23
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Mon, Sep 23 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T11A, T18s, T46Bs, T46B1s, T49C, T60D, T60E) - T60E Lynx - T49C Nielson - T46B2 Akela - T011A, T018s, T046Bs, T046B1s, [T49C] and T060D&E - Another incredible day with Biggs orcas in the fog! Off Sooke today. Link to more photos. -Sooke Coastal Explorations -photos by Pacific Imagery, September 23, 2024
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MINKE WHALES -

Mon, Sep 23 - Hein Bank - Out on IE with Jill Hein and Donna George on a lovely grayish day... and a quiet one, with two beautiful minkes off Hein Bank, and lots of lovely birds. Always wonderful to be out on the water! -photo by Bonnie Gretz, September 23, 2024
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Aboard IE5, with Bonnie Gretz and Donna George we embarked on an unusual whale watch - visibility not so good in many directions, and no whale reports! Our diligent captain (Shane) did manage to find a couple of minke whales southeast of Lopez, and we enjoyed guessing where they’d re-surface, we watch many entertaining bait balls, and seals and sea lions arguing amongst themselves. We did have some cool birds too, a few phalaropes, white winged scoters, marbled murrelets and tons of common murres. Oh and gulls galore. -photos by Jill Hein, September 23, 2024

September 22
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sun, Sep 22 - Strait of Georgia (T63 & others) - I saw one of my favorite whales for the first time - T63 Chainsaw! -photos by Jennifer Stoudt, September 22, 2024
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Sun, Sep 22 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T18s, T46Bs, T49As & others) - We had an incredible encounter on the Salish Sea yesterday! We arrived on scene just as the T18’s, T49A’s and T46B’s met up with each other and boy were they happy to see each other! Link to FB video. -Shelly Moore
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Sun, Sep 22 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T60D & T60E) - T60E Lynx - Ran into T60 D & E while looking at humpbacks by Race Rocks, Canada. Link to more photos & video. -photos by Jaime Shields, September 22, 2024
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Sun, Sep 22 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T19s, T46Bs, T46B1s, T46C2, T49As minus T49A2) - T49A Nan
11:30 -
Was my last day out on the boats for the season and I had such an amazing finale! We found 20 killer whales in the strait just south of Race Rocks. The IDs are the T19s, T46Bs (including the B1s), T49As (minus A2), and T46C2. -photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, September 22, 2024
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UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES -

Sun, Sep 22 - Dungeness Bay
08:30 -
While kayaking, I came upon two orcas apparently feeding on salmon about quarter to third mile off shore in flat calm waters. They meandered back and forth for about 30 minutes and then headed out toward the lighthouse. One larger was a female. Couldn’t tell with the smaller. -John McHale 
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HUMPBACK WHALES -

Sun, Sep 22 - Strait of Juan de Fuca - Looking at humpbacks by Race Rocks, Canada. Link to more photos & video. -photos by Jaime Shields, September 22, 2024
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Sun, Sep 22 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (BCX2046 Pinnacle & BCX1704 Vivaldi) - BCX1704 Vivaldi - BCX2046 Pinnacle - We then saw five different humpbacks but the only ones I have been able to ID are BCX2046 Pinnacle and BCX1704 Vivaldi. -photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, September 22, 2204
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MINKE WHALES -

Sun, Sep 22 - Admiralty Inlet
15:25 -
We just saw a minke whale by the beach at Fort Casey, moving north. -Susan Stowers

September 21
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sat, Sep 21 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T11A, T18s, T46Bs, T46B1s, T60D & T60E) - T46B2 Akela - T19B Galiano - Another killer day in the Juan De Fuca Strait off Sooke B.C. with T11A, T18's, T46B's, T46B1's and T60's and 6+ humpbacks! Link to more photos. -Sooke Coastal Explorations  -photos by Pacific Imagery, September 21, 2024
*
Sat, Sep 21 - San Juans (T49C) - First time sighting from land for me!!! Friday Harbor sitting at Outriggers on the pier. Waitress said this was only the second time in 30 years she had seen one pass through this close. -photo by Ronda Price, September 21, 2024
*
T49C Nielson
getting some hang time this afternoon in San Juan Channel. Look at those pecs! Some Bigg's killer whales are social butterflies and others are loners; T49C spends a good deal of time doing both. Today, he sure seemed to be enjoying the pleasure of his own company. There was so much to do! Breach, tail slap, swim upside down, drape kelp over your dorsal fin, eat a couple seals, visit Friday Harbor.... -Orca Behavior Institute -photo by Monika Wieland Shields, September 21, 2024
*
Sat, Sep 21 - Friday Harbor/San Juan Channel (T49C) - T49C Nielson in Friday Harbor! Link to FB reel. -Fusako Nozaka
*
11:30 -
We saw T49C northbound in San Juan Channel.  -photo & ID by Kyla Bivens, September 21, 2024
*
Sat, Sep 21 - Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca (T49A1)
16:00 -
We then later saw T49A1 just off the south end of Lopez Island. -photo & ID by Kyla Bivens, September 21, 2024
*
Sat, Sep 21 - Rosario Strait (T49As minus T49A1 & T49A2) - T49A6 Charlie II
16:30 -
The rest of the T49As (minus A2) southbound in Rosario [Strait]. -photo & ID by Kyla Bivens, September 21, 2024
*
10:40 - T49C heading north towards Cattle Pass
. -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
MINKE WHALES -

Sat, Sep 21 - Hood Canal
17:15 - Minke whale south of Scenic Beach Park [Seabeck]
just outside the buoy line headed north. -Kathy Cole
*
16:00 -
I am sure we ran across a minke whale solo in Holly Cove. He surfaced right next to our kayaks! -photos by Paige Stockley, September 21, 2024
*
Sat. Sep 21 - Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca
17:30 -
We saw a little minke whale just north of McCurdy Point. -photos by Kyla Bivens, September 21, 2024

September 20
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Fri, Sep 20 - Ketchikan, AK (T49A2, T73, T74) - T73 Doris & T74 Andy Bigg - T49A2 Jude - T073 Doris, T074 Andy Bigg, and T049A2 Jude were seen together in Ketchikan, Alaska. Link to more photos. -IDs by Jenny Körner & Brendon Bissonnette -photos by Jim Lewis, September 20, 2024
*
Fri, Sep 20 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T11A & others) - T11A Rainy - Another beautiful day in the Juan De Fuca Strait off Sooke B.C. Link to more photos. -Sooke Coastal Explorations -photos by Pacific Imagery, September 20, 2024
*
Fri, Sep 20 - San Juans (T137s)
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Michael Fite
Date of Sighting: September 20, 2024
Time: 6:40 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: East side of Clark Island (between Lummi Is and Orcas Is.)
Direction of travel : headed north at an easy pace
Behaviors observed: See video
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I was at anchor on the east side of Clark Island on the evening of Sept. 20th. 2 orcas were observed northbound about 100-200 yards east of the island. Shortly after, 2 other orcas entered the bay and passed close to my boat headed north.
Photos available?:
*
Fri, Sep 20 - San Juans (T60D, T60E, T137s)
12:03 - T137s and T60D+E!
Got to see from the ferry! -Ellie Sawyer, Maya’s Legacy [WSSJI]
*
10:48 -
Spotted one, possibly two orcas between Shaw and Lopez Islands. -photo by Alexandra Dolak, September 20, 2024
*
10:45 -
Off of Shaw Island, heading east. Two small groups, this was the second one to come through. -Marynne Strobel
*
Fri, Sep 20 - Port Madison
08:25 -
Just saw one orca (out my window!) headed [corrected to east] along the shoreline of the Indianola Sandspit towards the Indianola dock. -Deanna Deery-Schmitt
*
Fri, Sep 20 - Puget Sound (T19s) - T19C Spouter & T19B Galiano - T19 Nootka - How lucky I seriously feel to have seen this beautiful family of transient orcas two days in row down in Commencement Bay, Tacoma. Their visit was short but very sweet. It's never taken for granted the time I get to spend with these magnificent beings. Each one is SO special in their own unique way and it makes every encounter that much more special. I love being able to share with all of you and hope you feel it, too. Link to more photos. -photos by April Janice Basham, September 20, 2024
*
The synchronized pass by Southworth. Link to FB reel. -Kirsten Waite-George
*
20:05 -
I can’t see them, but I can hear them. They just passed Eglon headed north. -Melissa Peterson
*
T19C Spouter
19:15 -
OH MY GOSH… was looking for them mid-channel - saw one or two blows then was looking right off the beach at the birds on bait and suddenly, the LARGE MALE blew as he surfaced and filled my binocs - maybe 20 feet off the beach at most. HUGE!...and scared the heck out of me. Kept heading north. Off Apple Tree Point. -photo by Sara Frey, September 20, 2024
*
18:37 -
At the Kingston ferry. Can see orcas off the ferry docks south. Moving north. -Kevin Doar
*
18:22 -
They were milling around for a bit in front of President Point but heading northbound again. So fun to watch! -Ashley Alecci Goninan
*
18:02 -
Seeing fins in the far distance from Marina Beach Park - Edmonds. Northbound closer to Kitsap side. -Vanessa Franz
*
17:53 -
In front of President Point now northbound! Couple of boats following.  -Ashley Alecci Goninan
*
17:40 -
Spotted via binoculars east of the Kingston ferry (Apple Tree Cove). Heading north.
17:16 -
Spotted via binoculars from Sunset Park. Headed north from Point Jefferson. -Ravenna Collver
*
17:12 - Pod
resumed slow northbound travel with one female and male in lead and second male trailing a bit southeast of them.
17:05 -
These Bigg’s orcas are lazily milling making directional changes, skirting outer Port Madison about third of the way up [approx. 47.724216, -122.484190]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
T19C Spouter, T19 Nootka, T19B Galiano
17:00 -
At least one orca seen heading east out of the bay. Research boat was with them while in the bay.
16:45 -
All three whales in outer Port Madison Bay. This was only time between Yeomalt Point and Port Madison that I saw them all together. -photos by Sue Surowiec Larkin, September 20, 2024
*
16:30 - Northbound passed Fay Bainbridge
heading towards Indianola. There are three in this group. -Heather Paar
*
16:15 - Orcas
slow moving north midchannel off Shilshole.
15:30 - Orcas off Yeomalt Point Bainbridge northbound
. -Sue Surowiec Larkin
*
14:31 -
Just now. Two orcas in between Bainbridge and Bremerton ferry lanes. Photo taken looking north from Bremerton ferry. Orcas appeared to be heading generally west. -photo by Ruth Blakeslee, September 20, 2024
*
14:51 -
Three others just past Rockaway Beach on Bainbridge Island on binoculars. One looks like a calf? Or did one go back south to meet up with the other two? Northbound but one went south sometimes and back northbound again.
14:26 -
Saw only one through the binoculars at Rockaway Beach on Bainbridge. Northbound. -Ying Ying Tan Golinska
*
14:04 -
Visible without binoculars by Manchester cargo ships moving northbound quickly.
13:55 - Northbound
at north tip of Blake mid channel view from Constellation Park in West Seattle. -Mary Hartmann
*
13:41 -
Spotted off north end of Blake Island. Moving north pretty fast. -Jodi Winterton
*
13:20 - Between Vashon, Blake, and Kitsap, all three, still heading north
. Female is slightly off from the boys [approx. 47.518825, -122.486838].
13:15 - Exiting Colvos at Southworth ferry
. -Jolena Tagg
*
13:15 -
Spotted north tip of Vashon. By red boat. -Kristen Waite-George
*
T19C Spouter - T19B Galiano
13:10 - Northbound at the north end Colvos
, moving swiftly. -photos by Tim Ferris, September 20, 2024
*
12:55 -
Spotted at Fern Cove traveling north. Kitsap side of channel. -Maya Breitburg-Smith
*
12:25 - Vashon
side, heading north. Viewing from Anderson Point. -Jolena Tagg
*
12:19 -
All three are now approaching Maple Wood/past Ollala at a steady pace and long downtimes. Closer to the island side of the channel. -Mollie Segall
*
12:10 - Heading north toward Olalla Bay
toward the Vashon Island on Colvos Passage. -Deborah Corpolongo
*
12:10 -
Just passed Lisabeula loosely grouped steady northbound island side of midchannel. Edit to add that they moved closer into island side right after passing Lisabeula. -Ellen Weir
*
12:01 -
Approaching Ollala now. Mid channel, continuing north. -Mollie Segall
*
11:30 -
Entering Colvos northbound, close to Vashon side. -Ashley S Whitman
*
11:30 -
Just saw them northbound into Colvos. -Kyle Anderson
*
11:23 - Northbound
here, all three of the T19s [approx. 47.333926, -122.530730]. -Kyla Bivens, PSE
*
11:18 -
Look to be heading south towards Point Defiance.
11:11 -
Viewing from Ruston, they’re milling towards the opening to Colvos. Likely Vashon side. By the PSE. -Kirsten Vacura
*
T19 Nootka & T19C Spouter - T19B Galiano
10:30 - Orcas
seen from my kayak between Point Defiance and Gig Harbor. Link to more photos. -photos by Patrick Shaffer, September 20, 2024
*
T137D Wright
-ID by Rachel Haight, Orca Network -screenshot from video by Michael Fite, September 20, 2024
*
Fri, Sep 20 - Puget Sound (T19s) - T19C Spouter - T19C Spouter - T19C Spouter, T19 Nootka, T19B Galiano
11:00 -
The T19s just north of Point Defiance. -photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, September 20, 2024
*
10:17 -
According to fisherman, they passed Narrows about 20 minutes ago, northbound. Fisherman reported two. -Ashley S Whitman
*
10:15 - Galiano passing Point Defiance
. -photo by AirWaterLand Photography, September 20, 2024
*
19:52 -
Second hand report they are still south of the Narrows Bridge moving north slowly. -David Michael
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Jennie Martin
Date of Sighting: September 20, 2024
Time: 8:07 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: South end of Fox Island heading towards Narrows
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: ?
Any unusual markings?: ?
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
NORTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES -

Fri, Sep 20 - Telegraph Cove, BC - At that time they were VERY spread out foraging. These are members of A and G clans (A62s, I4s and I27s). This was my first time seeing the Northern Residents, and it was incredible! Link to more photos. -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, September 20, 2024
*
MINKE WHALES -

Fri, Sep 20 - Puget Sound
15:23 - Minkes off south of Blakely
. -Josefina Beecher
*
UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALES -

Fri, Sep 20 - Hood Canal - The humpback may have been off of Misery Point (Seabeck) last night [9/20], mid channel. I was kayaking at night and it was completely silent apart from the sound of something very large breaking the surface and what sounded like a blow hole. I paddled back to shore. -Angie Berger

September 19
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Who is L90? Has she had a calf before? Is it unusual for a mom and calf to be away from the rest of their pod? Were we hearing the baby vocalize on the hydrophones? Monika tackles these questions and more on a new blog post: Link to post. -Orca Behavior Institute
*
Thu, Sep 19 - Haro Strait (L90 & L128)
17:40 -
Still milling off Land Bank, currently about 3/4 mile offshore.
15:30 - Mom and calf heading fast south off Land Bank.
14:35 -
Friend at County Park reports they are offshore at the edge of the fog bank with NOAA research on scene, southbound. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
12:45 - L90 & L128 reported southbound from Stuart Island
. Could be visible from the west side within an hour or so! -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -

Thu, Sep 19 - Haro Strait (T60D & T60E)
17:41 -
Good T60D and E, move right along. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
16:08 -
A group of Biggs are just across Haro Strait. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
*
Thu, Sep 19 - Puget Sound (T19s) - T19C Spouter - T19B Galiano - From the T19s pass down East Passage. It’s been quite a bit since I’ve seen members of this pod, last Vashon visit was back on October 17, 2022, so it was a very nice surprise to see them last week! T19/Nootka kept a very low profile during the passes, but her boys and their incredibly impressive dorsal fins drew the eye of all beachgoers and also large gasps with lots of slow “wowww’s” as they passed us by. These two handsome brothers tend to do that, as they are among the largest adult male orcas in the west coast Transient orca population, sporting two very distinctly different dorsals that are so uniquely and equally impressive on their own. All dorsals are beautiful, but these two really bring it to the next level. It was heartwarming to see this beloved family traveling together and grace the Puget Sound with their presence, hopefully they will come back and visit again soon! Link to more photos. -photos & IDs by Marla Smith, September 19, 2024
*
T19C Spouter & T19 Nootka - T19C Spouter & T19B Galiano -
Well, what can I say about today's visit by T19 matriarch Nootka/Mooyah, 19B son Galiano and T19C son Spouter? A lot, but I will keep it short and sweet. Friends, whales, and small opportunities to get some me time. Super grateful for these amazing animals, they really heal the soul. Link to more photos. -photos by April Janice Basham, September 19, 2024
*
Sound on - T19C Spouter handsome fella - Commencement Bay, Tacoma. Link to video. -April Janice Basham
*
From Narrows Park. T19 Pod came down to the south waters for just a bit (T19 Matriarch Nootka T19B Galiano and T19C Sprouter (both sons of T19). Link to videos. -Torry Chamberlayne
*
19:49 -
In front of Fox Island, slowly heading south! -Annie Bricker
*
19:24 -
Passing Day Island spread across the channel southbound. -Melissa Bird
*
19:23 -
They look to be headed straight toward Fox Island Pier. Viewing from Narrows Park. -Torry Chamberlayne
*
19:19 - Headed southbound below Narrows
Airport by Point Fosdick going towards Fox Island Pier. Viewing from Day Island -Karen Caldwell
*
19:12 -
Passed under the Narrows, approaching Titlow and on the Tacoma side. Gorgeous trip under the bridge at around 19:09. -Mollie Segall
*
18:55 - Heading south in Narrows strait, just north of the bridge
. -Rory Macomber
*
18:53 -
Seeing them from Five Mile viewpoint. -Paul Davis
*
18:48 - South of Salmon Beach
and still southbound mid channel.
18:45 -
Longer downtimes continue.
18:41 - Southbound
mid channel in the Narrows. Leisurely pace. -Stace Gordon
*
18:40 -
They transitioned to Gig Harbor side, passing across from Salmon Beach up close to Gig Harbor side, leisurely southbound.
18:39 - Southbound in the Narrows.
18:33 -
Kind of milling north of Salmon Beach, Tacoma side. -Melissa Bird
*
18:30 -
They look to still be headed south toward the Narrows. Looking from the Gig Harbor side [video in FB comments]. -Torry Chamberlayne
*
18:22 -
Last we saw them they were grouped up and rounding Point Defiance headed south towards the Narrows. Point Defiance side of the channel. -Candace Gavin
*
18:16 -
They're hanging out in between Gig Harbor, Point Defiance and Point Dalco in the middle. Seagulls gathering, trending towards Point Defiance. -Rory Macomber
*
18:12 -
They are still hanging out in Dalco a bit west of the ferry dock. Looks like they are slowly heading south. -Chloe Kuyper
*
18:11 -
All three stopped to hunt about here. Watching from dune so my perspective may be a bit off [approx. 47.334758, -122.537004].
18:00 -
Ttwo are heading south towards the Narrows, and one was aimed towards Colvos. Long down times so hard to say which is committing where. -Mollie Segall
*
18:00 -
Mid Dalco Passage westbound towards the north side of Sunset Beach. From Dune. Milling.
17:54 -
Moving with purpose, long downtime, are well past ferry dock, look to be angling towards Point Defiance. -Melissa Bird
*
17:52 -
They have passed the ferry, so are now west of the ferry dock on the Vashon side. Continuing west. -Mollie Segall
*
17:52 -
Now west of the ferry lanes.
17:45 -
Fast approaching Tahlequah ferry lanes. Mid channel to Island side grouped up. -Candace Gavin
*
17:45 -
They have now passed the mouth of Quartermaster, still closer to Vashon side and continuing west -Mollie Segall
*
17:40 -
Just saw a dorsal fin at the bow of the car hauler. -Garth Baker
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sharon Allsup
Date of Sighting: September 19, 2024
Time: 5:39 PM
Species seen: orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: off S/SE tip of Vashon Island (viewing from the NE)
Direction of travel : SSE-ish?
Behaviors observed: traveling, 1 male + female well ahead of 2nd male again but all surfacing at
same time
If orcas, any males?: 2
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: My angle looks like they're starting to move across channel towards Browns/Dash/Commencement Bay
Photos available?: No
*
17:28 - South of Maury Island headed west
, two orcas, look for five or six boats following and trailing. -John Troup
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sharon Allsup
Date of Sighting: September 19, 2024
Time: 5:23 PM
Species seen: orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: off southern end of Maury Island
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed: traveling
If orcas, any males?: 2
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: At the start of the westward curve of Piney Point, they stayed heading southward, did a very long dive, surfacing midway in the gap between Piner Point/Maury and Vashon, cargo ship is passing just east now. Dash Point, Browns Point should have great views, mine is now blocked by ship
Photos available?: No
*
17:28 -
Currently off Northilla Beach Maury Island, milling a bit. Could pass on either side of Car Carrier moored off Quartermaster. Galliano is so huge. His dorsal is clearly visible from the top of North Steven's (w/ binoculars) [approx. 47.338096, -122.461934]. -Melissa Bird
*
17:28 -
They’re actually just milling around right now.
17:21 -
Getting ready to pass the big car carrier ship at entrance to Quartermaster. -Sean Clinton
*
17:19 - Three orca. Two males.
Now off Point Piner on the south end of Maury Island. Heading west into Dalco Passage. -Burt Miller
*
17:17 -
Visible from Dune now [approx. 47.338584, -122.453800]. -Joe Smith
*
17:15 - Galiano and the Tacoma Dome
. -photo by AirWaterLand Photography, September 19, 2024
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sharon Allsup
Date of Sighting: September 19, 2024
Time: 5:12 PM
Species seen: orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Just south of Shore Acres, Maury Island
Direction of travel : South
Behaviors observed: traveling
If orcas, any males?: 2
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: steady travel, 2-3 small boats well ahead, one behind, traveling, towards Summerhurst and the southern tip of Maury Island, should be visible from Dash Point w/binocs by now, large cargo ship heading S down East Passage and will pass them in a few minutes
Photos available?: No
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sharon Allsup
Date of Sighting: September 19, 2024
Time: 5:01 PM
Species seen: orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: just N of the northernmost houses of Shore Acres, south of gravel pit, Maury Island
Direction of travel : S, resumed faster pace
Behaviors observed: traveling
If orcas, any males?: 2
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: still grouped together, Maury side of channel, heading south towards end of Maury/Dash Point/Browns Pt etc
Photos available?: No
*
16:50 - Passing Gold Beach
now. -Jeff Twersky
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sharon Allsup
Date of Sighting: September 19, 2024
Time: 4:50 PM
Species seen: orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: South end of Gold Beach, Maury Island, close in to island
Direction of travel : S, have slowed down since last report
Behaviors observed: traveling, slower, grouped back together now
If orcas, any males?: 2
Any unusual markings?: one male has dorsal like T19B and second looks like his sibling. 3rd is female/non-sprouter
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: they hauled fluke from Pt Robinson then slowed down, 3-4 small boats ahead of them
Photos available?: No
*
16:40 - Whales off Gold Beach
on east side of Maury Island. Southbound at a quick pace. Traveling south about quarter mile off Maury Island shoreline. -Burt Miller
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sharon Allsup
Date of Sighting: September 19, 2024
Time: 4:38 PM
Species seen: orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: A bit north of Gold Beach, Maury Island
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed: travel - fast
If orcas, any males?: 2
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: will be in front of Gold Beach any second now at current rate of speed
Photos available?: No
*
16:30 -Two big males
and at least one female heading south fast, deep dives near tugboat and barge. -Rory Macomber
*
16:20 -
A friend in a fishing boat had them pop up. She said they are about here [approx. 47.380252, -122.388722]. -Mollie Segall
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sharon Allsup
Date of Sighting: September 19, 2024
Time: 4:20 PM
Species seen: orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Just off Bashir Pipe (Maury Island Marine Park, S of Pt Robinson)
Direction of travel : South along Maury shoreline
Behaviors observed: travel
If orcas, any males?: 2 males, one well ahead of 2nd, surfacing at same time; 1 female/non
sprouter
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?:
*
16:18 -
All three past Point Robinson now, lovely pass, leisurely but purposefully southbound, island side of channel offshore a tiny bit. Verrry long downtimes and cover a lot of distance when down.
15:53 -
Approaching Point Robinson, island side of channel, appear to be moving south/east -ish. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
15:41 -
My friend just texted to say she’s seeing them from near Luana Beach on Vashon, heading south towards Point Robinson -Ellen Weir
*
15:11 -
Off KVI. Southbound. Island side.  -Mark McGough
*
14:50 -
Seeing T19B and T19C, one other with them, possibly two. They took a long dive before they reached me and came up much farther south. They are steady southbound right now, quite south of Glen Acres (Vashon) on their way to KVI, hugging island side as they go.
14:37 -
Approaching Dilworth close in to island. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Nick Goldring
Date of Sighting: September 19, 2024
Time: 2:11 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: East side of Vashon Island
Direction of travel : South
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?:
*
14:03 -
Two or three orcas south of the ferry line between Vashon and Fauntleroy just now. Lazily making their way southbound. At least one large male. -Freedom Dawn
*
14:03 - Orcas east of Vashon headed south
now. -Vienna Wong
*
13:58 -
Hannah Klabo, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 14:23 to report: 1358hrs: KITTITAS Captain reports via 800MHz 3 orcas in the FAU/VASH SB lanes. Unknown direction of travel. 
*
10:40 - Orca pod sighting off Fay Bainbridge Park
; they were heading south. Link to FB video. -Haroon Ghaznavi
*
UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALES -

