October 2024 Whale Sightings

October 31
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Thu, Oct 31 - Puget Sound (J Pod)
18:00 - The leaders went into Port Susan where they disappeared behind Camano Head as viewed from Sandy Point. -Hongming Zheng
*
17:28 - In between Sandy Point and Tulalip/Tulalip Bay northbound grouping up a little.
17:00 - Viewing from southside of Sandy Point. Northbound but slowing down a bit possibly foraging/milling.
16:38 - Fins are aimed northbound. Still spread out. See area marked on map [approx. 48.041705, -122.349575]. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
17:17 - Found them still going northwest [approx. 48.036749, -122.354340].
16:37 - Found them on the ferry. Paralleling the ferry lane, most going northwest [approx. 47.993539, -122.328396]. -Hongming Zheng
*
Our ferry stopped so they could pass! Picture by Islander Nathan Moyal. -photo courtesy of Lori Christopher, October 31, 2024
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Cindy Mulholland
Date of Sighting: October 31, 2024
Time: 4:30 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: SE side of Hat Island
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: Traveling.
If orcas, any males?: One
Any unusual markings?: Too far away to see
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: They stayed in this area for about 20 minutes. A couple seemed to jump partially out of the water.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
16:27 - Back at Madrona. They are still south of Hat under Pilchuck. That’s the best I can do with line of sight. There is a small boat with them. Saw some surface activity. Don’t hold me to this, but it looks like they are headed back north. 
15:50 - Viewing from Madrona. They are super spread from south of Hat back towards Everett. No direction. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
15:44 - We saw a few start to head south from Grand Park in Everett. Now at Mukilteo to see if we can tell.  -Joe Dreimiller
*
15:35 - We have not seen them progress north from the last location. Possible flip.
15:02 - They are continuing northbound between Hat and Whidbey. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
14:50 - Three more just north of the ferry dock. -Natalie Scantlen
*
14:50 - A few orcas have passed on west side of Hat northbound with more coming. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
14:47 - Last couple whales I’ve seen are closer to Whidbey.
14:40 - I finally got eyes on a few. Going between Whidbey and Hat mid-channel. -Debbie Stewart
*
14:50 - Three more just north of the ferry dock.
14:44 - Actually I see more crossing the ferry lanes well behind the bigger group.
14:41 - [video in FB comments]. -Natalie Scantlen
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Krista Loercher
Date of Sighting: October 31, 2024
Time: 2:39 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: Clinton, passing ferry dock, headed north
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?: Yes
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
14:37 - They’re just passing Clinton dock. Super spread out but there were a lot of them. Every time I thought they were gone another came into view. Could there be eight of them? -Tiffany Dana Kelly
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Deb Freal
Date of Sighting: October 31, 2024
Time: 2:35 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: 200 yds off Clinton Ferry dock
Direction of travel : N
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: 1
Any unusual markings?: Couldn’t see well enough
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: So exciting to see these amazing mammals. We live 5 houses south of the ferry dock. Always amazing when they go by.
Photos available?: No
*
14:21 - Leaders are smack dab in the ferry lanes. Still a big spread. They are all still going north. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
14:17 - Approaching the ferry lanes northbound just east of mid channel! A small boat is slowly trailing them. -Natalie Scantlen
*
14:13 - Almost out of my view now, still headed north but have trended east towards mid channel rather than the Whidbey side so may be headed towards Mukilteo Lighthouse Park side. 
13:58 - Some just passed Glendale, headed north towards Clinton, boat is with them. -Ed Pearson
*
13:45 - Orca spread across the channel north/south and east/west, some just reaching Glendale now. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
13:50 - At least four straight out from Possession Beach boat launch middish channel northbound.
13:45 - Appearing to be just on the Mukilteo side of mid northbound.
13:35 - Towards Shipwreck.