Thu, Sep 19 - Hood Canal
16:11 -
Someone posted on our Seabeck Community feed that they saw a humpback in Hood Canal and hour ago [approximately 15:00] [blurred photo shows breaching whale - can’t rule out a minke breach -RH]. -Shannon Valentine Hull
*
PORPOISE -

Thu, Sep 19 - Puget Sound - Taken from Vashon Island. -photo by Marla Smith, September 19, 2024
*
Fri, Sep 19 - San Juans
16:00 - Just sailed through a harbor porpoise patch northeast of Mail Bay on Waldron [approx. 48.702568, -122.993882]. A group of three then four individuals in less than one kilometer! Reported to Ocean Alert. There were two more individuals at the south end of Waldron, too.  -photo by Scott Veirs, September 19, 2024

September 18
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Wed, Sep 18 - Southern Gulf Islands, BC (L90 & L128)
08:00 - One orca seen heading south
out of the channel [Poet's Cove, South Pender Island BC]. They were first seen right in front of the Poet's Cove Hotel. Not confident on age or gender - someone thinks they saw two though (one bigger than the other). -Rebecca Berger 
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -

Wed, Sep 18 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T11A, T46B1s, T46C2) - T46B1C & T46B1 Tread - Foreground to background: T46B1A Tsakani, T46B1 Tread, T46C2 Sam
13:30 - 16:30 -
Fabulous day in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Link to more photos. -photos by Suzie Sevigny, September 18, 2024
*
T11A Rainy -
The legend is still hunting around Sooke today! Link to more photos. -Sooke Coastal Explorations -photos by Pacific Imagery, September 18, 2024
*
Wed, Sep 18 - Haro Strait (T49C) - FOTW [friends on the water] say T49C Nielson. -Ellie Sawyer, Maya’s Legacy [WSSJI]
*
15:00 -
The WW boats are with whales, northeast of Discovery Island. -James Richardson [WSSJI]
*
Wed, Sep 18 - San Juans (T19s)
19:42 -
Based on who was in that area just in the last hour, those are likely the T19s. Two adult males with their mother -Sara Hysong-Shimazu, Maya’s Legacy [WSSJI]
*
19:38 -
Group just came through Pea Vine pass, heading west. It looked like the newborn could have been with them. -Maria Doss [WSSJI]
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -

Wed, Sep 18 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (CRC-16017 Two Spot)
10:55 -
Slowly northwest bound, looks like he’s resting [approx. 48.173735, -122.794906 (2 mi. No. of Point Wilson)].
10:22 -
Two Spot is here today [48.147445, -122.747953 (1/2 mi. NE of Point Wilson] [headed northwest at that time]. -Kyla Bivens, PSE
*
Wed, Sep 18 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (CRC-16017 Two Spot)
10:30 -
We saw Two Spot again off of Point Wilson. -photos by Kyla Bivens, September 18, 2024

September 17
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Tue, Sep 17 - Haro Strait (L90 & L128) - We’ve been lucky enough over the last few days to see Southern Resident killer whale L90 Ballena and her newborn calf L128 from the shores of San Juan Island. Mom has been actively foraging and calf has looked very spunky. Here are a few video clips of the duo - link to video. -Orca Behavior Institute
*
Some condensed audio and video clips of the L90/L128 visit to Haro Strait from the Lime Kiln camera and hydrophone: Link to Youtube video. -Fred Horn
*
Here's a quick blog post that presents a bit more than an hour-long recording of L90 and/or L128. Thanks again for listeners who tagged the live audio stream (the OrcaHello AI was offline during the annual Microsoft hackathon). I look forward to hearing what others hear in the highlight clip and full bout recording, both of which can be downloaded from the post for further analysis. Link to blog post. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound 
*
19:35 -
Have taken a turn to the right, offshore, direction now west/southwest. Camera is at max zoom.
18:56 -
Mom is zig-zagging, baby sticking close by. Possibly hear some calls from the baby. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
*
19:18 -
Appeared to stall and turn northeast.
19:20 - Southbound
again. -Nikol Damato, Orca Network
*
19:11 -
So incredible to see the new baby on the webcam! -Mandy Michelle
*
19:07 -
Just passed Lime Kiln lighthouse, continuing southbound.
18:58 -
Still generally trending southbound, but appear to be milling, keep changing direction from east to west.
18:55 - L128
quickly back and forth, very active. -Nikol Damato, Orca Network
*
18:53 - L128
Seems like it's trying to hunt with it's playful actions. So amazing. -Kevin Phillips
*
18:46 - Breach by L90!!
18:46 - Tail slap by L90
. -Nikol Damato, Orca Network
*
18:42 - L128
looks so happy and spunky!!! So adorable. -Kevin Phillips
*
18:40 -
Surface activity! Calf is splashing about.
18:38 -
Visible again on Lime Kiln webcam, southbound approaching Lime Kiln.
18:27 -
Appear to be milling north of Lime Kiln, facing south but not progressing much.
18:23 -
Visible on Lime Kiln webcam, southbound close to shore.
17:56 -
Hearing calls on Orcasound hydrophone! -Nikol Damato, Orca Network
*
17:17 - Calls on Orcasound hydrophone
. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
16:21 - Orcas Lime Kiln webcam southbound
. With some surface activity east to west. So far seen two. -Kevin Phillips
*
16:26 -
Report to WA app had one orca off San Juan County Park, no direction given.
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -

Tue, Sep 17 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T11A) - The legend today... Rainy (T11A) off Sooke, B.C. One of if not the largest orca on the west coast! Link to more photos. -Sooke Coastal Explorations -photos by Pacific Imagery, September 17, 2024
*
Tue, Sep 17 - Strait of Georgia (T49C & T65A5) - T49C Nielson & T65A5 Indy
16:30 -
Out on a sightseeing tour on the Salish Sea, I had the privilege of seeing T049C Nielsen and T65A5 Indy. They stayed together in the area for over 30 minutes [approx 48.859300, -122.998192 (So. of Point Roberts in Georgia Strait)]. -photo by Kristine Winne, September 17, 2024
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -

Tue, Sep 17 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (MMY0459 & BCY1222 Hammer, 2019 calf of Claw)
Two [humpbacks] up by Race Rocks
near Victoria BC MMY0459 and BCY1222 Hammer, 2019 calf of Claw! -Janine Harles
*
Tue, Sep 17 - Admiralty Inlet (CRC-16017 Two Spot)
13:45 -
Amazing encounter with Two Spot MMZ0013 off of Mutiny Bay.  -photos by Janine Harles, September 17, 2024

September 16
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Mon, Sep 16 - Haro Strait (L90 & L128)

Excerpt from the Center for Whale Research Encounter #96: “We got on scene at 0930 about a mile off Hannah Heights. L90 and L128 were tight together, as one would expect, and pointed slowly up Haro Strait. Despite early hopes of other whales being around, L90 and L128 were the only two SRs seen in the strait. The pair were near the border but not so close that we couldn’t get the drone up over them. We attempted one photo-ID pass but L90 turned away from us before we could even get within 200 hundred yards. It was clear she was not ready for anyone to be close yet, so we stopped trying and took proof of presence photos from a distance while we flew over them…” Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #96.
*
Mon, Sep 16 - Haro Strait (L90 & L128)
14:00 - Passed Smuggler’s Cove headed northeast
. -Anna Gelb [WSSJI]
*
13:35 -
Seeing from County Park northbound. -Kendra Nelson [WSSJI]
*
13:16 - Northbound from Lime Kiln.
13:09 - Northbound from Land Bank.
12:52 -
In dark current west close to Land Bank pushing her north but facing south.
12:40 -
From Land Bank far south east of mid southbound. -Thé Hsin [WSSJI]
*
09:20 -
Visual line of sight between Land Bank and Discovery, far offshore. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
07:35 -
Listening to SRKW calls this morning on the Lime Kiln webcam. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -

Mon, Sep 16 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T63 & T65)
13:30 - T63 ‘Chainsaw’ and his mom T65 ‘Whidbey II
’ are westbound at my map spot [48.219204, -123.065093 (2mi. NE of Dungeness Spit)]. I bet these were the two orcas spotted yesterday afternoon in Admiralty Inlet. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
Mon, Sep 16 - Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca (T49C & T65A5)
17:30 -
Just saw two large orcas right off shore at Point Wilson heading east towards Whidbey . -Deborah Engelbach
*
16:57 -
Spotted just south of Ebey’s Landing, possibly milling. Direction unknown. Viewing from Marrowstone Point. -Katie West
*
17:25 -
We left them just south Point Wilson. Slowly fighting tide. Pointed at Flagler.
16:45 -
Redhead picked up T49C and T65A5, one mile north of Point Wilson inbound to Admiralty Inlet. -Christopher Lewman
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -

Mon, Sep 16 - Admiralty Inlet (CRC-16017 Two Spot)
13:00 -
SJC is leaving Two Spot currently facing south, but right off Double Bluff!
12:16 -
SJC has just located a breaching and pec slapping Two Spot (BCZ0432) the humpback between Foulweather Bluff and Mutiny Bay! -Alli Montgomery
*
MINKE WHALES -

5:24 -
Heading more northbound along the coast of Whidbey. We are headed towards Ebey to see them. At least two. -Maia Jewell
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Maia Jewell
Date of Sighting: September 16, 2024
Time: 2:51 PM
Species seen: humpback or minke [back of camera photo appeared to show minke]
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Northwest half mile of Fort Casey
Direction of travel : E-NE
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
Mon, Sep 16 - Puget Sound
12:35 - Minke whale just off Dune Peninsula
now. Going west. Single individual moving west at speed into Dalco Passage. Observed four surfaces, two extremely close (100 feet from the trail) [approx. 47.307622, -122.508100]. -photos by Charlie Wright, September 16, 2024

September 15
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Sun, Sep 15 - Haro Strait (L90 & L128) - First looks at new calf L128 alongside mom L90 Ballena - Read as much or as little as you'd like about the day L90 was discovered to have a brand new calf, L128. Link to read more and see more photos. -photos by Ashley Whitman, September 15, 2024
*
Excerpt from the Center for Whale Research Encounter #95: “We were able to get a decent ID shot of L90, but she was running screen on the calf and the best Dave could get was a tiny dorsal disappearing behind mom. We ended the encounter around 1700 off Bellevue Point, after L90 stopped suddenly and turned down island again. While we were hoping for better eyepatch shots of the new calf, the SR3 team got good enough images of it to confirm its existence. This is L90’s first documented calf and it has been designated L128. The calf was not present when L90 was photographed near the Fraser River on September 13th and was probably born the next day sometime. L90 is now our oldest first-time mother at age 31…” - Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #95.
*
Sun, Sep 15 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (J, K, & some L Pod) - [In the morning:] At least some SRKW are westbound off Sooke. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
Sun, Sep 15 - Haro Strait (L90 & L128) - Today was not the day we expected! After hearing all three pods on the Haro Strait hydrophones last night, we got up early and scanned the west side of San Juan Island from north to south without turning up any dorsal fins. A couple hours later, we got word of Southern Residents heading west from Sooke, and assumed they were all heading back out. Then in the early afternoon came a report of an orca with young calf off Lime Kiln heading north. At first we assumed Bigg's, but thanks to back of the camera shots that were shared by Ashley Whitman, we realized the adult was L90 Ballena, a 31 year-old female who has not been documented with a calf before and who is the only surviving member of the L26 matriline. We caught up with the pair at San Juan County Park. Just as surprising as the calf was perhaps the fact that there were no other whales in sight: it was just the two of them! Over the next five hours they went back and forth on the west side, and we were able to catch up to them at several viewpoints on shore. While unexpected, it's not totally without precedent for new moms to take some space away from the rest of the group or for a single matriline, even a small one, to be in inland waters on their own. Thankfully the Center for Whale Research was able to get on scene and should have a more complete update in the days ahead. -Orca Behavior Institute -photo by Monika Wieland Shields, September 15, 2024
*
The calf has a nice sharp point to the front of their eye patch. Link to video - video by Ben Bama. -Michelline Halliday
*
18:00 -
She and the calf passed the lighthouse seven times today (if we all counted correctly). Last seen from Lime Kiln pushed offshore near research boat trending southwest. -Ashley S Whitman
*
18:00 -
After some zigging and zagging they pulled offshore from Land Bank and we lost sight of them. Last surfacing was south/southwest. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
15:54 - Orcas Lime Kiln
. -Kevin Phillips
*
15:46 -
I saw them. -Andrea Reinicke
*
15:46 -
There is a spyhop! -Anna Lingeris
*
15:41 - 15:44 -
I rewound the feed and started seeing whales to the left of the boat at 15:41. -Kevin Phillips
*
15:46 - Southbound
approaching Lime Kiln. Wild Orca is with them.
15:30 -
Both southbound seen from County Park.
13:59 - Mom/calf still northbound
about to lose view with them, pretty far out.
13:40 -
Still seeing them from County Park, slow travel northbound. Only seeing mum & calf.
13:23 -
Seeing adult and calf northbound. -Kendra Nelson [WSSJI]
*
12:49 - Orcas heading north off Lime Kiln
one male, one female, and possibly a TINY calf, still peach and quick porpoises next to two adults. -Ashley Whitman [WSSJI]
*
First looks of L128 swimming along side mom L90 Ballena
12:49 -
On a northbound pass past Lime Kiln. -back of camera photos by Ashley S Whitman, September 15, 2024
*
Sat, Sep 14 - Boundary Pass (J, K, and some L Pod)
22:29 -
Trailers still audible from County Park. Lots of whales Got a wheezy/whistly one out here. -Tamara Kelley [WSSJI]
*
21:50 - Loud calls on Orcasound.
21:35 - Faint calls on Orcasound
hydrophone. Some vessel noise too. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
20:04 -
Hearing calls on LK hydrophone. -T.L. Stokes
*
18:55 - SRKWs on SIMRES hydrophone
(Boundary Pass), nice loud calls right now. First reported in WSSJI by Orca Behavior Institute at 18:40.  -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -

Sun, Sep 15 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T49C)
11:00 -
We saw T49C out in the middle of the Strait (like five miles west of Smith Island). -phoos by Kyla Bivens, September 15, 2024
*
Sun, Sep 15 - Admiralty Inlet
18:06 - South of Fort Flagler about 1.5 miles
one blow seen from shore of Lagoon Point. -Maia Jewell
*
17:00 -
Orca jumping near Fort Flagler. Too far to see how many from Lagoon Point. Appear to be southbound. There was definitely one male I saw, but they went away. We are in Lagoon Point so four miles over to where they were.  -Bill Setter
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -

Sun, Sep 15 - Admiralty Inlet (CRC-16017 Two Spot)
13:46 - Two Spot is southbound
again [approx. 47.962750, -122.553691 (1/4 mi NE of Double Bluff)].
13:29 -
Update on Two Spot milling now at my map spot [approx. 47.971518, -122.561330 (1/4 mi. W of Double Bluff)].
13:09 - CRC-16017 Two Spot is southbound
at my map spot [approx. 47.959828, -122.603887 (1 mi N of Foulweather Bluff)].
09:40 -
One of our boats (Redhead) spotted Two Spot in the ferry lanes just south of Fort Casey milling. When we came through around 10:15 on MV Swiftsure we did not see him. My guess is that he might have turned and headed south back into Puget Sound but that’s just a hunch. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
12:30 -
We saw the people pleaser Two Spot the humpback off of Double Bluff on Whidbey Island. -photos by Kyla Bivens, September 15, 2024

September 14
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -

Sat, Sep 14 - Strait of Georgia
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Brent Palmer
Date of Sighting: September 14, 2024
Time: 9:09 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 15
Where seen: Off of French Creek (20 mi. NW of Nanaimo BC)
Direction of travel : Nw
Behaviors observed: Traveling and milling
If orcas, any males?: 2
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Large spread out pod
Photos available?: No
*
Sat, Sep 14 - Haro Strait (T36As & T69s)
17:30 -
The guy sitting next to me is listening to the marine radio, they reported it’s T69 & T36As. -Michele Macky Orr [WSSJI]
*
16:51 - Orcas now headed north
, four miles southwest of Lime Kiln.
16:30 - Orca
sighting. Four and a half miles southwest of Lime Kiln moving east. Three WW boats with them currently. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
*
Sat, Sep 14 - Admiralty Inlet (T46s & T65A5)
12:40 -
Update northwest direction very slowly against the tide [approx. 48.179123, -122.748931 (2 mi. no. of Point Wilson)]. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
12:15 -
Mid channel but angling toward Partridge Point. 46’s + 65A5. -Tyler McKeen
*
12:03 -
The T46 pod and T65A5 are northwestbound at my map spot [approx. 48.163779, -122.754440 (1 mi. no. of Point Wilson)]. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
T46E Thor - T65A5 Indy & T46F Loki
11:43 -
They are here. Milling but moving north slowly [approx. 48.159672, -122.741478].
11:41 - Heading north toward Fort Ebey
at the moment. There are five.
11:30 - Male off Fort Worden
. Appears to be milling. -photos by Heather Domenico, September 14, 2024
*
09:30 - Three orcas reported off Fort Flagler
, Marrowstone Island. Photo shows northbound orca close to shore [48.11009, -122.68608]. -[WA app]
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Jason Keller
Date of Sighting: September 14, 2024
Time: 7:03 AM
Species seen: Black fin [based on later sightings, believe this was likely T46s & T65A5]
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Point No Point Lighthouse
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No

September 13
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Fri, Sep 13 - Strait of Georgia (K & L Pods) - Excerpt from the Center for Whale Research Encounter #94: “We had made it almost to the main mouth of the Fraser River, when we saw whales and the encounter began at 1034. The whales were spread out and foraging in the midst of hundreds of sport fishing boats. We tried to go to the northwest edge of the scene and worked the whales on the periphery of the sport fishing fleet. Most of the whales were pointed northeast until they got around the edge of the delta and then turned north towards Howe Sound. We started out seeing mostly K pod whales but members of the L4s, and L47s began showing up mixed in with them. Small groups began forming as the whales emerged out of the boats. Some of the groups seemed social although individual whales were still probably foraging…” Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #94.
*
Fri, Sep 13 - Strait of Georgia (J Pod) - Excerpt from the Center for Whale Research Encounter #93: “After heading through Johns Pass and up Boundary Pass, we passed East Point by 0840. We sighted whales soon afterwards and the encounter started at 0845 east of Tumbo Island. At first, we thought we had multiple pods because it looked like a lot of whales, but it was just J pod spread out abreast in a loose formation. They were traveling slowly north and appeared to be resting. They may have been waking up as the J19s and others moved ahead a little and other groups seemed to ooze towards the west. We made sure we had a proof of presence photo on everybody before we ended the encounter at 0926 a little northwest of where it started…” Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #93.
*
Fri, Sep 13 - Haro Strait (J, K, & some of L Pod)
They're baaaack! After more than three weeks away, the Southern Residents returned to inland waters and were audible on the Haro Strait hydrophones between midnight and 2:30 AM. In case you missed it, here's a clip! Acoustically we can confirm members of all three pods were present. Given that they were heard on Lime Kiln followed by Orcasound Lab, it seems (as of 3 AM at least) that they've all gone north. Link to audio clip. -Orca Behavior Institute
*
09:00 -
They have been confirmed up in the Strait of Georgia going north. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
02:15 - 02:17 -
Clip of SRKWs = Southern Resident Killer Whales calls with very low ambient noise. Thanks to Orcasound - Listen for Whales community scientists for reporting this event. You can review/replay other reports at https://live.orcasound.net/reports/. Link to clips. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound 
*
02:16 -
Was hearing calls on Orcasound hydrophone, not hearing them anymore as of 02:25. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
01:52 -
They are continuing north in Haro Strait, now also heard on Orcasound hydrophone.
01:24 - 01:26 -
Wow! Such a variety of calls, so loud, so clear. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
01:21 -
Still going crazy. -DeeDee Emmett
*
01:15 - Lots to say
. -Alicia Tremblay
*
01:11 -
Amazing right now. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
01:05 -
Wow! So Beautiful! Loud! Lots of vocals and I think splashes. -Susan Fairbank Matyszak
*
01:03 -
Funny loud calls now, wow! -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
01:02 -
This is what they sounded like: Link to audio clip. -Gerald Graham
*
00:54 - Still hearing them.
-Ali Meuangkhot
*
00:45 -
Noisy container ship came through, but still some intermittent loud calls.
00:26 - Loud & clear
, be sure to tune in!
00:04 - 00:11 -
Beautiful SRKW calls on Lime Kiln hydrophone now. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -

Fri, Sep 13 - Haro Strait (T109As) - T109A5 Argyle & T109A Frio - Out on IE with Jill Hein all the way up to Cowichan Head, BC, to catch up with the T109As.  -photos by Bonnie Gretz, September 13, 2024
*
Fin tip of T109A7 - T109A7, T109A5 Argyle, T109A Frio, T109A6 Riley - Headed towards Cordova Bay (Vancouver Island) and found five members of the T109A family. They were not very active, and seemed to be in travel mode, northbound. Always good to see them.  -photos by Jill Hein, September 13, 2024
*
11:30 -
I filmed the T109As on the west side of Haro Strait today. Link to Youtube video. -Gerald Graham
*
Fri, Sep 13 - South Puget Sound (T46s & T65A5) - Strider with the breach! -photo by Ryan Dicks, September 13, 2024
*
T65A5 Indy, T46F Loki, T122 Centeki -
We caught them from the Anderson Island ferry dock as they headed west along McNeil and then worked hard to catch up with them as they went south in Drayton Passage… only they DIDN’T and we wound up headed back to the north end of the island to catch them headed back eastbound through Balch Passage along the McNeil shoreline. Link to more photos. -photos by Belen Bilgic Schneider, September 13, 2024
*
19:52 -
They passed through under Narrows Bridge headed north. -Lauren Taylor
*
18:47 -
Hunting/breaching just northwest of Ketron. One (possibly Strider?) further north than the rest. Not sure which direction they’re headed.
17:30 -
Straight out from Bella Bella middle of the channel. Just west of Hale Passage. -Torry Chamberlayne
*
17:27 - Four orcas passing Horsehead Bay
now heading southbound out of Carr Inlet. One male up front, both females in the center and second male bringing up the rear. Slowly traveling, not surface active at this time. -Jennifer Swenson
*
17:25 -
At the dropped pin (ish).
17:10 -
Parallel with Forest Beach, but on Key Peninsula side, still heading southbound [approx. 47.274717, -122.698553]. -Deanna Foster Goldberg
*
17:00 - Orcas heading back towards Horsehead Bay
. -Ryan Dicks
*
16:36 -
Several orcas spotted in Carr Inlet next to Key Center. Possibly mating?? -Barbara Footh Davis
*
15:36 -
Mid channel between Raft Island and Key Center. Continue northbound leisurely pace.
15:35 -
Currently at my mark north bound [approx. 47.310207, -122.710100(upper Carr Inlet)]. -Stace Gordon
*
14:23 -
They headed towards east side of McNeil. I was watching them from the beach in Longbranch. -Tiffany Olsen
*
13:51 -
At Steilacoom, last saw them between McNeil and Fox headed north but no committed direction. Haven’t seen them for a few minutes now. -Jen Bowen
*
13:28 -
We left them mid water east of McNeil, generally headed north but easily could go up Carr. -Belen Bilgic Schneider
*
13:15 -
They’re approaching McNeil viewing from Steilacoom dock. They are heading north close to McNeil side. -Cherie StOurs
*
13:12 -
SJC leaving the T46s and T65A5 all grouped up together, potentially hunting, currently going east close to shoreline, past the McNeil prison. -Alli Montgomery
*
13:01 -
They have past Eagle Island in the open channel from Drayton. -James Getty
*
12:41 -
They are between Eagle Island and McNeil. -Tiffany Olsen
*
12:00 -
Very likely southbound in Drayton. -Belen Bilgic Schneider
*
12:02 - Southbound
and spreading out [approx. 47.194457, -122.729649]. My last report as we leave the scene.
11:47 -
Update westbound, still very grouped up [approx. 47.195046, -122.699913].
11:31 - Westbound
at my map spot [approx. 47.190337, -122.664548]. Indy and Loki have been playing with each other the whole time! -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
11:31 -
Still headed along the McNeill shore, now past the prison headed toward Eagle Island. We’re tracking now from Anderson Island. -Belen Bilgic Schneider
*
10:57 -
The T46 pod and T65A5 are in a playful mood traveling south along the shoreline at my map spot [approx. 47.211164, -122.643268 (East of McNeil Is.)]. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
10:57 -
Viewing from Chambers Walk Bridge seeing blows on northeast side of McNeil Swiftsure is with them. On shore line. -Cherie StOurs
*
Fri, Sep 13 - South Puget Sound (T46s & T65A5)
09:40 - Orcas on the west side of Fox Island
. About half a mile out. Near the Spit/north end of island. Carr Inlet. Four of them. -Alison Balcarcel
*
09:33 -
Just saw orcas from Bella Bella along the opposite shore heading south (see black mark on picture). At least one male and what appeared to two others but hard to tell from this distance [approx. 47.261099, -122.730226 (Carr Inlet)]. -Jennifer Swenson
*
08:56 - Five orcas in Carr Inlet
, mid-channel, viewing from Forest Beach - heading southbound back out of the inlet now [approx. 47.279143, -122.701051]. -Deanna Foster Goldberg
*
08:56 -
Update: he was with a group with two other whales were seen. 65A5 doubled back so he is the only one they got shots of. -Tamara Kelley
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Cal Spangler
Date of Sighting: September 13, 2024
Time: 8:30 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Mayo Cove, Carr Inlet, half way between Home and Lakebay
Direction of travel : Southeast, then East
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: Large triangular fin
Any unusual markings?: too far
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: The whale may have actually come into Mayo Cove, but no other sighting.. Local harbor seal acting nervous, she has 2 pups.
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Debra Williams Appleton
Date of Sighting: September 13, 2024
Time: 8:15 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Lakebay, WA
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed: Milling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
08:15 -
A friend of mine just texted me photos of an orca. I could confirm ID and it was T65A5. She saw him in Lake Bay [in Carr Inlet] and he was headed out of the bay. -Tamara Kelly, Orca Conservancy 

September 12
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Thu, Sep 12 - San Juans (T37As, T100s, T101s)
17:22 -
Marie Waterman, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: Both the MV TILLIKUM & MV CHELAN report a pod of orcas, 6-8 of Shaw and 12 off Hudson Pt., in Cayou Pass. All travelling EB. -photos by Captain Furst on the MV TILLIKUM, September 12, 2024
*
T37A Volker, T37A3 Spinnaker, T37A4 Crinkle & T37A2 Inky -
An amazing all-day trip with Blue Kingdom Whale and Wildlife Tours. The San Juan Islands had Biggs coming & going. Link to more photos. -photo by Jason Cook, September 12, 2024
*
T101A Rush & T101B Lagoon -
From Guemes Channel. Link to more photos. -photo by Rachel McAuley, September 12, 2024
*
We’d been dead stopped watching them from afar for a while when they came up next to us, turned, and headed the other direction, before doing another turn and heading toward Obstruction Pass. Wow. Link to FB video.  -Nate Rooks
*
13:40 - Northbound in Rosario Strait
nearing Bird Rocks. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Brent Caron
Date of Sighting: September 12, 2024
Time: 11:01 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 7
Where seen: Long Island [small island off west corner of south end Lopez Island]
Direction of travel : South bound, slowly
Behaviors observed: Hunting/milling
If orcas, any males?: Jack
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: T137’s Jack and and Wright identified. Mixed with another family.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
10:18 - Cattle Point
. -Michelle Austin [WSSJI]
*
08:30 -
Report of orcas offshore of South Beach heading northwest. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
Thu, Sep 12 - San Juans (T36, T36Bs, T124A1, T124Ds, T137s)
17:35 - Five orcas south end of Orcas Island
. -photo by Tina Evans, September 12, 2024
*
An amazing all-day trip with Blue Kingdom Whale and Wildlife Tours. The San Juan Islands had Biggs coming & going. Link to more photos. -photo by Jason Cook, September 12, 2024
*
14:40 - Second group of Bigg's - T37As, T100s, and T101s - heading northwest near Spencer Spit
, Lopez Island. -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
13:40 -
Bradley Coombe, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: CHELAN Captain reports pod of 6-7 Orca traveling various directions near Reef point in Rosario Strait.
*
13:15 -
Wow, ferry aware, going slow & south of whales. When they were passing, the whales started repeatedly breaching! So many people out on the ferry decks must've gotten beautiful looks!
13:10 - Westbound into Rosario Strait.
13:00 -
They are more northwestbound now. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Meghan McMahan
Date of Sighting: September 12, 2024
Time: 1:10 PM
Species seen: Orcas
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Off Washington Park
Direction of travel : West/southwest
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: One male
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Update from earlier. Some boats are not giving them space.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
12:47 -
They’re just across from the ferry now. Got a BIG boy with them!
12:39 -
I spotted them. It looks like they’re still heading west in the channel. They’ve got a few boats with them. -Lorena Perez
*
12:10 - West of Guemes ferry
, steady travel. Had been close to Anacortes side but now crossed to north side of channel. Westbound. T37As, T100s, T101s. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
Thu, Sep 12 - Puget Sound (T46s & T65A5) - T46E Thor - Thank you everyone! I got a couple great shots off Fox Island Fishing Pier earlier thanks to your updates! -photo by Kaira Kelley, September 12, 2024
*
T46E Thor -
The Fox Island fishing pier pass was worth the hype! I’ve included a video from that exciting moment as well. Link to more photos & video. -photo by Mollie Segall, September 12, 2024
*
T46E Thor, T122 Centeki, T46F Loki, T46D Strider - The T46s
have such a special place in my heart. I'm sure many of you feel that same way. I hope you enjoy these sunset whales as much as I did. -photos by April Janice Basham, September 12, 2024
*
19:44 -
Beautiful twilight pass on the east side of Anderson Island [approx. 47.143184, -122.661698], still southbound - goodnight all!
19:25 -
Slowly southbound from here [approx. 47.174000, -122.658228]. -Belen Bilgic Schneider
*
19:20 -
Just saw one go west side of Ketron south toward Nisqually. -Julie Davis
*
19:15 -
He’s headed right toward our dock on Anderson Island now. Not sure which way he’ll go. -Belen Bilgic Schneider
*
19:00 -
The whales were heading west between McNeil and Eagle Island. -Vicki Flood
*
19:02 -
Depth perception is hard, but one large male is mid water southbound [approx. 47.196184, -122.614521]. From Anderson Island, it looks like he’s moving across the golf course.
18:43 -
Briefly saw Strider or Thor here before the ferry blocked us here at the Anderson Island dock [approx. 47.217955, -122.617408]. -Belen Bilgic Schneider
*
18:42 -
From my vantage on the viewing bridge at Chambers, they are passing the channel marker buoy, into the sun glare, close up to McNeil Island southbound.
18:24 -
Coming up on McNeil Island still southbound closer to the island. -Melissa Bird
*
18:06 -
Stalled to mill (and possibly hunt) just south of the Fox Island fishing pier [video in FB comments]. -Mollie Segall
*
T46D Strider
17:54 -
I finally got to see them from the Narrows! This is the stuff dreams are made of! -photo by Brenda Cave, September 12, 2024
*
18:07 - Off Gibson Point (Fox Island) angling towards Chambers Bay.
18:04 -
Continuing with the leisurely pace with long downtimes along Fox Island southbound (still in the Narrows for those confused), have passed Fox Island Fishing Pier.
17:52 -
Just picked them up off the north tip off Fox Island, close to island, still southbound all grouped up again.
17:40 -
Seeing trailing bull about quarter mile behind main group.
17:38 -
Long downtime coming up on Point Fosdick. Just saw a breach. Close to Gig Harbor side. -Melissa Bird
*
17:30 -
They are moving quickly after going under the Narrows Bridge, and are continuing southbound. Closer to Gig Harbor side and aimed towards the south end of Fox Island. -Mollie Segall
*
17:28 -
Viewing from Tacoma Narrows Park southbound [approx. 47.260108, -122.561243]. -Jas Minka
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Paula Williams
Date of Sighting: September 12, 2024
Time:
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Narrows Bridge
Direction of travel : South mid channel
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?: 1
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org -photo by Paula Williams, September 12, 2024
*
17:19 -
Surface active under the bridge with a few spyhops.
17:17 -
Everyone’s together just going under the bridge now. Mid channel, if not closer to the Gig side. -Mollie Segall
*
17:14 -
From Narrows Park. -Emilee Linares
*
17:00 - T46 crew
with Thor bringing up the rear tonight off Fox Island Pier. Link to FB video. -Torry Chamberlayne
*
17:00 -
Very leisurely southbound pace coming up on Point Evans hugging Gig Harbor side currently.
16:53 - Southbound more on the Gig Harbor
side approaching Point Evans. At least four, two bulls. -Melissa Bird
*
16:48 - Heading down the Narrows
in front of Salmon Beach. Mid channel. -Jack Sasser
*
16:46 -
Going toward Narrows Bridge. One large solo (Jack) keeping close to Point Defiance. Three more together pretty sure Amira skirting. -Sonja Silver
*
16:43 - Entering the Narrows.
-Melissa Bird
*
16:38 -
Looks like they are passing Point Defiance into Narrows headed south. -Jonathan Middleton
*
15:50 - Four midchannel heading south toward Point Richmond!
Link to FB video. -Dana Flaskerud
*
15:58 -
Main group has now rounded Point Richmond, pushing a little bit off mainland shore as they travel south, but still favoring that side.
15:43 -
Lost the others in the sun glare, but Strider steady southbound midchannel across from Paradise Cove, just north of Point Richmond. Verrry long downtimes.
15:27 -
Seeing T46D now, slightly mainland side of mid channel, southbound away from the main group which is much closer to mainland, now south of Lisabuela.
15:19 -
Seeing fins in Colvos passage across from Lisabuela very much on the mainland side of the channel, traveling southbound. Includes at least one male that I can see plus two others. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
15:15 -
They passed Olalla underwater most of the family on the mainland side, Strider ahead and on the Vashon Island side. Long down times, didn't get much of a look. -Jim Pasola
*
14:29 -
Heading towards Blake Island it looks like.
14:28 -
Spotted one (Indy?) just south of Alki Point a few minute ago. -Jill Bodner
*
13:23 -
Just spotted two orca maybe three just inside Elliott Bay. Just southwest of the mark on the map [approx. 47.632011, -122.421118]. -Jessica Gasperini
*
12:42 - Three orcas reported off Rockaway Beach, Bainbridge
. Presume 46s & 65A5 still southbound [47.59950, -122.49960].
*
11:00 -
They are very spread out now. Indy is closest to my map spot [approx. 47.754824, -122.443269] then Strider to the east of him by a half mile and the rest are ahead of Strider. Southbound.
10:48 -
Update [approx. 47.764528, -122.443847]. The map shows the trailers. Strider is to the east of my mark and Indy is to the west. All the others are out ahead by at least a half mile. Still southbound.
10:30 -
Update on the T46s and T65A5 southbound [approx. 47.781796, -122.427968].
10:07 - T46 pod and T65A5
are southbound at my map spot [approx. 47.823682, -122.406027] -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
10:30 -
Seeing a large male headed south [approx. 47.728630, -122.482916]. -Brooke Thompson
*
Thu, Sep 12 - Puget Sound (T46s & T65A5) - T46E Thor - T65A5 Indy
10:00 -
We saw the T46s with T65A5 tagging along off of Richmond Beach. -photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, September 12, 2024
*
09:22 -
The group of four with the very large male continued south towards the Edmonds Kingston ferry lanes. The smaller male trailing about half mile behind has turned west toward Kitsap. -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
09:00 -
Have passed Possession Beach boat launch with Thor closer to Whidbey and other four mid channel southbound. Viewing with Lewann. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
09:07 -
They just exited Possession Sound continuing south into Possession triangle. Four to five orcas. Long down times.  -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
08:49 - South of Glendale
. Thor and two others (T46F and T65A5) staying close to Whidbey. Continuing southbound. I did not see T122 or T46D.
08:30 -
Whales approaching Glendale, Whidbey side, continuing south. Confirming T46s. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
08:05 -
Crossing the Clinton ferry lanes southbound. I can’t ID them. There were four grouped up with one big male and then another male is trailing them a ways behind. -Natalie Scantlen
*
07:01 - Four orcas sb [southbound] Pebble Beach
[Camano Island] midchannel. -Michael Fenswick [CWW
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -

Thu, Sep 12 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (BCX1876 Zillion) - A harbor seal got caught in BCX1876 Zillion's mouth while she fed on baitfish in the Strait of Juan de Fuca! Zillion did release the harbor seal safely. -Brooke Casanova, Blue Kingdom Whale and Wildlife Tours
*
Fri, Sep 12 - San Juans
16:00 -
Just sailed through a harbor porpoise patch northeast of Mail Bay on Waldron [approx. 48.702568, -122.993882]. A group of three then four individuals in less than one kilometer! Reported to Ocean Alert. There were two more individuals at the south end of Waldron, too.  -photo by Scott Veirs, September 12, 2024

September 11
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Wed, Sep 11 - San Juans (T49As minus A1 & A2)
1725 - T49As southbound past Reuben Tarte in SJ Channel on San Juan side
. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
Wed, Sep 11 - Saratoga Passage (T46s & T65A5) - T46E Thor - Excited to spend the afternoon with this guy and his family plus the orca friends I've made and some people that were seeing them for their first time. So fun. -photo by Mel Nasby, September 11, 2024
*
T46F Loki & T65A5 Indy
-photo by Bonnie Gretz, September 11, 2024
*
T46D Strider - T46E Thor
-photos by Jill Hein, September 11, 2024
*
T46E Thor - T46F Loki & T65A5 Indy -
After shuffling up and down Saratoga Passage for a few days, the T46s accompanied by the wandering adventurer T65A5 (Indy), spent much of the afternoon to'ing and fro'ing into Penn Cove offering whale watchers top-class viewing from the historic Coupeville Wharf. Their unpredictable directional changes kept everyone guessing as they altered course from east to west and back again on a refreshingly cool afternoon. -photos by Sandy Pollard, September 11, 2024
*
20:08 - Strider
as he passed Long Point, eastbound. -Jill Hein
*
19:45 - East of Long Point eastbound.
19:30 -
Several east/west flips again just west of Long Point. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
19:30 -
Resurfaced at Long Point. -Jeff Meredith
*
19:15 -
Now pointed southeast towards Long Point.
19:05 -
Just northwest of Long Point, now westbound at the moment. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
18:57 -
Lost sight of them east of Penn Cove Park. -Jeff Meredith
*
18:54 -
Approaching Long Point eastbound.
18:45 - Eastbound
passing Coupeville boat launch.
18:35 -
Straight out from wharf eastbound.
18:25 - Eastbound
again towards Coupeville wharf.
18:00 -
More mid cove continuing west now.
17:45 -
Stalled out from eastern most mussel rafts, possibly hunting.
17:15 -
Now westbound towards rafts.
16:55 -
They keep flipping east/west out from wharf.
16:41 -
Got just past wharf then flipped back west.
16:35 -
Now eastbound group off Coupeville wharf. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
17:44 - Orcas in Penn Cove
. -Kim Arends
*
16:34 - Two
now seem to be eastbound viewing from mussel docks. -Bonnie Gretz
*
16:28 - Orcas at wharf
NOW! -Janell Baker
*
16:20 -
Past wharf westbound slight spread.
16:10 -
Continuing westbound nearing Coupeville wharf, Strider trailing. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
15:50 - T46D Strider
has rejoined the group at Long Point. -Kat Martin
*
15:44 -
They're off Long Point now. -Michelle Munro 
*
15:35 -
Nearly to Penn Cove Park area, about midchannel or just north of, westbound into Penn Cove. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
15:21 -
Aimed directly at Penn Cove. More mid channel but on the Coupeville side. So west bound. Just east of the mouth of the cove. Viewing from Long Point. -Kevin Phillips
*
15:15 -
Two in Long Point area. -Janet Moody
*
14:40 -
Passing Harrington Lagoon. Looks like probably headed back into Penn Cove.
14:13 -
Just approaching Race Lagoon, four together close to shore, Strider out by himself mid channel. -Tyler McKeen, Blue Kingdom
*
13:10 - Strider passing Hidden Beach
. -photo by Tami Kannenberg, September 11, 2024
*
13:09 -
After stalling for a bit at the mouth of Holmes Harbor, they seem to have flipped back north. Whidbey side. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
13:05 -
They made it to just north of Greenbank & appear to be northbound again.
12:30 - T46s & T65A5 southbound
past Hidden Beach aimed towards Holmes Harbor currently.
12:15 -
Near Hidden Beach, Whidbey side, southbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
12:12 -
Viewing from Cama State Park. Viewing one male dorsal fin straight across on the Whidbey side south bound. -Linda Aitkins
*
11:54 -
Eyes on at Hidden. Look like they’re pushing off Whidbey shore a bit. -Sarah Geist
*
11:30 - T46s & T65A5 continuing southbound
Whidbey side three miles north of Hidden Beach. Long down times, steady travel.
11:00 - T46s & T65A5 southbound
Whidbey side approaching Race Lagoon, Whidbey. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
10:45 - T46s south bound
[approx. 48.224318, -122.617704]. -Tony Tilt, PSE