13:30 - Nearing Possession Beach Park boat launch northbound middish channel. -photo by Marilyn Armbruster, October 31, 2024
*
13:30 - Friend can see them south of Glendale. Saw one breach, seeing blows. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
13:24 - Orcas still northbound from Stamm, starting to get out of range. Large male lacking south but north of green buoy. Humpback in area meandering north along Whidbey shore. -Justin Goslin
*
13:20 - Taking a lunch break, but leaving Stamm they’re really spread out in between Possession Point and Picnic Point, midchannel, with a group heading north towards Mukilteo/Clinton, another group closer to Possession Point, and one adorable male being his usual lazy self WAY south.
13:11 - There’s some milling and directional changes, but quite a few are still pushing steady north. They’re right in midchannel, looks like in between Possession Point & Picnic Point, so they might be hard to see.
12:42 - Still spread out, but not quite as wide. Moving steady northbound, but don’t seem committed up towards Mukilteo yet [approx. 47.878252, -122.399875]. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
*
12:07 - Thanks for the above reports, watching air time from Sunset. -Justin Goslin
*
12:04 - Only blows visible now from Apple Tree Point but wide spread north to south midchannel - from Picnic Point to north of Haines Wharf trending southeast as far as I can tell. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
*
12:00 - VERY spread out, actually. Seeing some as far north as Stamm to Cultus Bay, lazily northbound.
11:54 - Viewing from Stamm. Line of sight is here to Eglon, probably on the mainland side of midchannel. Looks like they’re spread out and milling. Soundwatch is with them. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
*
11:55 - Update directional changes/foraging behavior before disappearing farther east into the triangle but I just saw a fin pop up halfway between Picnic Point and Haines wharf north of Edmonds still southbound midchannel.
11:48 - Male fin sightline from Apple Tree Point to gap between Possession Point and Mukilteo which means west side of the the triangle towards midchannel southbound. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
*
11:37 - Map, there’s a little zodiac or something following them, maybe the research boat [approx. 47.869728, -122.424231].
11:30 - Spread out east of the shipping lanes heading south down Possession triangle. Three big breaches. 
11:21 - They’re heading back south just outside of Eglon. 
09:45 - They’re foraging and there’s a billion sea birds surrounding them trending north. Just southwest of Possession Point.
09:50 - They are almost all out of my view heading up west side of Whidbey. Breaching. Sea birds seem to be following them. 
09:35 - I see orcas on the west side of triangle heading north around Eglon. They’re almost to the Admiralty side of Whidbey but still in Possession triangle. They’re spread out and may be Jpod. -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Thu, Oct 31 - Puget Sound
14:00 - Out from Possession Beach shore a little bit.
13:50 - Humpback out from Possession Beach Park boat launch southbound [videos in FB comments]. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
13:50 - Humpback still slowly heading north along Whidbey shore just behind JPod. -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
13:24 - Orcas still northbound from Stamm, starting to get out of range. Large male lacking south but north of green buoy. Humpback in area meandering north along Whidbey shore. -Justin Goslin
*
12:58 - I just saw a humpback, northbound, here-ish [approx. 47.898892, -122.373541]. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
*
07:50 - Two humpback whales traveling together in the [Possession] triangle [approx. 47.866198, -122.402958]. Facing north. Saw them surface just slightly north the second time. Third time they were kind of in the same area. -Alice Thuy Talbot 

October 30
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Wed, Oct 30 - Puget Sound (J Pod)
19:49 - Calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
19:42 - I have been hearing very faint calls off and on on Sunset Bay hydrophone for the last half hour and now they are louder. -Linda Aitkins
*
19:35 - Calls on Sunset. -Breanne Denise Ward
*
15:31 - Kingston back to Edmonds, large male foraging.
14:46 - Edmonds Kingston ferry slowing for whales, have only seen one male seemingly foraging, closer to Kingston side. -Kelly Dawson
*
14:39 - John Miler, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 14:46 to report: 1439hrs: SPOKANE Captain reports via 800MHz, they have slowed due to 5 orca moving northbound within the traffic lanes. 