September 10
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Tue, Sep 10 - Pender Island, BC
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Mark Kochendorfer
Date of Sighting: September 10, 2024
Time: 12:00 PM
Species seen: Transient Orca
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: 48.7347930, -123.1862000 (SE Pender Island BC)
Direction of travel : Back and forth then west slowly
Behaviors observed: Hunting?
If orcas, any males?: Yes male
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org - 12:00 - On Pender Island. -photo by Mark Kochendorfer, September 10, 2024
*
Tue, Sep 10 - San Juans (T49C) - T49C Nielson! -Ellie Sawyer, Maya’s Legacy [WSSJI]
*
17:30 - Orcas inside Brown Island near Friday Harbor
. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
*
17:59 -
Marie Waterman, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: The MV SAMISH reports a pod of 5 orcas just off the entrance to Friday Harbor, SB, in San Juan Channel.
*
Tue, Sep 10 - Haro Strait (T46B1s & T46C2) - [Friends on the water] say T46B1s and T46C2 Sam. -Ellie Sawyer, Maya’s Legacy [WSSJI]
*
14:50 - West of County Park
mid-Haro going west. Bigg's. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
13:35 -
Report of orcas two miles offshore of Lime Kiln going north. -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
Tue, Sep 10 - Saratoga Passage (T65A5 joins the T46s) - T65A5 Indy & T46F Loki - T46E Thor - T46s and 65A5 slowly cruised south on the east side of Whidbey today. Link to more photos. -photos & IDs by Sarah Geist, September 10, 2024
*
T46E Thor's
massive fin next to T65A5 Indy & T46F Loki - T46s with T65A5 in Saratoga Passage. Just loved watching these beauties today! Link to more photos. -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, September 10, 2024
*
T46E Thor -
Another quick, mid-channel view from Hidden Beach of the T46s as they made their way south in Saratoga Passage. Beautiful day looking at beautiful whales! -photo by Bonnie Gretz, September 10, 2024
*
18:37 -
Appear to be traveling northeast pretty fast.
18:32 - Hidden Beach
, single big fin spotted middle passage seems north bound. -Jenny Ku
*
17:50 -
They are nearing Hidden Beach. -Orca Network
*
17:35 -
From Camano Island State Park, I could see them about here on the pin [approx. 48.121233, -122.555068].  -Susan John
*
17:30 -
At least four orcas west of Baby Island, between Baby Island and Greenbank shoreline. Heading north out of Holmes Harbor towards Saratoga Passage, with long downtimes.  -Martha Poppy Sinclair
*
17:05 - Four or five heading north
, close to Whidbey side. Two males. off Resort Road by the point. They were just below our house, Dines Point. -Kate Sheppard
*
16:05 -
Beautiful lit up blows as they continue south into Holmes Harbor, out from Greenbank. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
15:48 -
Passed Hidden Beach and looks like they will continue south in Saratoga.
15:57 -
Now it looks like they are headed into Holmes Harbor! -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
15:50 -
Viewing from Camano Island State Park - orcas traveling southbound have passed Hidden Beach. Whidbey side. -Linda Aitkins
*
15:47 -
They are passing Hidden Beach southbound Whidbey side.
14:00 -
Continuing leisurely south Whidbey side approximately 3.5 miles north of Hidden Beach. Some surface activity. Beautiful looks as they went by. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
13:17 -
Just spotted at least three to the right of the sailboat near Hidden Beach still moving north mid channel (closer to Camano side). -Janet Moody
*
12:55 - T46s & T65A5
grouped up Whidbey side southbound nearing Race Lagoon. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
12:50 - One orca approaching Hidden Beach
mid-channel. -Janet Moody
*
12:40 - T65A5 traveling with 46s southbound
just north of Harrington Lagoon.
12:32 -
Can confirm Indy here, logging, slow north.
12:25 -
Believe we've got T65A5 off Harrington Lagoon, T46s look to be north of Harrington a bit, pointed south - will be fun to see if they meet up. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
12:09 -
East southeast out of Penn Cove.
11:55 -
Approaching Long Point.
11:31 -
Group in Penn Cove right now, big males. Viewing from boat launch. Not sure on how many, seem to be milling. -Kevin Phillips
*
10:56 - Northbound north of Cama Beac
h, still Camano side of midchannel.
10:48 -
Off Cama Beach, aiming northeast.
10:30 - T65A5 northbound Camano side
of midchannel approaching Camano Island State Park boat launch. Long downtimes, haven't seen any others. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
09:30 - Three orcas
coming from the south towards Summerland [Camano]. -Peg Boley [CWW]
*
Tue, Sep 10 - Puget Sound (T36, T36Bs, T49A1, T124A1, T137s) - T36 Flapjack, T137D Wright, T137B Tempest
11:00 - The T137s, T36s, T49A1, and T124A1
were spread almost shore to shore from Ellisport to Normandy Park. -photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, September 10, 2024
*
T49A1 Noah - T137A Jack - “The T137s
were the first whales I officially met back on September 11th, 2011 (other than occasionally seeing orcas from the ferry boat as a child). At the time I didn't know who I was looking at, only that they were one of the coolest most beautiful wild beings I had ever seen. That first pass lit the spark and paved the trail to this whale journey, and with no surprise, continue to be in awe of them all these years later.” Read more & see more photos here. -photos by Marla Smith, September 10, 2024
*
17:16 -
Cruise ship Carnival Spirit just reported six to eight orcas heading east from Apple Cove Point towards Edmonds. I just heard on the VHF radio I don't have personal visual of specifics. -John Patrick Darmody II
*
14:49 -
Viewing to east from Fay Bainbridge, group of four from earlier is also northbound mid channel.
14:40 -
Viewing from Fay Bainbridge, two males northbound passing Shilshole Marina. -Michele Wyzga
*
14:00 -
Mom and calf following behind, closer to shore.
13:50 - Three orca
(male and two others) headed northbound just north of Wing Point, about in southbound shipping lane. -Brent Cullimore
*
13:40 - Passing Eagle Harbor
. -Joey LaMarche
*
13:15 -
Past the south end of Bainbridge on the far side of the yellow buoy, as viewed from Constellation Park.
13:02 - Northbound
nearing the northern end of Blake Island as viewed from Emma Schmitz Park in West Seattle. Still mid channel or more. -Steve Rice
*
12:52 - Jack and company just east of Blake
, just south of Tilikum. -Melissa Aaron
*
12:42 - Jack & a couple of others
further behind the Saratoga. Past Vashon. Northbound. Seem to be trending northwest.
12:33 -
Think I saw Jack from My view from Lincoln Park. Saratoga trailing, saw a couple of blows further ahead from where I saw Jack. They're messing the north tip of Vashon.  -David Bennett
*
12:14 -
Viewing from Shorewood on the Sound, Saratoga is with them. Very spread out from west side of shipping lane to Vashon. Northbound. -Shari Tarantino, Orca Conservancy
*
12:00 -
Island side group resumed northbound travel closely grouped close to midchannel north of Three Tree.
11:44 -
Island side group appears to be on a hunt just south of the orange channel marker.
11:32 -
Looks like they’re approaching Three Tree Point. Very spread with some island side and some mainland side of main channel.
11:22 -
Viewing from just north of KVI Beach, passing about KVI now, island side of midchannel slightly spread out moving slowly northbound. -Ellen Weir
*
10:53 -
Beautiful pass at Point Robinson, all north of the point moving leisurely northbound, spread in groups, close in to Island. T137s, T36/36Bs, T124A1 and T49A1. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
10:50 -
The straggler bull is just passing Point Robinson. The rest are a little bit ahead of, looks like gonna travel north mid channel. -Sean Clinton
*
10:45 -
Saw two fins from Redondo, looked close to Vashon side. Swiftsure following, moving northbound past Point Robinson. -Matthew Pfab
*
10:36 -
Seeing blows approaching Point Robinson, island side of mid channel. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
10:05 - Eastbound
, mid channel off Dumas Bay headed towards Des Moines. -Sean Clinton
*
09:54 -
Orca Network received a call of four orcas at least, including a male and little, just north of Dash Point, surface active, trending north of that time, close to mainland side.
*
09:37 -
I see them from Dash Point. It looks like they’re going south east towards Dumas Bay sanctuary. -Savanna Caluori
*
09:46 -
Huge amount of breaching and activity off Redondo the last ten minutes. Very distant scope views from Dune Peninsula. -Charlie Wright
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sharon Allsup
Date of Sighting: September 10, 2024
Time: 9:45 AM
Species seen: orca
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: Federal Way, just off the shore, between Dash Point & Dumas Bay
Direction of travel : n/a
Behaviors observed: hunting, now eating/milling
If orcas, any males?: No
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Following up on my earlier phone call now that I'm out of a meeting and free to look. No obvious male dorsal. Three to four female/not-yet-sprouted + one very small calf. Very surface active, slight shift to north while observing
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
09:40 - Jack, Wright, Tempest, Loon and Flapjack
, now have flipped and are heading back south quickly, now south of Point Robinson, island side of channel.
09:33 -
Lots of action at Point Robinson! Jack having a breachfest, Tempest, Wright and another passed north but are returning south. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
Part of the Point Robinson breachfest this morning [video in FB comments]. -Mark McGough
*
09:21 - Near Des Moines
, mid channel out from Point Robinson, changing directions. -Palow EJ
*
09:09 -
One group off south end of Point Robinson, close in to island side, directional changes but trending northbound. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
07:58 -
Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 08:27 to report: 0758hrs: Vessel CHETZEMOKA reports via 800MHz they've spotted four orcas traveling eastbound directly in front of the TAHL dock
*
07:58 - Whales [orcas] near Tahlequah ferry dock
(south end of Vashon) headed east. -photo by Sean Sultan, September 10, 2024
*
Group of three to five orcas passed thru ferry lane headed northeast ten minutes ago while we were fishing by Point Dalco! Link to FB video. -Nancy KF
*
07:35 - Point Defiance this morning
. Link to FB video. -Kyle O’Block

September 9
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Mon, Sep 9 - Klawock, AK (T49A2 & T51) - T49A2 Jude - T51 Roswell - They are back together in Alaska! The two males that were in Barnes Lake, Alaska last year at this time T051 and T049A2 have teamed up again in Klawock, Alaska. Photos by Angela Jean and Trina Nation. They are meat eaters, so looking for a seal I guess! Thanks to Chloe Kotik for confirming the identity! They spent 2 days going in and out of the Klawock Harbor and estuary. -photos courtesy of Kathy Peavey, September 9, 2024
*
T51 Roswell & T49A2 Jude - Killer whales in Klawock Lake
. -photo by Angela Jean, September 9, 2024
*
Mon, Sep 9 - Haro Strait (T18s minus T18 & T49As minus A1 & A2)
19:30 -
Many killer whales just south of Henry Island. Near Snug. No direction. -Peter Van Deventer [WSSJI]
*
19:15 -
Well north of County Park still northbound on San Juan shoreline. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
18:55 -
Moved up island now approaching the County Park! 
18:41 -
Now past Lime Kiln, Headed up island very close in.
18:39 -
Calls on the hydrophone at Lime Kiln.
18:30 - Orcas
visible on the Lime Kiln Camera. At Land Bank, headed up island close to shore (T019B was kelping!). -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
*
17:35 -
Very slowly going north from False Bay. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
Here's some video clips of Bigg's pass by Lime Kiln. Link to Youtube video. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
*
16:20 -
Report of orcas at Eagle Point, unknown direction of travel. -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
Mon, Sep 9 - South Puget Sound (T65A5)
19:50 -
I’m on our bulkhead on Day Island and out of nowhere a lone orca surfaces! Northbound towards Titlow beach very close to shore! I managed to stay quiet so I wouldn’t ruin the video but I was shaking with joy! I had given up and was ready to go inside after seeing that they were going up Carr Inlet. “Oh yeah?”, the orca said. Link to FB video. -Karen Caldwell
*
19:50 - Lone orca northbound
very close to shore of Day Island heading to Titlow. -Karen Caldwell
*
18:10 - Drayton Passage
. -Michelle Stirling
*
16:15 - Indy
is back in the Budd/Eld inlets area. Mid-channel between Boston Harbor and the western shore of Eld Inlet where I am. This is the second to the last sighting of him in deep south Sound, at the confluence of Budd and Eld inlets, yesterday afternoon.
16:12.
He surfaced a few times, logged a bit, 'blew bubbles' and then a deep dive heading north. The next time I saw him he was heading north in Dana Passage to parts further north. Nice to meet you, Indy! -photo by Kim Merriman, September 9, 2024
*
16:00 -
I saw what I believe was Indy heading west in Dana passage about 30-40 minutes ago. -Daniel Kar
*
13:53 -
Here are a few seconds of video as he (Indy) exited Eld Inlet heading north near the spit of Cooper Point. He would surface a few times and then it looked like he was 'rolling' in the shallows [video in FB comments]. He's by himself. So he turned around after he and Noah were heading out Dana Passage earlier this morning. I didn't see him until 13:51 - mid channel in Eld Inlet heading slowly north. But my husband saw him before that (maybe 20 minutes) surfacing and rolling at the very tip of Cooper Point on the Budd Inlet side. Then he went dark. Popped up again in Eld at 1:51. Continued meandering north until we lost sight of him again at the entrance of Dana Passage and near the southeast corner of Harstine - where he and Noah were before they supposedly headed up Dana and to places further north east.  -Kim Merriman
*
Mon, Sep 9 - South Puget Sound (T49A1 & T65A5; later, T49A1 rejoined large group & T65A5 went off on his own)
10:56 -
As the two headed into Dana Passage passing the fishermen. Image shot from the western shore of Eld Inlet. -Kim Merriman
*
10:56 -
They were heading east through Dana Passage off of the southwest tip of Harstine about ten minutes ago. Moving fast. Definitely surprised a couple of lucky boaters who turned off their engines and waited for them to pass! -photo by Meredith Rummel, September 9, 2024
*
T49A1 Noah
10:10 -
One of the orca that headed east in front of Squaxin Island - which is the land mass behind it. Image shot from the western shore of Eld Inlet and highly cropped. -photo by Kim Merriman, September 9, 2024
*
09:50 - Two orcas at Carlyon Beach heading east to Hunter Point
. -Michele Neary
*
08:56 - Libby Point, headed east
toward Arcadia Point. -Debbera Coker
*
08:54 -
They’re now out of my site from Church Point eastbound but they have been doing this all morning so I’ll update if I see them again.
08:53 -
Milling here [approx. 47.205347, -123.004270].
08:51 - Approaching Church Point westbound
for now. -Jami Cantrell
*
T49A1 Noah & T65A5 Indy
08:10 -
They are right where it says Hammersley Inlet heading west [approx. 47.205796, -123.010729]. -back of camera photo by PS Osborne, September 9, 2024
*
08:00 -
Heard but nor seen, apparently a turnaround and only one exhale. Headed west toward Shelton.
07:40 -
At Libby Point in Hammersley heading east toward Arcadia Point.  -Debbera Coker
*
07:33 -
Another group right now outside of Walkers Landing [Pickering Passage]. Just got a call from a friend watching them from. Their porch. No direction observed. -Ashleigh Risley
*
07:00 - 07:30 -
Watched them just west and in front of Agate Beach. -Brenda Rix
*
07:13 - Near Agate Beach
flipped back west.
07:11 - Two, heading east
. Milling around. -Brenda Rix [MCW]
*
07:14 -
Now two and are [heading] west now. Between Church Point and Walker Park.
07:00 - Orcas
. Headed towards Walker Park. Hammersley Inlet. Just the Big Guy. He already left with one other, but is back now. Alone. -Carolyn Lockmon [MCW]
*
Mon, Sep 9 - Puget Sound (T36, T36Bs, T124A1, T137s) - T124A1 Bonapartes & T36B2 Greenfelder - “Even as I enjoyed the peace of the close pass, I could hear cheering down the beach at the marina and it filled my heart with joy. Every time folks get to the water to see them, I know we are all a little more connected to these marine neighbors, which is great for everyone.
I walked slowly back to the marina and thought we were done when - WHOOSH - Noah (T49A) popped up very close to the marina docks and everyone gasped. He hugged the shoreline for a bit, causing some kayakers to back up toward shore, before he headed north to join up with everyone else.” Read more and see more photos here. -photos by Belen Bilgic Schneider, September 9, 2024
*
T36B4 -
An exciting and beautiful visit in the South Sound. Link to more photos. -photos by Cherie StOurs, September 9, 2024
*
T137A Jack, T137 Loon, T137B Tempest, T36B1 Bhotia - T49A1 Noah - South Sound
. Link to more photos. -photos by April Janice Basham, September 9, 2024
*
T137 ‘Jack’
has a fresh new scar on his head! (photo from this morning and cropped in for a detailed view on the computer). Maybe he got a bit too fresh with one of the girls. -photo by Bart Rulon Wildlife, September 9, 2024
*
From Carr Inlet. -photo by Torry Chamberlayne, September 9, 2024
*
20:20 - Several orcas
, mainly heard but two actually seen, passing Horsehead Bay slowly traveling northbound in Carr Inlet towards Kopachuck. -Jennifer Swenson [PSWS]
*
19:20 -
Spread northbound into Carr, 36s passing close Fox Island about halfway up the island. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
18:55 -
Small group heading into Carr Inlet, in between McNeil and Fox Island. -Kevin M. Harris
*
18:55 -
Blows very distant now, so looks like they’re heading toward Carr Inlet.
18:52 - Jack
is just north of McNeil Island approaching Fox Island. Midchannel. Unclear if he’s committed to Carr or Narrows.
18:40 -
Viewing from Chambers. At least six steady northbound. Midchannel. Just took a long dive. -Nikol Damato, Orca Network
*
18:35 - Northbound
mid channel, viewing from top of Chambers trail. -Kevin M. Harris
*
18:17 -
From the Anderson Island ferry dock as best I could tell. Probably more mid channel than the marker shows. Leisurely northbound [approx. 47.191973, -122.594133]. -Belen Bilgic Schneider
*
18:14 - Between McNeil and Fox, heading north.
17:51 -
In front of Eagle Island going towards McNeil. -Amanda Romero
*
15:37 -
Passing Lyle Point on Anderson Island making their way towards Ketron Island. Slightly spread. -Candace Gavin
*
15:37 -
About six headed north mid channel past Chambers. -Kelly Custer
*
17:25 - Jack
is in the lead but five minutes ago the barge passed them on the inside of Ketron. Still northbound. Jack is ahead of them but still south of Steilacoom [approx. 47.170388, -122.633829]. -Belen Bilgic Schneider
*
17:13 -
Seeing them from Pioneer Orchard Park in Steilacoom. Moving slowly from Ketron towards us. -Paul Davis
*
17:09 -
One big boy in front and one trailing, they are still between Ketron and Anderson leisurely northbound [approx. 47.165240, -122.646204]. -Belen Bilgic Schneider
*
17:05 -
Viewing with binoculars from the Steilacoom ferry docks, they are between Anderson and Ketron, hugging the Anderson side. Could come past Steilacoom or go up towards Eagle Island. -Amanda Romero
*
16:45 - Noah
split from the rest and stayed near Anderson Island, popped up next to some kayakers and then headed north. The rest are milling and drifting north with some surface activity but they are not in any sort of hurry! -Belen Bilgic Schneider
*
Currently slowly moving north, between Ketron and Anderson closer to the Anderson Island side. -Samuel Hilbert
*
16:32 - Northbound
mid channel almost to the end of Ketron. Six at least. B36s. And maybe Noah. We got a lovely pass from Sandy Point on Anderson Island. -Belen Bilgic Schneider
*
16:11 -
Right off of Cole Point outside Oro Bay right now. -Samuel Hilbert
*
14:56 -
Seeing from Luhr Beach west to east along south side of Anderson. -Kelly Custer
*
14:54 -
They are scattered of the south east side of Anderson in the middle of the bay. My first time seeing them! So beautiful! They were spread out, so we were very slow going and being careful. I feel like we saw Jack, from descriptions I’m reading and the HUGE fin… he came pretty close while we were engine off drifting. No breaching action from any that I saw, but just amazing to see these magnificent beings! -Katy McQuade
*
14:38 -
Past Treble Point on Anderson Island drifting toward Nisqually [approx. 47.149996, -122.765922].
14:09 - Headed south west in Drayton Passage.
13:52 - Passing Eagle Island westbound
hugging the McNeill shore. -Belen Bilgic Schneider
*
13:22 - T49A1
has joined the party. Heading towards Eagle island. No sign of 65A5… yet. -David Michael
*
13:10 -
SJC leaving these whales looking like they're grouping back up again going southbound in the main channel, heading towards Ketron. T137 ladies trailing a bit further behind. -Alli Montgomery
*
13:04 -
All heading south towards Ketron. -David Michael
*
12:53 -
Three orcas between Steilacoom and Ketron, closer to Steilacoom side of channel. Three orcas and one bull in between the mouth of Carr and the buoy. Male breached six to seven times with several tail lobs. -Ashley S Whitman
*
12:40 -
We lost the 137’s, suspect they went south after exiting Carr. -David Michael
*
12:30 -
As we were departing the orcas, the T36Bs and T137B where chasing something (probably porpoise) and heading southbound very quickly about a mile west of my blue map spot [approx. 47.226644, -122.631804]. This is my last report. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
12:38 -
Video viewing from Fox Island. -Emilee Linares
*
12:18 - Jack and Wright
are heading towards McNeil, Loon and Tempest are on the southwest corner of Fox and the 36B’s are chasing something midchannel. -David Michael
*
11:54 -
Update southbound and spread out [approx. 47.241188, -122.670745]. The T36 pod is closest to my map spot and the others are to the east about a mile away. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
11:42 -
Spread out between Fox Island and McNeil heading south. -David Michael
*
11:40 -
Update as they spread out [approx. 47.265131, -122.674297]. T36 pod, T137 pod and T124A1 south and westbound as they split up a bit.
11:21 - T36 pod, T137 pod and T124A1 are here southbound
at my map spot [approx. 47.278226, -122.692141]. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
11:12 -
Update - at least five just went southbound through Carr, jumping and tail slapping, and appear to be headed toward the north end of Fox Island (probably viewable from Bella Bella?) - Puget Sound Express and another boat with a flag (unknown to me) following at a respectful distance. Thanks for the show, what an incredible privilege!
11:00 -
Viewing from Forest Beach - at least three heading south, still being chased by the motor boat. -Deanna Foster Goldberg
*
10:20 -
Outside Horsehead Bay trending south. -Randy Witter
*
09:00 -
At least five hunting. This was in Henderson Bay closer to the Key Peninsula side. -Stacy Sanders Richens
*
09:14 -
Heading towards Minter Bay Key Peninsula side.
08:43 -
Made a turn heading back towards Raft.
08:31 -
Visual from Purdy Spit with binoculars, heading towards spit currently. -photo by Lindsey Marie McKay, September 9, 2024
*
07:30 -
Just saw a pod of at least six orcas in Carr inlet (Horsehead Bay side). I was observing from Forest Beach and they were headed toward Henderson Bay, getting closer to Key Peninsula side as they worked their way north. -Deanna Foster Goldberg
*
05:15
- Not sure how reliable this is but my neighbor told me she saw orcas in Hales Passage [between Fox Island and Gig Harbor]. -Elaine Seims
*
05:15 -
We woke up to the sound of orcas moving through at the mouth of Wollochet Bay. -Denise Erickson Nordi
*
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES -
Mon, Sep 9 - Strait of Juan de Fuca
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Krista West
Date of Sighting: September 09, 2024
Time: 2:45 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Botanical Beach, Port Renfrew
Direction of travel : NW
Behaviors observed: Travelling, Jumping
If orcas, any males?: Unknown
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
MINKE WHALES -

Mon, Sep 9 - Hood Canal
17:15 -
I just saw a minke in Squamish Harbor. It was going back and forth north and south I lost sight of it and don’t know which way it headed. -Joan Whittle Flood
*
09:45 -
A small minke whale just passed by Bridgehaven, Port Ludlow [south of Hood Canal bridge] heading south. -Delaney Russell
*
UNIDENTIFIED SPECIES -
Mon, Sep 9 - Hood Canal
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: George Hofmann
Date of Sighting: September 09, 2024
Time: 11:30 AM
Species seen: Orca [no orcas reported in Hood Canal this day, so leaving open possibility of other species -RH]
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Twanoh State Park
Direction of travel : West apparently
Behaviors observed: Tail slaps, dorsal fin seen, spouting
If orcas, any males?: Unk
Any unusual markings?: Unk
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Seen from shore at park boat ramp. Animals in mid channel, widely separated.
Photos available?: No

September 8
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sun, Sep 8 - Klawock, AK (T49A2 & T51) - September 8th and 9th, 2024. They are back together in Alaska! The two males that were in Barnes Lake, Alaska last year at this time T051 and T049A2 have teamed up again in Klawock, Alaska. Photos by Angela Jean and Trina Nation. They are meat eaters, so looking for a seal I guess! Thanks to Chloe Kotik for confirming the identity! They spent two days going in and out of the Klawock harbor and estuary. -Kathy Peavey
*
Sun, Sep 8 - San Juans (T18s minus T18 & T49As minus A1 & A2) - T19s & T49As near San Juan Island viewed from Prince of Whales Whale Watching all day photography tour out of Victoria. Video at the end: The pods had taken a deep dive away from us when they decided on a close pass. As they approached us the engine was shutdown, that also turns off stabilizers and you feel the four to six foot drop with each wave. The crew activated a portable hydrophone and caught some orca conversations. Recording is looped into video at the end. Link to more photos & video.  -photos by Jason Cook, September 8, 2024
*
Per Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI], these are the T18s and T49As.
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Bob Hines
Date of Sighting: September 08, 2024
Time: 3:57 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: Orcas Island two miles south of Deer Harbor
Direction of travel : Nw
Behaviors observed: Blowing followed by several boats
If orcas, any males?: 1 male
Any unusual markings?: Unknown
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Unbelievable!
Photos available?:
*
13:20 - T49As.
-Linh Gonzalez
*
13:00 -
Between San Juan Island and Lopez Island north of Otis Perkins. At least three orcas playing around. -Michele Macky Orr [WSSJI]
*
12:30 - Still milling
maybe trending south outside Fisherman Bay in San Juan Channel. -Monika Wieland Shields [WSSJI]
*
07:05 - One male orca
surfaced several times in front of Limestone Point.
06:45 -
Several orca heading west in Spieden channel. -Sarah Ehle [WSSJI]
*
Sun, Sep 8 - Port Angeles Harbor (T69E)
 - T-69E Kodiak visited Port Angeles. Link to more photos. -photo by Jason Cook, September 8, 2024
*
Port Angeles by the mill
today! He’s still here over by the logs…a harbor seal laying low in the spit side. -photo by Sheryl Brewer Gifford, September 8, 2024
*
This whale was sighted deep inside PA Harbor consistently from around 12:30 till 20:20 (my last sighting). He continued on a fairly regular loop, smacking seals down by the floating logs and making at LEAST four trips into the Boat Haven Marina… a first for me! I was lucky enough to have him pass by not 10 feet from the fuel dock I was standing on around 19:10. -Rachel Rodell
*
17:34 -
Last seen about three minutes ago near the blue crane. -Misty Curnutt Shaw
*
15:45 -
He also came up right next to us at the boat launch about ten feet from the dock [video in FB comments]. -Shyla Scott
*
14:40 -
At least one orca hunting Port Angeles near the mill [approx. 48.132749, -123.455343]. -Jason Cook
*
Sun, Sep 8 - Saratoga Passage/Penn Cove (T46s)
19:55 - T46D
was in mussel rafts, the other three near Captain Whidbey. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
19:26 -
Saw them by the mussel rafts. -Nerell Edwards
*
19:15 - Thor
is so handsome, even at a distance. They are just west of Rolling Hills area, still westbound. T46D Strider trailing, the others together. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
9:04 -
Just saw them right across from the Coupeville wharf close to the Oak Harbor side. -Amanda Guse
*
18:45 -
Just east of Monroe Landing, T46s. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
18:37 -
From friend: Got all four. With the fourth trailing behind. they are all more Oak Harbor side. Scenic Heights in background.
18:23 - Two now. Aimed west towards Penn Cove.
18:10 -
Friend is viewing from Long Point looking northeast - one male is Whidbey side of channel traveling west/northwest. Large male. Possibly Thor or Strider? -Sarah Geist
*
16:15 -
Orca Network received a call of a lone male orca northbound in Saratoga Passage off Hidden Beach, Whidbey, about midchannel, maybe closer to Whidbey side.
*
08:45 - Whale blows by Hidden Beach
. -Kathy Fritts
*
Sun, Sep 8 - Possession Sound (T36/T36Bs, T49A1, T65A5, T124A1) - These whales were getting creative with their hunts as they traveled through Puget Sound earlier this month. We found them tucked into the Everett Naval Base, swimming freely through the secured military fences and danger signs. Location: Port of Everett. Link to more photos. -photos by Mollie Segall, September 8, 2024
*
Sun, Sep 8 - Puget Sound (T36, T36Bs, T49A1, T65A5, T124A1) - Three generations - T36B1 Bhotia, T36 Flapjack, T36B Tattertip - Pec fin of T49A1 Noah & T65A5 Indy
11:00-ish at Owen Beach - The T36s, T65A5, T49A1, T124A1
(Thanks Bart Rulon for the IDs on the original thread). After an incredibly close pass for the people at Dune, I followed them up Owen Beach towards the tip of Point Defiance. Lots of surface activity after what sounds like some successful hunting deeper into Commencement Bay. There were some breaches, a spyhop, and more tail slaps than I can remember, a few pec fin waves as well. T49A1 Noah was observed kelping as well, dragging kelp along with his pec fin and dorsal fin. We met up again briefly about 13:45 as the T36s were the only ones who pushed closer to the Fox Island pier. Link to more photos. -photos by Jolena Tagg, September 8, 2024
*
Was fortunate enough to catch the close pass at Dune Peninsula. Link to more photos. -photos by Eric Russell, September 8, 2024
*
First time capturing! T36B off the Fox Island fishing pier. -photos by Megan Skorniakoff, September 8, 2024
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T36B2 Greenfelder & T36B4 - T49A1 Noah -
Incredible close pass at Dune Peninsula at Point Ruston around 10:55-11:10! This included the T36s, T65A5, T49A1, and T124A1. Photos are all from the main walkway at Dune. This was one of the closest passes I've ever seen, and it was so amazing to watch along with 100+ other folks! Link to more photos. -photos by Matthew Pfab, September 8, 2024
*
T65A5 Indy & T49A1 Noah - T36B4 -
The pass was incredibly close, they’re always are on Vashon side but not this time! Pictures were taken from the Promenade at Point Defiance and Hidden Beach/Titlow. Link to more photos. -photos by Cherie StOurs, September 8, 2024
*
T65A5 Indy -
In Tacoma. After being surprised by an incredibly close pass at Browns Point Lighthouse, we decided to head to Tyee Marina. I thought they might stop to snack on a few of the hundreds of seals that like to hang out in the marina. They terrorized these little guys for at least 30 minutes, and weaved between moored boats and under the old docks. Photos are mostly of the T36s, but T49A1, T124A1, and T65A5 were there too! Link to more photos. -photo by Mollie Segall, September 8, 2024
*
T36B1 Bhotia, T36B4, T36 Flapjack - T49A1 Noah
- I love this helpful page so much! My husband and I are traveling from NC and we were able to see the group of orcas at Owen Beach today with the help of this page! -photos by Jocie Sykes, September 8, 2024
*
Male is T49A1 Noah - I literally chased orca around the island from breakfast until dinner, By the end of it all, we had 12 orca from many families in the south Sound and presumably they will meet up in Case inlet, which means eventually they all have to pass us on Anderson Island again on the way out.
I started the day sitting down to home made breakfast burritos and before I could make it through half a cup of coffee, the Orca Network alert and my phone rang at the same time. Since the T137 family came down south last night, we dropped everything and hauled it down to Otso Point just as Jack (T137A) and Wright (T137D) went by. There was an OMG moment as Jack came straight at us only 100 yards away. I was expecting the epic close pass but they both stayed down until they were way past us. Still… be still my beating heart! He really is my favorite orca boy. Even as we chased the T137s around the island (not succeeding in another good pass), I also watched the alerts come in as the other group of 8 orca (T36s, T124A1, T49A1, and T65A5) came south from the middle Sound, I struggled to spot them from the ferry dock even as reports had them in my line of sight. Then I saw them heading south between Anderson and Ketron, so I ran down to the Riv Marina and saw them as wee little dots hugging the Ketron shore. So finally we went to the south end of the island where a friend has a high bank overlook and just as we arrived, members of the T36 family did a close pass. I think we had Flapjack (T36), Tattertip (T36B), Bhotia (T36B1) and then pops up the newest member of the family, T36B4. And way off behind them, closer to Nisqually were Noah (T49A1) & Bonapartes (T124A1). Link to more photos. -photo by Belen Schneider Bilgic, September 8, 2024
*
With the T36, T36Bs, T137s, T65A5, T124A1 and T49A1. I definitely feel incredibly blessed to have had this time with them for sure and I hope you all enjoy too. Link to more photos. -photos by April Janice Basham, September 8, 2024
*
Some of my favorites from Browns Point. Link to more photos. -photo by Andy Cottrill, September 8, 2024
*
Today’s pass at Dune was so amazing and it was so incredible to witness with so many others. I’m truly thankful for this group and the community that is always willing to share so much great information. Thank you for letting me be a part of this community even if for just a short time. -Amber Irvine
*
Awesome unexpected experience. Owens Beach. Link to FB video. -Valerie Andrews
*
Today was so magical. Link to FB reel. -Katy Dimmitt
*
19:29 -
They turned into Eld Inlet. Moving quickly.
19:10 -
Currently milling north of Hope Island, direction to be decided, might have turned toward Carlyon Beach. -Katie Brogan
*
18:22 -
They turned west headed toward Boston Harbor. Just spotted them at Fishtrap. -Daniel Kar
*
17:22 -
The orcas are right out in front of Zittel's marina. -Kellie Smith
*
16:59 -
Can still see from our location Slowly heading towards Zittels now.
16:49 -
We are seeing four right now in the nisqually reach hanging around the area.
16:42 -
Just saw four to five in the reach! Spy hops tail slaps. -Jes Hicks
*
16:30 -
Seeing them at Tolmie. -Courtney Johnson
*
15:42 - Westbound
past the south tip of Anderson Island [approx. 47.120332, -122.723405]. -Belen Bilgic Schneider
*
15:27 -
Viewing from Luhr Beach [approx. .47.139562, -122.661821]. They are just south of Ketron Island. -Paul Davis
*
15:11 -
Viewing from Solo Point, closer to Anderson Island continuing to head southbound. -Andrew Tokuda
*
15:11 - South past Ketron
now, still southbound, two groups with four (one baby) in the back group. -Belen Bilgic Schneider
*
14:34 -
Almost to Ketron Island, look committed to the west side. -Laura Kozar Batanian
*
14:31 -
Getting close to the prison.
14:29 - Northeast side of McNeil
looks like they’re heading towards the old prison ferry dock. -David Jorgensen
*
14:18 -
Watching from Steilacoom Park band stand, three orcas, one male heading south. -Sharon Predoehl
*
14:15 -
A community member spotted orcas off Sunnyside Beach in Steilacoom. -Chrystal Ely
*
14:11 -
Looks like they’ve split. Three by northern mark [approx. 47.201744, -122.632306], two by southern mark [approx. 47.180058, -122.614270]. 
14:02 -
Steady southbound past Chambers Bay, midchannel but closer to mainland side. -Matthew Pfab
*
14:07 -
Seeing them head south mid channel [approx. 47.200865, -122.604412]. -Paul Davis
*
13:51 - Headed south
on east side of Fox Island. Link to video. -Kathi Erickson
*
13:49 - T36s
today off Fox Island Pier. -photo by Torry Chamberlayne, September 8, 2024
*
13:49 -
That was our first spy hop from off shore viewing. (Fox Island pier) so great meeting so many of you - such a wonderful community. -Andrea Schvaneveldt
*
13:46 -
Just spotted heading southbound towards Chambers Bay with a large white boat very close. -Roxanne Johnson Carlson
*
13:35 -
Almost straight in front of the Fox Island pier. Lots of people on the pier watching. -Mary Davis Pubols
*
13:30 - Orcas
have passed viewing range at Titlow Beach and are heading southbound. -Kalika CeCe
*
13:22 -
At least four grouped together, slowed and milled about for a minute, then took a dive. Still seem to be southbound.
13:17 -
Leaders past Titlow, approaching Fox Island. Moving fast midchannel. -Nikol Damato, Orca Network
*
13:14 -
Mid channel at Titlow heading toward Fox Island/south bound. -Ashtin Ford
*
13:10 -
At least three broke off from. The group lagging behind. Leaders are just out from Titlow Beach, others are just south of the bridge. -Mollie Segall
*
13:16 -
South of Narrows Beach now but more mod channel still southbound. Should be able to see them from Fox Island pier soon.
13:13 -
Still southbound, passed the bridge, shifted closer to Tacoma side. Should be approaching Titlow next. They're moving slow but steady.
13:06 -
Make that three including the calf.
13:05 -
Two more still north if the bridge, mid channel southbound about to pass under.
13:02 -
Passed under the bridge, still southbound, fighting the tide and moving slow on Tacoma side of the channel. -Jenelle Walter
*
13:05 -
Amazing time watching the whales at Dune Peninsula and Owen Beach. They must have been in the area for an hour! -Michael Fallon
*
13:02 -
Viewing from Titlow, southbound under Narrows Bridge, Gig Harbor side. -Nikol Damato
*
13:00 -
Just passed under Narrows Bridge, west side. -Ashtin Ford
*
13:00 -
They took their sweet time rounding Point Defiance but it was well worth the wait to see them cross under the bridge! -photo by Lauren NC, September 8, 2024
*
13:00 - Titlow
will have an amazing view coming that way, they are south of the bridge now. -Jeff Meredith
*
13:00 -
SJC just departed this family group and friends traveling south under Tacoma Narrows. -Angelica Patyten
*
12:57 - Passing under the bridge now, southbound
. -Lauren Taylor
*
12:54 -
Milling mid channel just north of the Narrows Bridge. -Mollie Segall
*
12:53 -
Still surfacing north of the bridge.
12:44 - Three popped up just north of the bridge, east side
. -Jeff Meredith
*
12:45 -
Just past Point Evans. -Lynn Cherniske
*
12:39 -
They surfaced next to the whale watching boat on the east side just north of the Narrows Bridge. -Jeff Meredith
*
12:25 -
Mid channel now trending southbound towards Narrow Bridge. Viewing from tip of Point Defiance. -Jas Minka
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Pauline Proszowski
Date of Sighting: September 08, 2024
Time:
Species seen: Orcas
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: South Sound coming from Pt. Defiance mid channel
Direction of travel : SE
Behaviors observed: Traveling & milling. They changed direction back/forth at first then some spouting etc.
If orcas, any males?: Yes one large male in back
Any unusual markings?: Too far to see
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Many boats stopped in area to see them including a whale watch boat? A fast motorboat moving towards them slowed down once the whale watch boat honked horn. Looked like an Orca family with one large male in back & a young calf with females in front
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org -photo by Pauline Proszowski, September 8, 2024
*
12:15 -
Seemed to have stalled around pin drop [approx. 47.297788, -122.550321], closer to Gig Harbor side.
12:00 -
Mid channel trending southbound towards Narrows Bridge [approx. 47.302678, -122.551320]. -Jas Minka
*
11:46 -
Just popped into view from Bridges Viewpoint. -Marie Wils
*
11:41 -
Looks like they're committed to Narrows. -David Bennett
*
11:40 -
My last post as we depart [approx. 47.318554, -122.550495]. They are southbound into the Tacoma Narrows now. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
11:29 -
[video in FB comments]. -Rachel Running
*
11:23 -
Group just swam past Owen’s Beach. Headed towards Narrows (swimming west around the point). One big male and a baby in the group. -Jennie Wike
*
11:19 - Orcas headed toward Point Defiance.
-Lauren Olson
*
11:15 - Awesome pass at Owen! Link to FB video. -Bee Lorenzen McVicker
*
11:13 - Owen Beach.
-Nicole Greeson
*
11:11 -
At least two between ferry dock and Owens Beach, big male just breached at 11:13, approaching Owens Beach momentarily. -Glenn E. Johnson
*
11:03 -
Best Dune pass ever, headed west towards Point Defiance very much so on mainland side. -Jami Cantrell
*
11:02 -
Between Dune and Point Defiance hunting. -Ashtin Ford
*
11:00 -
From Dune. -Matthew Pfab
*
10:57 -
Viewing from Owen, they are right off Dune. -Jolena Tagg
*
10:49 -
Watching from Point Ruston. Heading south and navigating through fishing boats. Clipper is following. -Mallory Piekarski-Rabinowitz
*
10:49 -
Hunting directly in front of Dune no direction close to Dune side. -Jami Cantrell
*
10:48 - T36 pod, T49A1, T124A1, and T65A5 westbound
at my map spot [approx. 47.305718, -122.502551]. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
Sun, Sep 8 - Puget Sound (T36, T36Bs, T49A1, T65A5, T124A1) - Male is T49A1 Noah - Amazed at the size of Noah's dorsal fin. -photo by Jennifer Jensen, September 8, 2024
*
10:45 -
Viewing from Ruston, mid channel closer to Maury headed west toward the southeast point of Maury. -Alisa Miller
*
10:30 -
It’s never not amazing to look out my window and see them. This was about eight minutes ago [video in FB comments]. -Sandra Hartline
*
10:29 - Headed west toward Vashon.
Possibly toward Tacoma ferry lanes. -Nancy KF
*
10:22 - Headed west
closer to Maury with large male trailing. -Mandy Michelle
*
10:19 -
Heading west towards Owens Beach. -Rayna Meuer
*
10:16 -
Heading fast past Browns Point lighthouse. -Nancy KF
*
10:10 -
Trending west from the lighthouse going towards Maury viewing from Old Town dock seeing four. -Cherie StOurs
*
10:13 -
Looks like three hunting between Cliffhouse and Browns Point. Viewing from Ruston Way. -Nancy KF
*
10:07 -
Seems slowly westbound from Chinese Reconciliation Park. Out between Maury and Brown's Point. -Brian Bischof
*
09:54 - Near Browns Point
now from Chinese Reconciliation Park. -Nori Kimura
*
09:52 -
nearing the Browns Point Lighthouse.
09:44 -
Still near Tyee, mid channel - watching from the Chinese Reconciliation. -Ashtin Ford
*
09:36 -
Three approximately at the pin drop [approx. 47.281003, -122.441324 (Commencement Bay)]. Slowly seem to be heading westbound. -Jas Minka
*
09:25 -
Three seem to be hunting right here with directional changes [approx. 47.266678, -122.439334 (Commencement Bay)]. -Jami Cantrell
*
09:20 -
Viewing from Theas Park. See at least two no directional changes and larger male a little further north mid channel [approx. 47.274471, -122.438937]. -Jas Minka
*
09:10 - In Commencement Bay!
From near Tyee Marina. -photo by Stephanie Opacki, September 8, 2024
*
09:18 -
Still actively pursuing seals at tyee marina
08:59 - Four
are hunting under the docks at Tyee.
08:45 -
There were three to four with a large male across Commencement Bay near the naval ships, and four with a calf under Cliffhouse heading towards Tyee. As seen from Cliffhouse ~15 minutes ago.
08:30 -
From Browns Point [video in FB comments].
08:28 -
We have a TON of orcas out here. At least eight. Some close to shore at Browns Point, some across by Chinese reconciliation. All are aimed to Commencement.
08:24 -
There is a large male with them. Some directional changes and long down times out in front of Browns Point.
08:15 -
At least four just have passed Dash Point pier and are company timing towards Browns Point. Close to mainland shore. -Mollie Segall
*
08:16 -
Heading to Browns Point going south. -Ryan Dicks
*
08:04 -
My husband and daughter on kayak by Redondo Beach and saw at least two (maybe four) dorsal fins! -Laura Gonzales
*
08:07 -
Heading toward Tacoma! Not at Browns Point yet. Looked like four - two larger and two smaller.
08:00 -
Spotted off Dash Point! -Caitlin Nieburg
*
07:41 -
Secondhand report of orcas passing Redondo, heading towards Dash Point. -Mollie Segall
*
07:38 - Two orcas
reported north of Dash Point State Park, no direction given [approx. 47.34122, -122.35782]. -[WA app]
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Connie Brower
Date of Sighting: September 08, 2024
Time: 7:00 AM
Species seen: orca I believe
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Redondo Beach Dr & 281st
Direction of travel : S slow
Behaviors observed: Just swimming . Mom & baby perhaps
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
Sun, Sep 8 - South Puget Sound (T137s) - T137A Jack - Link to more photos. -photo by Belen Schneider Bilgic, September 8, 2024
*
16:55 -
Maybe two orca mid channel between Vaughn and Stretch Island heading north. -Leslie Hanks
*
16:25 -
Some were just spotted by Haley Beach about 10 minutes ago. Not sure if it's the same group. -Kimberley Edwards
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Joan Miniken
Date of Sighting: September 08, 2024
Time: 3:29 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: South of Anderson Island
Direction of travel : West, good speed
Behaviors observed: Traveling, two half breaches
If orcas, any males?: At least one male
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Two boats chasing them
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
14:01 - Two females
one a little larger hanging out between Johnson Point and Harstine closer to Harstine Island.
13:18 - Between Johnson Point and Harstine
mid channel now. -Steve Perschon
*
12:51 -
At the point still heading north.
12:38 -
They are in front of Zittel’s now. -Andrew Stillerman
*
11:44 -
I see two passing Amsterdam Bay headed toward Devil’s Head.  -June Isler
*
11:43 -
On mid west side of Anderson. -James Getty
*
12:04 - Eastbound in Nisqually
mid channel near Tolmie [approx. 47.140561, -122.757966].
11:39 -
It seems like he might have headed south in Drayton but not sure.
11:30 - T137A Jack
just passed the north end of Anderson Island westbound [approx. 47.191549, -122.723091]. Initially saw all four on the east side of Eagle, then two heading west toward us and now just Jack. Big boat respectfully with Jack. -Belen Bilgic Schneider
*
10:59 -
Three Bigg's spotted at Eagle Island between Anderson and McNeil. One large male. EDIT: [Heading] west last saw them close to Eagle Island. -Steve Perschon
*
06:30 -
Just north of the Tacoma Narrow Bridge. Heading south. A pod of orcas was spotted south of Day Island off Sunset Beach, University Place on Sunday morning. -photo by Jim Troyer, September 8, 2024