*
14:35 - Kingston to Edmonds ferry. Had to slow down again for J26 as he and others were slow northbound in the ferry lane, some foraging dives [approx. 47.820071, -122.414663]. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
*
14:03 - Just saw orcas to the north of the Edmonds/Kingston ferry, during crossing. -Susan Hadley Rose
*
14:00 - Walked on the 13:30 sailing from Edmonds to Kingston. Orcas in ferry lane all across the channel. J26 Mike present. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
*
14:00 - From the ferry as they passed going northbound. -Jami Cantrell
*
13:57 - Last sighting for me was about 20 minutes ago single male orca close to Kitsap side heading north towards Kingston. -Ashley Alecci Goninan
*
13:51 - The Kingston ferry just slowed down for four orcas. They were heading north, Kitsap side. -Cyrilla Cook
*
13:36 - Pretty sure I just saw a dorsal from Kayu Kayu… just in time for a train to pass in front of me. -Kelly Dawson
*
13:18 - Fins pointed north and south must be foraging.
13:15 - Little closer to west side of channel.
13:14 - Seeing dorsal fins in front of President Point midchannel by buoy.  -Ashley Alecci Goninan
*
12:07 - Seeing several fins off Fay Bainbridge over by Shilshole. Three were moving pretty fast northbound and another two further behind. -Wendy Underhill
*
11:58 - They have continued northbound past Discovery lighthouse. A few fins off in the distance where pointed south, but everyone else is north so just some probable foraging as they go. Group that was east side is pushing more midchannel. -Jami Cantrell
*
11:50 - J40, J44, and J45 in group passing West Point lighthouse. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
*
11:48 - Some have slowed way down in front of Discovery Point Lighthouse way east side not moving much possibly resting/slight foraging. -Jami Cantrell
*
11:41 - Just spotted south from Shilshole marina, at breaching out mid channel. -Rubie H Baker
*
11:38 - Six more whales northbound between Magnolia and Skiff Point. Mid- west of channel.
11:23 - Three orcas northbound approaching yellow buoy marker off West Point Lighthouse/Discovery Park. Midchannel. -Sue Surowiec Larkin
*
11:21 - Still a group of whales headed north mid channel.
11:18 - Viewing from Discovery Park looking towards Bainbridge. Research boat was with them but looks to have headed back south maybe towards West Seattle? -Mandy Michelle
*
11:12 - They were visible from Alki Beach they are north now. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
10:55 - North of Seattle-Bainbridge ferry lanes northbound. -Hongming Zheng
*
10:40 - Viewing many animals from Old Creosote on Bainbridge Island approaching the ferry lanes trending north. -Kimberly Sylvester
*
10:38 - Some still with research boat in line with Murden Cove view from 64th and Alki. -photos by Mary Hartmann, October 30, 2024
*
10:30 - Eight plus orcas seen passing the area of Alki by the water taxi mid channel, breaching! -Laura Clark
*
10:15 - Second group passing Alki now. Large group. Very active. Small research boat with them. -Jodi Winterton
*
J27 Blackberry
10:08 - From 64th Alki. -photo by Steve Rice, October 30, 2024
*
10:00 - J-Pod Zoomies at Alki Point this morning. Autumn colors autumning, research boat researching. Link to more photos. -photos by Hongming Zheng, October 30, 2024
*
10:00 - From Emma Schmitz seeing them spread from north end Blake to north of yellow buoy at Restoration Point Maybe some foraging? -Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network
*
09:54 - Two individuals seen from Emma Schmitz midchannel moving northbound. -photos by Kathleen Fife, October 30, 2024
*
09:50 - Visible from Alki. Mid channel looking toward south end of BB. Northbound. -Jodi Winterton
*
09:40 - Watching from Emma Schmitz, at least two two males northbound at north end of Vashon, north bound traffic lanes or possibly east of lanes. -Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network
*
09:33 - Closer to the southern end of Bainbridge right now.
09:30 - Some proceeding to the side of the Yang Ming boat.
09:26 - Proceeding to the northern end of Blake on the east side.
09:23 - Just South of Blake Island northbound. -Jeff Meredith
*
09:15 - At least two northbound in line with Southworth ferry dock as viewed from Emma Schmitz. Closer to east side of channel. -Steve Rice
*
09:12 - Seeing them from Lincoln Park mid channel in direction of Blake. Northbound. -Jodi Winterton
*
09:05 - Seeing blows get smaller now much north of Lincoln Park so am assuming a flip northbound.