September 7
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sat, Sep 7 - Swanson Channel (T18s minus T18 & T49As minus A1 & A2)
14:00 -
A group of about seven orcas came through the Swanson Channel, past Pender Island and up towards Active Pass. Link to FB video. -Robert Stuart
*
Sat, Sep 7 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T46B1s & T46C2) - T46B1 Tread & T46B1C - T46C2 Sam - Amazing views. Link to more photos. -Sooke Coastal Explorations -photos by Pacific Imagery, September 7, 2024
*
Sat, Sep 7 - San Juans (T60D, T60E, T69E) - T69E Kodiak - T60E Lynx
12:45 -
We saw three male orcas traveling together, possibly hunting but we didn’t see a hunt completed. T60D & E (Onca & Lynx) with T69E (Kodiak) went into Deer Harbor on Orcas Island and then cruised right next to the coast. We were out with Island Adventures Whale Watching. We also ran into a lone humpback known as Nalu who travels to Hawaii in the winter. Here are a few of the photos my husband and I took. Link to more photos. -photos by Jaime Shields, September 7, 2024
*
11:20 -
Aiming up San Juan Channel, still along Shaw shoreline.
10:55 -
They're heading west between Canoe Island and Shaw Island. Hugging the Shaw shoreline. -Cindy Hansen, Orca Network [WSSJI]
*
10:15 - T69E, T60D & T60E heading northeast towards Upright Channel
. -Kelsey Scott [WSSJI]
*
07:55 -
About four killer whales headed down island from South Beach. -Linda Hahn [WSSJI]
*
Sat, Sep 7 - Haro Strait (T46Bs)
18:10 - Passing Cattle Point heading east
towards Lopez.
15:30 - T46Bs heading north up mid-Haro
, currently east of Ten Mile Point. -Orca Behavior Institute, Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
Sat, Sep 7 - Saratoga Passage (T46s) - A couple smoky sunrise shots with T46D Strider on Saturday morning near Possession Bar. Link to more photos.  -photo by Janine Harles, September 7, 2024
*
Ran down to Hidden Beach on the chance that the T46 gang might slide over to the Whidbey side, but at first they were pretty close to Camano, then moved mid-channel. Distant looks, but flat glass quiet water, so beautiful! -photo by Bonnie Gretz, September 7, 2024
*
18:13 -
Last post; they surfaced on the map marker circling [approx. 48.100491, -122.477982]. Happy viewing!
17:33 -
Becoming more active with surface breathing - coming up on East Point on the Whidbey side [approx. 48.109490, -122.503986]. -Levi Sawyers
*
17:57 -
Approaching Bells Beach southbound.
17:33 -
Viewing from Camano Island State Park - orcas are southbound approaching Fox Spit. -Linda Aitkins
*
T46E Thor
17:09 - South of Hidden Beach heading towards Baby Island
right now.  -photo by Christy Grant, September 7, 2024
*
T46E Thor
15:59 -
About mid channel now heading southbound.
15:52 -
Spotted a male between Saratoga Shores, Baby Island, and Pratts Bluff. -photos by Levi Sawyers, September 7, 2024
*
16:59 - Thor, Centiki and Loki southbound just south of Hidden Beach
mid channel to Camano side. Still leisurely swimming. Strider is MIA so far. May be way behind of the group. Approaching Camano Island State Park. -photo by Kevin Phillips, September 7, 2024
*
16:35 -
Now mid channel southbound out from Hidden Beach.
16:07 -
Viewing from Hidden Beach, closer to Camano, with red research boat. South bound. -Bonnie Gretz
*
16:01 -
Viewing from Hidden Beach can see research boat and orcas with binoculars. Southbound still north by a mile or so from Hidden Beach. -Kevin Phillips
*
15:04 - T46s flipped [southbound]
. -Brad
*
13:30 -
Can see them from yacht club on Camano, northbound, more mid channel/Whidbey side. Research boat with them.
12:40 - Northbound still past Cama Beach
. Still spread out, one group mid channel, the other closer to Whidbey. -Charvet Drucker
*
T46D Strider
12:40 -
This was right after they passed Cama. -photo by Thomas McKane, September 7, 2024
*
11:58 -
Main group heading northwest off Camano Island State Park boat launch, T46D trailing midchannel by Baby Island.
11:54 -
Everyone else is spread out on Camano side, approaching the boat launch.
11:48 - T46D northbound
Whidbey side of midchannel between Camano Island State Park and Fox Spit. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
11:40 -
My last report as we leave the scene. T46D is more mid channel than my mark [approx. 48.109156, -122.479998] and the rest are in Elger Bay. Northbound direction.
11:22 -
Update. T122, T46E, and T46F are closer together now at my map spot, aiming towards Elger Bay. I assume Strider must still be lagging behind but I haven’t looked that way in a long time. 11:34 Strider is now starting to catch up but he is more mid-channel than the others [approx. 48.098643, -122.454260].
10:55 -
Update. Northbound direction. From my map spot [approx. 48.076109, -122.432021] T46F is between us and Whidbey. T122, and T46E are between us and Camano island. T46D is probably still well behind Thor and Centeki. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
10:48 -
Approaching Saratoga Woods, spread about midchannel, maybe slight angle towards Whidbey. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
10:30 -
They are mid channel, but closer to Whidbey side. Northbound passed Langley. -Michele Tosh Brodsky
*
10:39 -
We have all four in the family now. Strider is a bit behind the rest. Northbound direction [approx. 48.057508, -122.410440].
10:23 - T46 pod northbound
. We’ve only seen T46D & E so far but we just got here. They are pretty spread out [approx. 48.038203, -122.376593]. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
10:19 -
Crossing to Camano side, looks like 46s! -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
10:20 -
Definitely in the passage between Sandy Point and Langley Marina. Whidbey side.
10:00 - Out from Sandy Point northbound
I see at least three? Whidbey side of channel. Appearing to head into Saratoga Passage. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
10:14 -
Off Sandy Point Whidbey side north into Saratoga Passage. -Orca Network
*
09:48 -
Just saw a few orcas heading north between Whidbey Island and Hat Island. I live on Brighton Beach. Looked like at least a few of them and maybe even a smaller/baby sized one.  -Katie Stephenson
*
09:34 -
Last sighting we saw them of them was north tip Hat Island going north. -Christopher Kent [WIWS]
*
09:13 - Two orcas reported off Clinton ferry terminal
, no direction given. -WA app 
*
07:00 - T46s
I think hunting between Possession Bar and Edmonds, east of mid channel!I lost them - I think they are moving closer to Edmonds, no direction. -Janine Harles
*
Sat, Sep 7 - Possession Sound (T36, T36Bs, T49A1, T65A5, T124A1) - T124A1 Bonapartes - T49A1 Noah
16:00 -
We found these whales in the East Waterway of Port of Everett, when we first arrived a few of them were actually inside of the floating navy fence! It was fun to see Indy again, it looks like the base of his dorsal fin has straightened a little… starting on his way to becoming a sprouter.  -photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, September 7, 2024
*
T36B Tattertip - T65A5 Indy - From Edgewater Beach Park
. Link to more photos. -photos by Catherine Alvarado Soto, September 7, 2024
*
T49A1 Noah - T65A5 Indy & T36B1 Bhotia -
The mixed group that went into the Navy base Everett on Saturday afternoon. -photos by Janine Harles, September 7, 2024
*
20:08 - Southbound off Edmonds
[approx. 47.801403, -122.403701].
20:08 -
They seem committed to southbound after a kill and meal! 
19:44 -
They are right off Edmonds marina 200 yards offshore southbound slowly. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
19:36 -
Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: Puyallup Master reports 7 orca off the vessel in EDM
*
19:30 - Off Edmonds Marina
[video]. -Lindsey Sharp
*
19:22 - Orcas on Edmonds
moving south past Brackett’s Landing!  -Jackie McKeown
*
19:18 - Orcas swimming south towards Edmonds ferry dock
now. -Kylie Rae Nienhuis
*
19:12 -
Seeing them off Sunset Ave in Edmonds. Light is fading, but naked eye and close to Edmonds side. -Kristin Kreifels
*
19:04 -
Just saw these beautiful creatures one mile north of the Edmonds ferry dock! -Brittany Cloyd
*
18:26 -
Seeing them from Haines Wharf - they’re right off of Meadowdale Beach. -Sara Morales
*
18:06 -
See them from Picnic Point. Mid channel amongst a lot of boats! -Lauren McManus Harris
*
17:40 -
I received this video from a friend at Lighthouse Park [video in FB comments]. -Kelli Finnigan McNees
*
17:30 - Southbound past Pioneer Cemetery Mukilteo
. -Scott Murchy
*
17:25 - South of Mukilteo Lighthouse park southbound
. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
17:20 -
A few minutes ago, passing Edgewater Beach Park [video in FB comments]. -Catherine Alvarado Soto
*
17:20 -
At Lighthouse Park. What a wonderful treat for all the folks at the Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival [video in comments]! -Tiffany Dana Kelly
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Brett Barrilleaux
Date of Sighting: September 07, 2024
Time: 5:14 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 8
Where seen: Mukilteo Ferry Terminal
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: 1 large trailing a bunch of smaller ones
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I will share a I have of the whole pod and also images of a boat that sped by the pod long after they had surfaced.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
17:14 - Southbound just passed Mukilteo ferry dock
. -Scott Murchy
*
17:02 -
My last post after they killed at least two porpoise and milled around on their meal for a while they appear to be on the move again southbound towards Mukilteo [approx. 47.958645, -122.284515]! -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
16:36 - Four to five visible near Powder Mill Creek
outlet (between Harborview Park and Edgewater Beach Park). Traveling toward Mukilteo. -Dianne Riter
*
16:19 -
Update on T36s, T65A5, T49A1, and T124A1 are southwestbound aiming towards Mukilteo [approx. 47.966649, -122.249763]. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
16:14 - North of Harborview Park
by the whale watch boat. -Greg Heiss
*
T36B1 Bhotia & T49A1 Noah
16:14 - From Pigeon Creek
. -photo by Megan Stuart Chapin, September 7, 2024
*
16:04 -
They are currently heading southbound near shore slowly at my map spot [approx. 47.976255, -122.230539], all grouped up. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
16:00 -
Found a spot I should've went to an hour ago, but oh well, made it in time for their exit [video in comments]. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
15:51 -
WOW in 24 years of doing this I’ve never seen orcas where they are hunting today. Cruising the edges for sea lions and seals [approx. 47.982748, -122.222771(East Waterway, Everett)]. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
15:41 -
We have been watching the T's here at Everett's commercial port area. Maybe six seen. Had to laugh when they were inside the Navy base protected area hunting sea lions. One male was cruising the fence waiting to find one sleeping. It has been a nice show this afternoon. -Greg Heiss
*
T36B2 Greenfelder & T124A1 Bonapartes
15:40 - Everett
. -photos by Mollie Segall, September 7, 2024
*
15:34 -
Found them! Still inside the navy base. From my vantage point at Harborview they have the Dunlap vessel behind them. Appear to be moving towards the exit. -Tamara Kelley
*
14:50 -
Milling in and out of sight [approx. 47.977194, -122.228885]. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
14:26 -
On the east side of the Navy base. -Greg Heiss
*
14:13 - Northbound
. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
14:11 -
I may have been excited. -Jennifer Ralstin
*
14:05 -
Out from Harborview Park, loosely grouped, eastbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
13:45 - Eastbound towards Everett
. Looks like T49A1 in my photos.
13:35 -
Appear to be near Mukilteo Lighthouse Park, viewing from Clinton ferry. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
13:40 -
Just past Lighthouse Park in Mukilteo. At least four. Heading north [video in FB comments]. -Kelli Finnigan McNees
*
13:33 - Orcas passed the Clinton ferry
. -photo by Lori Ricketts, September 7, 2024
*
13:00 - Two orca
are heading towards the lighthouse (look for the whale watching boat right behind them). They are close to the Mukilteo shore and are about to round the bend from the Chennault Beach area. -Jodi Krause Poissant
*
13:00 -
A big mixed pod of Bigg’s northbound at my map spot. T36 pod, T65A5, T124A1, T49A1! Yeehaw! [approx. 47.915209, -122.326191]. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
12:56 -
They just passed my house in Chennault Beach. At least one very large male. Going north Mukilteo side of channel close to shore [video in FB comments]. -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
12:42 -
At least eight whales heading north a few miles north of Edmonds. Close to Edmonds Mukilteo side. -Michele Stolmeier
*
Sat, Sep 7 - South Puget Sound (T137s) - T137D Wright & T137A Jack - Devils Head, fabulous, heart warming experience. Link to more photos. -photos by James Getty, September 7, 2024
*
T137B Tempest - T137 Loon - “The T137s
were the first whales I officially met back on September 11th, 2011 (other than occasionally seeing orcas from the ferry boat as a child). At the time I didn't know who I was looking at, only that they were one of the coolest most beautiful wild beings I had ever seen. That first pass lit the spark and paved the trail to this whale journey, and with no surprise, continue to be in awe of them all these years later.” Read more & see more photos here. -photos by Marla Smith, September 7, 2024
*
Fox Island Pier.
Link to FB video. -Kristen Waite-George
*
19:45 - Three orca out in front of Cutts Island headed south
.   -Randy Witter
*
19:45 -
At least T137A and another just south of Cutts now favoring Key Peninsula side to mid channel. Continuing south. -Brooke Casanova
*
19:35 -
Getting closer to Key Peninsula side. Between Raft and Cutts Island. Generally south heading.
19:22 -
Still slowly moving south. Mid channel at Raft Island.
19:08 - Three orcas nearing Allen Point
(north of Raft Island). Headed south. -Gary Furuheim
*
18:38 -
Left Jack here [approx. 47.337607, -122.714952]. -photo by Ryan Dicks, September 7, 2024
*
18:00 -
There were two orcas in Carr Inlet (closer to Key Peninsula side) headed toward Henderson Bay. -Deanna Foster Goldberg
*
17:56 -
Spotted on the West side of Fox Island. Heading towards Greenpoint. In Carr Inlet. -Alison
*
17:40 -
At least one other female/juvenile. Carr inlet. Too distant to note behavior. Several porpoises in the area.
17:34 - Single male orca in Carr Inlet
half mile to one mile north of Penrose Point. -Andrew
*
16:52 -
I finally saw them! With binoculars - headed north in Carr inlet - just passed Pitt Passage! [approx. 47.236131, -122.710486]. -June Isler
*
16:03 -
Seeing them head up Carr as we watch from Steilacoom. -Paul Davis
*
16:02 -
Long downtimes, rough estimate of location on map [approx. 47.214699, -122.617021]. Viewing from Chambers Bay.
15:52 -
Passed channel marker at Gibson Point, south tip of Fox Island. Moving quickly.
15:50 -
Viewing with camera from Chambers Bay. Very close to Fox Island shore, pod seems to be closer together now. Line of sight under cliffs on south Fox Island. -Matthew Pfab
*
15:51 -
[video near Fox Island fishing pier]. -Billy Watson
*
15:49 - Pod of orcas headed south past Fox Island
almost to the southern tip. Looks like about four of them. -Mary Davis Pubols
*
15:45 - T137s
have all passed Fox Island Pier southbound. -Candace Gavin
*
15:33 -
They are moving towards the pier. -Jasmine Myers
*
15:27 -
From the Fox Island pier just now. JUMPING JACK FLASH [video in comments]. -April Janice Basham
*
15:23 -
Putting on a show approaching Fox Island. Mid-west side of the channel. -Glen German
*
15:20 -
Just seen from Titlow moving quickly south. -Kyle Anderson
*
15:10 -
Passing Titlow Beach midchannel, still southbound, spread out somewhat. -Matthew Pfab
*
15:12 -
Traveling quickly southbound, midchannel past Titlow.
15:07 -
Viewing from Titlow, southbound in the Narrows, Gig Harbor side of channel. -Orca Network
*
15:02 -
Viewing under Narrows Bridge hunting. -Jennifer Taylor
*
14:41 -
Heading toward the bridge seeing from 5 Mile going quick. -Julie Davis
*
14:40 -
Off the point (Point Evans) just north of the Narrows Bridge, southbound, mid channel ish, but more on Tacoma side.
14:04 -
Mid Dalco Passage angling southwest for tip of Point Defiance/Narrows. -Melissa Bird
*
14:03 -
Mid channel past ferry westbound.
13:45 - Westbound
off southern tip of Vashon towards ferry. -Kirsten Vacura
*
13:27 - Westbound off south tip of Maury Island
. -Ed Rickert
*
12:40 - Four orca in front of Gold Beach on Maury Island. Heading south
. There is also an Elephant seal about 300 yards ahead of them in their line of travel. About 300 yards from shore! -Burt Miller
*
12:28 -
All are now south of Point Robinson, Loon and Tempest very close in to island shores traveling loosely together, Jack and Wright about five minutes behind just a little farther out. All steady southbound.
12:06 - Orcas
are approaching Point Robinson, still a bit north of, close in to island, southbound.
11:29 -
They are very much on the island side, just north of KVI, look for Clipper and Soundwatch.
11:04 - T137s- Jack and Wright are now south of Dilworth
, close in to island, southbound with long downtimes, haven’t seen the others yet.
10:54 -
Approaching [southbound] Dilworth [private neighborhood], close in to [Vashon] Island. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
11:29 -
Just saw blows in front of the Clipper south of Dillworth [Coordinates provided: 47°25'37.7"N 122°24'54.9"W]. -Paul Davis 
*
09:49 -
Reported by North Vashon/Dolphin Point southbound. -Ryan Bauer
*
09:17 -
Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 09:20 to report: WALLA WALLA Captain reports 4 ORCA heading South near Restoration Point.
*
08:32 -
Clipper V just saw three orcas heading south mid channel of West Point Lighthouse. -Ryan Bauer
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -

Sat, Sep 7 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (CRC-17545 Nalu) - We also ran into a lone humpback known as Nalu who travels to Hawaii in the winter. Link to more photos. -photo by Jaime Shields, September 7, 2024
*
GRAY WHALES -

Sat, Sep 7 - Strait of Juan de Fuca - From Sombrio Beach [Vancouver Island]. -photo courtesy of Tim

September 6
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Fri, Sep 6 - Strait of Georgia - Orcas while on the ferry from Victoria (Swartz Bay) to Vancouver (Tsawwassen). Link to more photos. -photos by Thomas McKane, September 6, 2024
*
Fri, Sep 6 - San Juans (T18s & T49As minus A1 & A2)
17:00 -
These were the T18s and T49As! They are now going up President's Channel near Point Doughty. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
13:30 -
Near Jones Island Marine Park. South side of island, appear close to shore, couple whale boats still with them. -Danielle Desrosiers [WSSJI]
*
10:40 -
Update - just got a report that they are still in Spieden Channel. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
09:17 - Three orcas in Spieden
this morning! Heading west and then turned to go east! -Cari Larsen Scheef [WSSJI]
*
Fri, Sep 6 - Port Susan/Saratoga Passage (T137s)
18:45 - Three to four orcas going southbound past Hidden Beach
.-Rachel Lilly
*
16:52 - Three to five orcas in Saratoga Passage
heading south towards Race Lagoon (east side Whidbey Island). Looked to be feeding before moving on. -Randy Zimmerman Furnas
*
15:30 -
They are heading south into Saratoga Passage from Oak Harbor. I think it’s Jack if he’s a big one. Large male and a smaller hanging out together. Still with research boat. -Michele Stolmeier
*
14:40 -
Whales are coming together. Approximately five now near the research boat. Northwest side of Camano. -Michele Stolmeier
*
14:24 - Whales are near north end of Woodland Beach
appx. mid channel heading north very slowly with research boat nearby. -Krista Paulino
*
13:25 -
SJC is leaving this family still spread across the whole channel, traveling northwest towards Indian Beach. NOAA boat is on scene. -Alli Montgomery
*
13:17 - Still northbound
, just passed Hidden Beach.
13:15 -
Passing Hidden Beach heading north with SJ Clipper and research boat nearby. -Janet Moody
*
12:15 -
Tempest and Loon are now skirting Whidbey shore, northbound. Aimed towards Baby Island. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
12:29 - T137A&D have passed the south end of Camano Island State Park. Northbound
Camano side of midchannel, long downtimes. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
12:08 - Whales are still northbound
, currently passing East Point on Whidbey. Still spread all over the channel, not grouped. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
12:07 -
Northbound midchannel a few miles south of Camano Island State Park. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
11:24 -
Update. T137 pod is still very spread out northbound direction. My last report as we depart. T137D is close to the Camano side. T137A is closest to my map spot [approx. 48.072989, -122.412661]. T137 and T137B are mid channel angling a bit towards the Whidbey side.
10:57 - T137 pod is northbound
at my map spot [approx. 48.056117, -122.381587]. T137 is in the middle (near my mark) T137A & D are along the Camano shoreline and T137B is in between them all. They are all in a line searching for prey.
10:43 - Northwest direction
just entering Saratoga Passage [approx. 48.048003, -122.357796]. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
09:53 -
They are south of Tyee now. -John [PSWW chat]
*
09:25 - At Tillicum Beach, southbound.
09:10 -
Second-hand report from a friend: Jack and Co traveling southbound between Kayak Point and Country Club 3. -Linda Raines Tyner
*
07:19 - Orca passing Pirates Cove
[north of Tillicum Beach, Camano] heading north. -Connie [PSWW chat]
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Fri, Sep 6 - Haro Strait
08:04 -
Moved out further into Haro. Southbound.
07:51 - Humpback at landbank
[south of Lime Kiln]. Kind of logging at the surface. Pointed south but directionless. -Linda Hahn [WSSJI]
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Nicole Griffin
Time: 7:06 AM
Species seen: Humpback
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: San Juan County Park
Direction of travel : West, slowly
Behaviors observed: Diving/ feeding
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I love whales
Photos available?: No
*
Fri, Sep 6 - Puget Sound (CRC-16017 Two Spot)
12:35 - Humpback whale ‘Two Spot’
is milling at my map spot [approx. 47.858186, -122.425306 (between Eglon and Picnic Point)]. CRC-16017. -Bart Rulon Wildlife

September 5
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Thu, Sep 5 - Haro Strait/Strait of Juan de Fuca (T37As & T49As minus A1 & A2)
11:00 -
Update the T37As and T49As did indeed go west towards Victoria. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
09:35 -
Now seem to be going west.
09:20 -
Possibly northbound now.
08:55 -
Can see a group well offshore south of Land Bank, appear south/southwestbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
08:13 -
A friend reports more Biggs including T37As and possibly T49As heading down island from Land Bank. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
Thu, Sep 5 - San Juans (T18s)
17:00 -
They were up near Buckhorn! Such a beautiful sight. -photo by Lindsey Leyzac, September 5, 2024
*
15:30 - Orcas, near Orcas Island. Doe Bay Resort
. Link to FB videos. -Angela Mitchell Pike
*
16:12 - Three orcas close to land Rosario/Orcas side
, Lawrence Point heading in the direction of Sucia Island. -Jenny Holmes [PSWS]
*
14:50 -
Saw them appear on the north east side of the island. We saw them in front of Obstruction Island as well, then they headed near the seals on the rocks and after that they went around Deer Point. -photos by Frieda Cron, September 5, 2024
*
11:00 -
Update the T37As and T49As did indeed go west towards Victoria; with the T18s off south Lopez, perhaps the whale identified as T36B1 was actually T37A? Or there could be another group in the mix out there. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
08:20 - 19s
look to be aiming towards south end of Lopez Island, my last update on them
08:07 - 19s
have pushed offshore a bit but almost due south of Cattle Point Lighthouse eastbound.
07:52 - Off South Beach eastbound.
07:35 -
Can see the boys eastbound towards South Beach along shore. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
07:17 -
Split into two groups. Group of four stayed up there near Kanaka Bay. Second group very slowly coming down island close to shore between False Bay and Eagle Point.
06:50 -
Stalled at False Bay. Logging. Resting
06:31 -
Leader at False Bay. -Jenny Stands Wilson [WSSJI] 
*
06:00 - Two groups of orcas
, best guess nine orcas, heading down island, one mile south of Landbank. I was able to ID T19B Galiano. -Michelline Halliday [WSSJI] 
*
Thu, Sep 5 - Haro Strait (T30Bs)
16:15 -
Now due west of Lime Kiln, moving north. About 1.5 miles offshore.
16:00 -
They've turned north, about a mile off, headed up island.
15:50 -
Looks like they are going to come in south of Lime Kiln - so Land Bank or Hannah Heights. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
*
15:45 - T30Bs mid-Haro south of Lime Kiln heading north
towards San Juan Island. -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
Thu, Sep 5 - Haro Strait
07:37 -
Passed the cove near Snug Harbor Resort and then Lime Kiln Park. Four in total that we could see.
07:22 -
Just past the cove at Snug Harbor Resort. Coming in to Lime Kiln Park now. At the point before the light house.
07:00 - Four orcas passing by the cove near Snug Harbor Resort
. -photos by Niccole Nevader Vaughn, September 5, 2024
*
Thu, Sep 5 - Saratoga Passage (T137s)
16:53 - Southbound travel into Possession Sound
. Still grouped up.
16:47 - Camano Head
haven't seen a chosen direction of travel as they are down.
16:32 - Southbound
grouped up all four in line with Langley marina not yet to Sandy Point. Mid to Camano side of channel. I presume scientists are with them. -Kevin Phillips
*
16:25 - Orcas off Sandy Point, southbound
, closer to Camano. -Heather Hardin
*
15:15 - South of Camano State Park. Headed south
. Long down times.
14:55 - Headed towards Holmes Harbor.
14:51 -
Mid channel out from Cama. -Brandi Mauck
*
14:20 -
Viewed from Hidden Beach. T137 and T137B both passed with a few exhalations then long down time, angled towards Holmes Harbor. Edited to change whale numbers after viewing a video - this was Loon and Tempest. Jack and Wright not seen. -Kevin Phillips
*
14:07 - Two orcas at Hidden Beach
… mid channel… easy to spot without binocs southbound. Long down times. -Janet Moody
*
13:39 -
Hello! SJC has been observing T137A and D now traveling SB down Camano Island, having just passed Madrona Beach. Long down times with quiet surfacing. No sight of the other two family members. -Alli Montgomery
*
11:25 - Northbound Whidbey side
of midchannel south of Camano Island Yacht Club. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
11:14 - Northbound from Shangri-la Race Lagoon
area. Swiftsure is with them. Whidbey side of channel.
10:28 - They snuck past Hidden Beach under water. And are now north of there. Northbound. - Kevin Phillips
*
10:32 - Northbound at the north end of Cama Beach
, Whidbey side of midchannel. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
11:20 -
From Eagle Crest as Swiftsure was with them. Note: I have a long lens, no rules were broken, they are not as close to the orcas as it looks from two miles away! Plus I cropped the photos too! -photo by Kristina Trowbridge, September 5, 2024
*
10:02 - Orcas northbound Saratoga Passage
from my pin spot [approx. 48.106645, -122.467370]. Four whales and the big male definitely looks like T137A Jack.
09:26 -
Not sure what kind or how many l [am] seeing exhalations. Viewing from Hidden Beach. No known mode of travel, the distance and sunlight are making it hard to see much. -Kevin Phillips
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Thu, Sep 5 - Puget Sound (CRC16017 Two Spot)
15:13 -
SJC just encountered the humpback again on our journey south to our pier. It's Two Spot and he's just circling in the very same spot as before in center of Possession Triangle.
11:24 -
SJC just saw a humpback in center of Possession Triangle, in line with Eglon and south of Possession Point! Same area Two Spot was hanging out yesterday, but cannot confirm ID at the moment. -Alli Montgomery

September 4
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Wed, Sep 4 - San Juans
18:07 -
At least three orcas southbound just passing the mouth at Fossil Bay, Sucia Island. -Kathryn Shaw
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Quinn Ketcherside
Date of Sighting: September 04, 2024
Time: 5:35 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Sucia Island
Direction of travel : South
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?:
*
Wed, Sep 4 - San Juans (T49As minus A1 & A2) - We had an up close experience with the T49A pod. Link to FB reel. -Denise Pamela
*
Wed, Sep 4 - Admiralty Inlet (T137s)
19:10 - T137s northbound into Saratoga Passage along Camano Shores
. Viewing from the north side of Sandy Point. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
18:20 -
We saw them between Hat and Whidbey several times. They were still northbound.
17:54
- Viewing north of the ferry terminal. Whales have cleared the ferry lanes. Looks like they will go between the west side of Hat and Whidbey. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
18:01 -
They may be spread out because two more just passed the Clinton ferry dock.
17:52 -
Just north of the Clinton ferry, mid channel, northbound. I see two to four. -Natalie Scantlen
*
17:45 - Single male
almost in the ferry lane , Clinton side of center.
17:38 - Single orca northbound approaching the Clinton ferry
about two thirds of the way there from Glendale. -Ed Pearson
*
17:35 -
Ferry from Mukilteo to Clinton slowed down for three orca, northbound mid channel passed ferry terminal.  -Michele Tosh Brodsky
*
17:29 - Approaching Clinton ferry.
-Natalie Scantlen
*
17:10 - Large male mid channel out from Glendale northbound
. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
14:40 -
We saw two orcas off Possession Point and a large humpback mid channel between Elgon and Possession. -Lindsey Sharp
*
13:55 -
Per Sarah, who was viewing from Limpet - They're past. Jack and Wright closeish to Whidbey. Other two Whidbey side of mid. Still southbound.
3:37 -
Viewing from Shore Meadow. 137s are still Whidbey side, but they have pushed out a bit. They continue southbound.
13:07 - Jack and Wright just passed Bush Point
about 150 yards off shore. Loon and Tempest are 10 minutes in front of them. All traveling south. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
13:04 -
SJC has just observed these whales. They're split about a half mile away from each other with T137 and 137B leading, going southbound off Bush Pt and 137A and D trailing further back. Slow steady surfacing. -Alli Montgomery
*
Per Captain Tyler- T137s! -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
12:56 - Loon and Tempest
on Whidbey shore. Other two further off but still close. At Bush Point. -Sarah Geist
*
12:40 -
Saw two fins/blows and I thought a smaller third fin/blow ? Using binoculars from Lagoon Point shore, to the south, mid channel. Long dives, heading east for those sightings, though more milling around rather than direction of travel. -Shelley Schwinn
*
12:34 - Two orcas, slow southbound,
nearing south end of Lagoon Point. Long dives, slow travel. 500 yards from shore.  -Bill Setter
*
12:31 -
Two are hugging Whidbey shore line passing Lagoon.
11:53 -
At least two fins moving south, Whidbey side of mid. Viewing from Lagoon Point.
11:24 - Orca north of Lagoon Point
, Whidbey side of the channel. Too far for number or ID. Moving south/west. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Wed, Sep 4 - Puget Sound (CRC16017 Two Spot)
17:40 -
Kingston fast ferry had to stop around the channel marker by Kingston for a spotted humpback. I didn't see it but thought I'd pass on the info. -Jenny Klis
*
14:41 -
SJC left this humpback BCZ0432 Two Spot milling around in center of Possession Triangle in line with Eglon. -Alli Montgomery
*
14:40 -
We saw two orcas off Possession Point and a large humpback mid channel between Eglon and Possession. -Lindsey Sharp
*
UNIDENTIFIED SPECIES -
Wed, Sep 4 - Puget Sound
14:45 -
About 40 minutes ago we were picnicking on the beach at Blake Island/Colvos facing Rainier. Watched a single whale moving north blow seven times. Never surfaced and unlike the humpbacks we saw last Thursday, never the sight of a spine or tail slap. Is this behavior maybe a grey whale? -Sonja Silver

September 3
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Tue, Sep 3 - Admiralty Inlet/Strait of Juan de Fuca (T36, T36Bs, T99s, T137s)
16:30 -
Nearing San Juan County Park northbound.
16:10 - T36s passed by Lime Kiln northbound
close to shore. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
16:16 -
Just passed Lime Kiln State Park, T36 pod, possibly towards San Juan County Park. -PiaMarie Marie
*
13:55 - The T36s are near Hein Bank heading northwest towards Haro Strait
. -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
11:10 -
This group definitely got out in a hurry. Currently westbound towards Protection Island. Good luck out there.
10:31 -
They pushed way over towards North Beach on the Port Townsend side of Admiralty more west than northbound Swiftsure just got with them. Very spread out at least six whales possibly more with the spread… viewing from Ebey Landing.
10:17 -
Recount I see at least six. Some big males northbound past Port Townsend marina.. I'm viewing from atop Fort Casey, water is so calm they look beautiful, steady paced north.
10:04 - North of Marrowstone northbound
. Steady pace. Aimed at Admiralty mouth, mid channel. -Kevin Phillips
*
10:06 -
I’m seeing blows and fins about a mile or so south of Point Wilson, mid channel. -Alissa Gubelman
*
09:45 -
Heard third hand that they are headed for Flagler. I’ve not seen them but if anyone is near there and can confirm? I know it’s foggy, but a friend of a friend saw “a large group” headed that way. -Rebecca Berger
*
07:45 - Orcas heading north passing Norwegian Point
. Within 100 yards of shore. I think there were two, fins were not huge. -Brad Srebnik
*
Tue, Sep 3 - Puget Sound (T46s) - T46D Strider - From Colvos this morning. It was quick and they passed closer to Vashon. Took a dive while heading for Alki and came up West of Blake Island. And Strider completely surprised me coming up well behind the rest. -photos by Jim Pasola, September 3, 2024
*
T46E Thor - T46D Strider - Two locations along Colvos Passage
. The first near Anderson Point, I got there just as T46D Strider was passing. The 2nd location at the Southworth ferry T46D Strider had joined his brother T46E Thor and whom I'm thinking is T46F Loki? They traveled up the west side of Blake Island before cutting back to the east side of Bainbridge. Link to more photos. -photos by Jolena Tagg, September 3, 2024
*
16:30 -
They are out from Useless Bay Whidbey Island headed northwest steadily.
16:07 -
Found them. They are out from Maxwelton across from Point No Point where the red [approx. 47.929893, -122.466300] dot is by a yellow buoy going northbound. -Kelly Kauffman Wisniewski
*
15:07 -
The male looks like it's going northwest toward Point No Point, haven't seen the females for a while but they looked farther east [approx 47.911513, -122.454896].
14:55 - Northbound
[approx. 47.884942, -122.411818]. -Rubie H Baker
*
14:22 - North bound passing Apple Tree Point
. Spread out, laying low and long down times. Two plus orcas. -Iravasa Athem
*
14:15 -
At least two past Apple Tree Point, Kingston. North/northeast west side of shipping lanes. -Sara Frey
*
14:08 - T46s still continuing northbound
towards Eglon. Mid channel to Kingston side. -Candace Gavin
*
13:30 -
From Apple Tree Cove, looking toward channel marker. They are spread out on southside of ferry lanes. west side of sound. Ferry about to go right by them.
13:14 - T46s
are just north of Jefferson Head still northbound towards the Kingston-Edmonds ferry lanes. Mid channel. Still spread. Long down times. -Jenny Klis
*
12:05 -
Hello! SJC just observed the T46s traveling northbound. We observed T46D by Blakely Rocks about 40 minutes ago, with the rest currently passing Shilshole. -Alli Montgomery
*
12:00 -
Traveling northwest viewed from Discovery Lighthouse, moving slowly.  -Malinda Sorci
*
11:56 -
Mid channel to Shilsole Marina side. Just out from the Marina. T46s still northbound. Long down times and spread out a bit. -Candace Gavin
*
11:37 - Two orcas
just now, northbound, just north of Wing Point close to Bainbridge. -Jane Rein
*
My video from on board [the ferry]! -Katie Schaber
*
11:11 -
TACOMA [ferry] has come to bare steerageway for three orcas east of Blakely Rock heading north.
*
10:52 -
In line with Eagle Harbor view from Weather Watch Park. Two males probably T46s?
10:47 -
Now by Blakely Rocks mid channel northbound small boat following.
10:36 - Northbound
south tip Bainbridge west of mid channel but looking good to eventually pass by Restoration, view from Emma Schmitz Park in West Seattle. -Mary Hartmann
*
10:16 -
The main group is on the other side of the Eukor ship viewing from Manchester. Strider is just inside Blake heading their way, north.
09:30 -
They just passed Southworth heading north east. -Jim Pasola
*
10:03 -
I have Strider here [approx. 47.531539, -122.518646]. Don't know where Thor and the other one are.
09:38 -
Definitely have T46D and T46 E.
09:35 - West of Blake Island still northbound
. But more northwest.
09:30 -
Strider plus two just came out of Colvos Passage at Southworth. Heading north. Deep dive so I lost them.
08:46 - Northbound
, passing Anderson Point. No signs of others. He's west of midchannel. -Jolena Tagg
*
08:17 -
Approaching Lisabuela, T46s at least, Island side of channel.
08:28 - T46s northbound
quickly, island side of mid channel past Lisabuela now, very long downtimes as they travel. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
06:58 -
Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 07:14 to report: 658hrs: CHETZEMOKA [ferry] reports via 800MHz they've spotted a single, huge male orca located 1/2 mile south of the TAHLEQUAH dock, heading west
*
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES -
Tue, Sep 3 - Strait of Juan de Fuca 
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Celeste Winther
Date of Sighting: September 03, 2024
Time: 4:59 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Right off of Pillar Point
Direction of travel : NE
Behaviors observed: Traveling, slapping
If orcas, any males?: Unknown
Any unusual markings?: No
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Tue, Sep 3 - Admiralty Inlet (CRC-16017 Two Spot)
13:37 - Two Spot the humpback
is currently traveling southeast in the shipping lane in Admiralty near the south edge of Useless Bay. Steady surfacing with very few flukes! -Alli Montgomery 
*
MINKE WHALES -

Tue, Sep 3 - Cattle Pass
16:59 - Minke whale in Cattle Pass
due east one mile of Cattle Point Lighthouse. Staying in same spot for the last 10 minutes. -Caleb Barville

September 2
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Mon, Sep 2 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T63) - T63 Chainsaw - After 14 years of waiting, Captain Dan finally got to see the famous T063 "Chainsaw"! We also saw humpbacks spread far and wide out west! Link to more photos. Link to FB reel. -Sooke Coastal Explorations -photos by Captain Mollie of Pacific Imagery, September 2, 2024
*
Mon, Sep 2 - Haro Strait (T109As) - A sweet surprise from shore last weekend. T109As off West Haro Strait (Saanich). Triple blows! Link to more photos. -photo by Jenna Darcie, September 2, 2024
*
I filmed the T109As in Haro Strait earlier today. Link to Youtube video. -Gerald Graham
*
T109As
, for the viewers at home. -Ellie Sawyer, Maya’s Legacy [WSSJI]
*
13:00 -
They've made it to the east side of D'arcy island, moving north/northwest.
12:00 - Orca
sighting. Group of orcas four miles W of Lime Kiln moving north/northwest. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
*
Mon, Sep 2 - San Juans
14:07 -
Last report - identified as Biggs, circling between Sucia and Patos. Soundwatch alongside of them [approx. 48.781966, -122.918449].
13:44 - Pod of 2 on the north side of Sucia Island
[approx. 48.763215, -122.871282] - one large male. -Levi Sawyers
*
Mon, Sep 2 - Puget Sound (T36, T36Bs, T137s) - T36B2 Greenfelder - T36B Tattertip & T36B4 - From this afternoon - T36Bs. Link to more photos. -photos by Janine Harles, September 2, 2024
*
19:25 -
I was watching them for awhile, and last saw them about 20 minutes ago approaching the north side of Maury.
18:24 -
And just north of Dilworth/Point Beals now, still southbound at a steady pace.
18:04 -
Not sure which group they belong to, but I'm seeing four plus orcas around Glen Acres over on Vashon, southbound, viewing from the Seattle side. -Katie Hruby
*
19:11 - Heading south
, right up on the Vashon side. Two to three breaching and splashing, viewing from Three Tree [approx. 47.413893, -122.418756].  -Alejandra Sweeney
*
18:25 - Orcas breaching
with at least one calf approx. near red pin [approx. 47.47451, -122.44604]. No direction given but presumably southbound based on prior report. [WA app]
*
17:55 - Four orcas
moving fast down East Passage off Vashon. -Karen Anne Goebel
*
17:21 - Heading south
for now angled toward east side of Vashon.
17:17 -
There are about six whales off north Vashon ferry dock. No very big males. -AirWaterLand Photography
*
16:07 -
Just saw two possibly three at spot on the map [approx. 47.612886, -122.416716]. Heading west. Popped up again off off Harbor Ave. Viewing from boat. -Jessica Gasperini
*
15:18 - Left T36B's heading south
west of mid channel between Bainbridge and Shilshole. -Janine Harles
*
15:13 -
I believe this group is now passing west of West Point lighthouse in Discovery Park. Looks closer to Bainbridge side of channel. Heading southbound. -Jorge L. Baron
*
14:17 -
SJC had a brief encounter with at least a few members of the T36/B's currently traveling SB between Kingston and Shoreline. Lots of personal crafts out there, stay safe everyone! -Alli Montgomery
*
13:50 - Southbound
. Clipper is on it. -Maia Jewell
*
T137A Jack
13:27 - Off Kingston
. -photo by Kerry Meadows, September 2, 2024
*
13:28 -
A male passing Kingston ferry terminal, the rest trailing behind. Southbound, mid channel.  -Catherine Alvarado Soto
*
13:13 -
We're at the Kingston ferry terminal as well and we might have seen at least one. -Kate Heward
*
13:10 -
Viewing from Sunset Ave and seeing a couple passing in front of Apple Tree Point southbound towards Kingston. -Brooke Thompson
*
13:10 -
Think correct thread. Passing Apple Tree Point with at least eight boats following them. Southbound, west side of shipping lanes. -Sara Frey
*
12:55 -
Watching with binoculars from Blue Ridge Neighborhood. They are heading towards Kingston. -Kacie Barrett
*
12:43 -
Last post for the T137s and T36s southbound at my map spot [approx. 47.850409, -122.469840] but spread out over a mile. T137A and T137D are closer to shore (Kitsap side) the T36Bs are a bit further out and T137, T137B, T36 are way out in the middle. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
12:36 -
Viewing from Eglon, still heading south, too many boaters following them.  -Catherine Alvarado Soto
*
12:20 - T137 pod and T36/36B pod southeast
direction at my map spot [approx. 47.880758, -122.502523]. Very spread out. T36 (Flapjack) is in here with all 4 of the T137 pod plus more. Yep, T36B Tattertip is here too with the rest of the T36 fam!
11:57 -
The T137 pod is southeastbound at Point No Point [approx. 47.915535, -122.526063]. T137A and T137D swam right through the fishing boats at Point No Point. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
12:00 - Orcas headed south in Admiralty Inlet heading to Point No Point
. -Brad Srebnik 
*
Mon, Sep 2 - Puget Sound (T46s & T124A1) - T137A Jack - T46E Thor & T46D Strider - After spotting the T46s coming south that evening, they stayed in view, but took nearly two hours to reach the point after flipping northbound..then east..then west a bit..back south..then north for a bit, after finally deciding to commit south and give us a pass right as dusk rolled in. During those two hours, there was lots of logging, some roly poly play and spyhops just barely within camera reach. I wondered if they were waiting for the other group(s) that were pushing south, and to my later surprise, it appeared so! After the 46s finally rounded the Point, I followed them down the beach as they slowly came to a stop and logged a bit just off of the cottages on the south end of the beach. As they began to meander more purposefully south, I heard a deep percussive boom, then another one, and folks started yelling. I forgot about the other group coming down! My heart dropped that I had missed those close to shore breaches and I started running back north but stopped short when I see Jack come careening around the Point, skirting the shore, riding the dropoff, keeping the tip of his fin out of the water the whole time like a shark. Pretty wild! Seconds after, Loon and Wright come barreling around the Point as well, and they took off after the 46s, who were now past the bouy. After a couple of celebratory breaches, they disappeared into the night, the only evidence of their presence, their big beautiful breaths cutting through the still of the evening. After many, many years of watching orcas, it never gets old. The sting of adrenaline after spying a fin out in the great expanse of water is still there. Each pass is different, and there is always an opportunity to learn something new, and observe interesting behavior. The learning and appreciation never stops, such amazing lives they lead. Link to more photos. -photos by Marla Smith, September 2, 2024
*
19:38 -
What a pass!!! T46s+ finally made it past Point Robinson, close in to island shores, then logged a bit just south of the point (see video). After they resumed travel, the T137s surprised us all and came screaming around the Point super close in to shore and caught up with the rest of the group just south of Point Robinson. Lost them in the dusk but can hear breaches of celebration and lovely loud breaths. All headed southbound. Good night, sweet orcas.
18:51 -
Meandering closer to Point Robinson, some logging by Thor and Strider, slowly making their way south with directional changes still. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
18:36 - Heading south
on the east side of Vashon Island, towards Point Robinson. -Marlene Davis
*
18:35 - The three orcas
are not moving north but are still slightly north of Point Robinson.
18:05 - Three orcas heading north from Point Robinson
. -Elisabeth Rohrbach
*
18:33 -
Lots of directional changes just north of Point Robinson with some fins pointed east and north at the moment.
18:21 -
Now have resumed southbound travel after last post, coming into view again from Point Robinson.
18:11 -
They have flipped northbound now, right before the point.
17:58 -
Approaching Point Robinson, mid channel to island side of, southbound. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
18:00 -
Saw them just short of Point Robinson. -photo by AirWaterLand Photography, September 2, 2024
*
16:03 -
We see them moving south along the shore - headed towards Lincoln Park. (We’re viewing from north Vashon). They’re on the east side of the channel. -Jessica Medina
*
15:41 -
Seeing orcas off Constellation Park between Blake and Vashon Island. -Aubree Mae Renfro
*
15:33 -
The male is the only one I've been spotting for the last few minutes, I don’t know if the rest of the pod split off but they've definitely high tailed it south still, moving really fast. Just passed the western point of Alki Beach. -Taylor McMahan
*
15:32 -
Viewing from Magnolia viewpoint. They’re near Swiftsure still southbound off Alki. -Josh Nutter
*
15:30 - Southwest direction for the T46 pod and T124A1
[approx. 47.575129, -122.428119]. We departed this group near my map post. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
15:17 -
On our way trying to get back to our pier SJC saw these whales currently looking like they're going to continue southbound down Alki. -Alli Montgomery
*
15:09 -
Spotted from Alki Beach, mid channel going south following the ferry. -Taylor McMahan
*
13:40 -
My location [approx. 47.700370, -122.449918]… southbound fast!  -David Scott
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Peter Bang-Knudsen
Date of Sighting: September 02, 2024
Time: 1:03 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: Fort Ward
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed: Milling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?:
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Dustin Schumann
Date of Sighting: September 02, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: 47.5800011, -122.5339428
Direction of travel : NW
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
12:42 -
I believe there may be another group? Excuse my shaky camera and bad iphone quality but this was at Kingston terminal. -Kaiya Marie
*
12:42 -
They are east of mid channel and trending east. -Jim Pasola
*
12:32 -
Viewing from the dock at Edmonds (red pin) [approx. 47.759026, -122.464337]. -Corah Whipple
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12:20 -
From the hill above the Kingston ferry I see what I assume are the T46s west of mid channel moving fairly quickly southbound. -Jim Pasola
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11:45 -
My last post for the T46 pod and T124A1 southbound at my map spot [approx. 47.856098, -122.470643] as we leave.
11:39 - T46 pod and T124A1 southbound
[approx. 47.864851, -122.468583].
11:20 - T46 pod and T124A1
at least so far trending southeast at my map spot [approx. 47.880972, -122.475450].
10:11 - The orcas
are south of my map spot [approx. 47.935744, -122.525575] by a mile headed toward Point No Point but we are with a humpback whale (looks likely to be Two Spot judging by the dorsal fin but he hasn't fluked yet). My mark is for the HB southbound. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
09:32 - Southbound
[approx. 47.964916, -122.565931].
09:17 -
Long down times, loosely grouped, continuing south at slow pace, approx. here [47.974177, -122.583441].
09:08 -
Photos are a bit hazy but looks like 46E present at least, so this may be the 46s, 124A1, 124D group that was in the San Juans yesterday (& in Puget Sound not long ago) but unconfirmed.
09:04 -
Spotted fins facing south but not making much progress. Still north of Double Bluff midchannel -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
08:34 -
Victoria Clipper V reports about eight orcas in a tight group southbound in the traffic separation zone in the vicinity ot Double Bluff, 47 59n 122 35w. -Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network
*
Mon, Sep 2 - Puget Sound (T99s) - Such a treat to see the T99s twice in one (long) weekend!! I went out with Puget Sound Express on Saturday morning and caught up with the family as they traveled north in Saratoga Passage. Then Monday afternoon I drove over to Bainbridge and saw them hunting and playing right along the shore south of Eagle Harbor. I've been lucky enough to see this family many times over the last couple years and it's a joy every time! T99E is growing up but she remains my favorite little bean. Link to more photos. -photos by Amy Fowler, September 2, 2024
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Orcas near Bainbridge Island
. -photo by Clemens Reijnen, September 2, 2024
*
T99s off of Rockaway Beach Bainbridge Island this afternoon
! Link to FB video. -Katie West 
*
19:15 -
They didn’t end up going under the bridge. Saw them close to Bainbridge shoreline, traveling east.
18:50 - Three orcas along Suquamish shoreline
headed towards Agate Pass bridge. -Sophy Johnston
*
18:16 - Heading northeast past President Point
. Viewing from Fay Bainbridge. -Katie West
*
17:40 - At Fay Bainbridge
about half way across the sound. -Rhonda Cain Walton [PSWS]
*
16:04 -
Watching T99s from near Creosote Point on Bainbridge. Still occasionally seeing a lone male further out. -Amy K. Fowler
*
15:58 - T99 pod is northbound
after eating a meal at my map spot [approx. 47.604075, -122.494004]. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
15:55 - Elliott Bay
right now. Link to FB video. -Kimberley Kirkland
*
15:35 - From Bainbridge
area. -photo by AirWaterLand Photography, September 2, 2024
*
15:34 -
One male seen traveling south mid-channel in Bainbridge Island ferry lane, north of Blakely Rocks. -Amy K. Fowler
*
15:32 -
Can see them from Blakely Harbor, look like they are headed north. -Halle Friedman
*
15:30 -
At mouth of Blakely Harbor. Blue Sound Watch inflatable nearby. -Brian Whitlock
*
15:11 -
Approaching Blakely Harbor Bainbridge side. -Heather Paar
*
15:10 -
They’re northeast bound somewhere around Restoration Point. -Jami Cantrell
*
15:10 - South of Blakely Rock.
15:00 -
Here and headed west [approx. 47.579535, -122.489696]. -Brian Whitlock
*
15:02 -
It’s hard to tell which way they’re going. It looks to me like they’re going east somewhere right around here [approx. 47.579845, -122.472365]. Sound watch is still with them. -Jami Cantrell
*
14:45 -
East and still cruising that direction right at the southeast tip of Bainbridge. They are hugging the Bainbridge shoreline slowly cruising west now. -Conni Navarre
*
14:32 -
Just now in view from Pomeroy Park. Generally around South Beach now. Not really committed in a definite direction. Sound watch on the water. -Candace Gavin
*
14:24 - Between South Beach and Blake Island
. Heading towards Blake. -Heather Paar
*
14:06 -
Looks like they're exiting Rich Passage. Too early to confirm which direction they're going to take. Exiting the east side of Rich. Looks like they're trending more east/northeast. Hard to tell from my vantage though. -Ashley S Whitman
*
13:23 -
Milling in front of the boat launch at Fort Ward. -Montlake Mutt
*
13:10 - Fort Ward
. They’re heading north on Rich Passage, closer to Manchester side. -Nekoo Rose
*
13:05 -
Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 13:12 to report: WALLA WALLA@1305 Captain reports 6 Orca in Rich Passage, vessel has slowed for them.
*
12:56 -
Swimming in circles, no direction.
12:54 -
They’ve just been hoovering near buoy.
12:51 -
They are hunting by the huge orange buoy by tiny island in front of the park.
12:49 -
See blows at Fort Ward, close to Manchester. -Nekoo Rose
*
12:19 - Headed into Rich Passage northbound
. -Noelle Morris
*
11:44 -
Hello! SJC is leaving scene with these whales, confirmed T99s in full! They are hugging the shoreline headed toward South Beach. Lots of lazy tails in the air and moonwalking. -Alli Montgomery
*
11:45 -
They just popped up again along South Beach, slowly moving south.
11:41 -
Just spotted about four dorsals & blows at South Beach on Bainbridge Island as I pass by on the ferry. -Kirstie Black
*
11:26 -
I just spotted them from Constellation Park, they are south of Blakely Harbor southbound on the Bainbridge side, at least three to four whales. -Aubree Mae Renfro
*
11:14 -
Watching from Rockaway Beach on Bainbridge side, four orcas milling around, slowly southbound, south of Blakely Rock, some tail slapping. -Mira Rosenkotz
*
10:39 -
At least four orcas crossing Eagle Harbor channel entrance, southbound. Close to Bainbridge side, right next to harbor channel markers. -Jim Reitz
*
09:56 -
Report to Whale Alert had them southbound just north of Manitou Beach, close to Bainbridge Island. Pin is from report [47.66579, -122.50588].
*
09:03 -
Taken now from Fay Bainbridge Park. -photo by Angela Hyland, September 2, 2024
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Mon, Sep 2 - Puget Sound (CRC-16017 Two Spot)
13:22 -
SJC leaving Two Spot the humpback currently traveling southbound in the center of Possession Triangle, in line with Eglon. -Alli Montgomery
*
13:18 -
Viewing from Sunset Ave in Edmonds and the Saratoga is with a humpback. It looks to be mid channel heading west towards Eglon. -Brooke Thompson
*
10:52 -
Two Spot southeast direction [approx. 47.929292, -122.505602]. We are leaving after this post.
10:11 -
We are with a humpback whale (looks likely to be Two Spot judging by the dorsal fin but he hasn’t fluked yet) [approx. 47.931714, -122.524580(No. of Point No Point)]. Yep, it’s definitely Two Spot CRC16017. -Bart Rulon Wildlife

September 1
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sun, Sep 1 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T63 & T69s) - Today with Chainsaw and the T069's at different times! Link to FB videos. -Paul Pudwell, Sooke Coastal Explorations
*
Sun, Sep 1 - San Juans (T36, T36Bs, T137s)
15:30 -
Off the Patos Lighthouse point. There were two more orcas way out in the channel that never came close to shore but seemed to follow the group from a distance. Link to FB video. -Jessica Heidemann
*
18:29 -
A friend, not in this group, just sent me these photos. She said she spotted them about 45 minutes ago off of Orcas.  -Kara Cooper Golden [WSSJI] 
*
17:11 - Pod of four orcas just left Sucia
and are heading southeast. One large, two smaller, and one juvenile it appears [approx. 48.746698, -122.870687]. -Levi Sawyers
*
15:30 -
This was today right around the Wasp Islands. -Bradley Michael [WSSJI] 
*
Sun, Sep 1 - San Juans (T46s, T124A1, T124Ds) - Link to FB video. -Lindsay VanDyken
*
19:20 -
Visible at Cattle Point near Goose Island, still southbound. -Amy Nesler [WSSJI]
*
Sun, Sep 1 - San Juans - Saw these beauties while out in the San Juan Islands last weekend! Such a treat! Link to FB video. -Lindsay VanDyken
*
18:30 -
This group is now moving towards Cattle Pass from their previous location.
18:00 -
This group is west of Fisherman Bay mid-channel. Milling, lots of splashing. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
*
16:30 - T46s, 124A1 and 124Ds in San Juan Channel
approaching Friday Harbor southbound. Report from Orca Behavior Institute. -Cindy Hansen, Orca Network [WSSJI]
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sam Seid
Date of Sighting: September 01, 2024
Time: 8:20 AM
Species seen: Orcas
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: West of Guemes (48.5527340, -122.6532608)
Direction of travel : South
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: No
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Was separate from but only a few minutes behind previous sighting on one male and one female
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sam Seid
Date of Sighting: September 01, 2024
Time: 8:15 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: West of Guemes (48.5527340, -122.6532608)
Direction of travel : South
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: One male, one female
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
Sun, Sep 1 - Haro Strait (T101s) - For anyone wondering, these were the T101s! -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
13:58 -
Looks like they headed into Mosquito Pass. -Pam Cameron Keffer [WSSJI]
*
13:00 -
At San Juan County Park, they are passing here heading north.
12:58 -
One adult, one juvenile is what it looks like. Two orca off Lime Kiln heading north -Kwaku Joseph Pelegreen
*
12:35 - Two orcas seen from Lime Kiln
, south near Land Bank. Trending north. -Amy Nesler [WSSJI]
*
11:50 -
Two male orcas and a female spotted traveling southbound past Lime Kiln State Park San Juan Island. -Monica Sullivan
*
Sun, Sep 1 - Puget Sound (T99s) - Thank you to everyone who posted updates here and to everyone on the ground who offered advice and assistance to us on our first really successful orca sighting yesterday near Manchester. -photo by Quin-Anne Hinrichs, September 1, 2024
*
Link to video of T99s.  -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
Traveling from Bremerton to Seattle a group of four orca slowly swim past. Link to video. -Steve Haack
*
20:00 -
Flipped south back towards Bremerton. Far on the Kitsap side. -Bonnie Bakeman Harrison
*
19:55 -
Just kidding, headed back towards Bremerton.
19:50 -
Just rounded Point White headed towards the dock. -Amy Converse
*
19:20 -
We just saw them next to the Bremerton ferry. In Point White. -Rodrigo Muñoz Reyes
*
19:05 -
Seeing them off of Lytle Beach near West Blakely on Bainbridge. Viewing from Manchester State Park. -Amy Converse
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Bill Reid
Date of Sighting: September 01, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Rich Passage off Bainbridge
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed: Hunting and jumping
If orcas, any males?: Yes
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
17:41 -
They've moved east away from the shore, not really sure which direction they were traveling. Watched them for 30-45 minutes. -Julie Stephenson
*
17:47 -
They have moved a little east after milling for a long time. Still in that same area though [near Manchester]. Yet to see where they’ll head next.
16:49 -
This pin [approx. 47.552903, -122.534737] is where they are currently. Lots of boats and kayaks etc around. They’re just going back and forth, sometimes under for a few minutes but staying right in this area.
16:25 -
We’re viewing them from Harper Pier with binos. They’re with swiftsure (obviously) and seem close to the shore off Manchester. -Andrea Schvaneveldt
*
16:19 - [T99s] The orcas are in Manchester!
-Kristen George
*
Sun, Sep 1 - Puget Sound (T99s) - T99D Puck & T99E - We saw Two Spot off of Apple Tree Point then the T99s hunting off of Jefferson Head and relatively close by were also the humpbacks Nalu and Honu. -photos & ID by Kyla Bivens, September 1, 2024
*
16:13 -
My last update on the T99 pod aiming west at my map spot [approx. 47.543355, -122.531850 (Colchester, Bainbridge Is.)]. They made a kill just as we were trying to leave. Milling on their meal at the same spot.
15:58 -
Update southwest direction [approx. 47.559722, -122.512507].
15:44 -
Update southwest direction [approx. 47.571410, -122.496628].
15:25 - T99s southbound
at my map spot [approx. 47.582316, -122.474687]. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
14:43 - Orcas off downtown Seattle
heading southwest toward Bainbridge. -photo by Aurora Bearse, September 1, 2024
*
14:23 -
Just saw three orcas just south of West Point East side of the channel. At least one male. -Jessica Gasperini
*
14:20 - [T99s] three orcas just passed West Point headed south
-Jessica Gasperini
*
12:59 - Orcas moving south. Humpback
in same area.
12:43 -
Whales putting on an air show for all the boats watching in same area mentioned above. -Justin Goslin
*
12:20 -
Saw from the Kingston ferry with binoculars. There is a whale watch boat with them. They are closer to Indianola than Kingston but moving south. -Rachel Domenic
*
12:09 -
Moving south (maybe), close to western shore, half way between Kingston and Point Jefferson. Long view from Richmond Beach. -Justin Goslin
*
12:02 -
They passed the Kingston ferry terminal and are almost to President Point but seem to have turned east. -Melissa Peterson
*
11:50 -
Visible from Kingston Ferry dock. More eastern from Kingston than mid, southbound. -Wade Dee
*
11:31 -
I’m at the Kingston ferry terminal and you can barely see them, they are still too far north. The Saratoga is following them now. -Melissa Peterson
*
11:41 -
Just out of my line of sight from Apple Tree Point Lane, Kingston.
11:40 - Slowly south
still.
11:27 -
Stalled now.
11:24 -
Now slowly south still.
11:18 -
Moving really fast southbound now.
11:14 -
Long down times.
11:12 -
Watching them from Apple Tree Point now south bound. Close to shore. -Iravasa Athem
*
11:09 - T99s
still southbound spread out between us and shore [approx. 47.824926, -122.486518]. We are leaving the scene in a minute so this will be my last post.
10:58 -
Update southbound a half mile west of my map spot [approx. 47.831322, -122.491715 (Between Kingston and Eglon)] closer to shore than us. T99C is closer to us and the rest are spread out closer to shore. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
10:47 -
Still headed south towards Kingston. -Melissa Peterson
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10:40 -
Viewing from Eglon Beach, slowly heading south, closer to Kitsap.  -Catherine Alvarado Soto
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10:45 -
Update southbound [approx. 47.857092, -122.500087].
10:31 -
Update southbound now [approx. 47.864927, -122.497711].
10:17 -
We just spotted them near the humpback whale. No direction yet, just got here [approx. 47.872870, -122.469539]. Killer whales northwest direction now towards Point No Point. The humpback is southbound. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
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09:27 -
Continuing west from south of Possession Point with some drift south, I'm going to relocate.
09:20 -
Just south of green buoy off Possession Point, do appear to be turning west at this time.
09:10 -
Directional changes off Possession Point. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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09:10 -
Just saw them off Possession. -Stephany Svacek
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09:00 - Orcas at Possession Beach
now. Heading south. -Natalie Naka
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08:34 -
Nearing Glendale southbound fast.
08:15 -
After looong dive they suddenly popped up RIGHT next to docking ferry! Continuing south at fairly fast pace south of terminal.
08:10 -
I found them RIGHT off Brighton close to shore, now almost to Clinton ferry terminal, southbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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07:06 - Pod of orca in the Saratoga Passage
about a mile north of Langley, heading south. Link to FB video. -Andrew Wright
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HUMPBACK WHALES -
Sun, Sep 1 - Puget Sound (CRC16017 Two Spot)
12:07 - Humpback Two Spot (CRC16017) is northbound
at my map spot [approx. 47.843814, -122.438427 (between Rose Point and Stamm Overlook Park)].
11:27 -
The humpback we know as TWO SPOT is at my map spot [approx. 47.824024, -122.444640] milling!!!! Crc16017 Welcome back buddy.
10:17 - One humpback is southbound
from the Eglon area
10:00 -
We spotted one humpback whale offshore from Apple Tree Cove towards Possession Bar. We aren’t with it yet because we are looking for the T99s first. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
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Sun, Sep 1 - Puget Sound (CRC-16017 Two Spot, CRC-18015 Honu & CRC-17545 Nalu) - CRC-16017 Two Spot - We saw Two Spot off of Apple Tree Point then the T99s hunting off of Jefferson Head and relatively close by were also the humpbacks Nalu and Honu. -photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, September 1, 2024
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Sun, Sep 1 - Puget Sound (CRC-18015 Honu & CRC-17545 Nalu)
18:52 -
Viewing both humpbacks from Point No Point, headed north, closer to Whidbey Island. -Sara Perovich
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13:23 - Humpbacks Honu (crc18015) and Nalu (crc17545) are northbound
[approx. 47.764001, -122.453605 (President Point]. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
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12:15 -
We spotted a humpback off Jefferson Head. We are at the Indianola dock, too far from us, not a good pic.  -photo by Catherine Alvarado Soto, September 1, 2024
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11:30 - Two humpbacks northbound
west of mid channel passing Shilshole. Victoria Clipper with them. -Sue Surowiec Larkin
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10:19 -
People are watching them now. They are passing the Kingston station now.
10:16 -
On Bremerton ferry off Alki. Just saw them north of us. Heading north still. -Donald Jensen
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10:10 -
Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: CHIMACUM Captain reports two Humpback whales lingering near Alki and Duwamish head.
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10:03 -
Just north of Alki Point. Hanging out. -Holly Harrison
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09:11 - Two humpbacks heading north off of Lincoln Park
now.  -Mike Yov
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UNIDENTIFIED WHALES -
Sun, Sep 1 - South Puget Sound
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sue Black
Date of Sighting: September 01, 2024
Time: 3:00 PM
Species seen: Orca [no orcas reported in that area, so leaving possibility of other species]
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: I only saw one departing south out of Case Inlet
Direction of travel : South
Behaviors observed: From the beach and seemed to be perhaps the last of a pod
If orcas, any males?: Just the tail
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I am eager to stay informed when they are nearby
Photos available?: No