08:57 - Seeing blows now north of Fauntleroy, appear to be mid to mainland side of.
08:36 - Friend relaying message from north end Vashon ferry dock worker pod headed southbound. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
07:58 - Orcas spotted from the Southworth fast ferry this morning. -Sarah Reber

October 29
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Tue, Oct 29 - Haro Strait (K Pod & L Pod) - Absolutely wonderful visit with K & L Pods today - a treat after envying all the J-Pod time down south recently. Link to FB videos. -Nate Rooks
*
From: Dean Terry
Date and Time Sighting Observed: 2024-10-29 03:45 PM
Marine Mammal Type: Orca (Killer Whale) SRKW
If SRKW, select pod/s:
If other:
Number of Marine Mammals Observed: 6
Latitude:
Longitude:
Country: Within Canada International Boundary
General Location: Other
If other: In front of Brittania Beach observed a new born killer whale.
Describe what you saw:
*
15:11 - Lime Kiln camera now. I'm pretty sure I'm viewing the live feed. Huge pod of orcas. -Tim Harder
*
14:14 - Group traveling together. Approaching Pile Point. Heading up island. Others are milling off of Pile Point. Viewing from north of Eagle Point.
13:32 - Leaders of South Beach group approaching Eagle Point. Heading up Island.
13:24 - From my view the South Beach group seems to be moving up island. Viewing from north of Eagle Point. -Jenny Stands Wilson [WSSJI]
*
13:10 - Group of mixed L12s and L54s heading in towards Pile Point. Update: can confirm it was all of Ks and Ls!
11:50 - Grouped up several miles offshore currently aiming South Beach.
11:10 - Ks and Ls crossing Haro eastbound. -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
Excerpt from the Center for Whale Research Encounter #110: “Mark and Brendon left Victoria Harbour on Mike 1 at 0943 after receiving an early report from Gord, who had spotted two large groups of whales traveling south of Discovery Island, south of Oak Bay. They arrived on scene at 1005, locating the whales near the southwestern edge of Middle Bank. Ahead of them were two distinct groups: one moving northeast and the other heading southeast. They opted to begin with the northern group, which was travelling slightly faster, which Brendon quickly identified as K pod. All the whales were in a tight travelling formation; the closest whales to Mike 1 included members of the K12s and K13s, while the K14s and K16s were the furthest. After taking proof of presence photos, Mark and Brendon confirmed that all members were present, except for K26, who has been notably absent in the last three K pod encounters…” - Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #110.
*
Tue, Oct 29 - Puget Sound (J Pod) -photo by Sara Frey, October 29, 2024
*
22:30 - Faint calls still being heard on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Brooke Casanova
*
20:13 - Hearing some faint calls now.
19:59 - Loud calls on Sunset Bay. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
19:02 - Could be wrong but sounds like faint clicking on Sunset. -Breanne Denise Ward
*
17:22 - They’ve moved up north towards Admiralty side of Whidbey.
16:35 - They’re still more or less in the same spot.
16:08 - They’ve stalled. Same general area, foraging breaching. -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
15:55 - Watched two adult males on the west side of the shipping lanes slowly trend north/northeast - likely joining up with the group Alice was seeing. They were in the same general area as her map shows one minute before my post. -Sara Frey
*
15:55 - Leaders have made it to about here [47.871766, -122.397620]. Blows covering the triangle, looks so cool. -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
15:48 - Hearing faint calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
15:40 - Looks like the pod is heading east pretty quickly at the moment. -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
15:30 - Now proceeding northbound off Apple Tree Point. Two adult males.
15:25 - Kingston to Haines Wharf. West shipping lanes. Milling. -Sara Frey
*
15:10 - North. Last spotted on a line between the Edmonds ferry dock and Eglon.
15:00 - West side, out from Edmonds ferry dock. -Clint Jones
*
14:36 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 14:59 to report: 1436hrs: Vessel SUQUAMISH reports via 800MHz a group of 6 orca, due east of KING approx. 2 miles. SPOKANE notified and verified the sighting.
*
14:45 - This lead group has gone back north out of my sight from Kingston pretty close to the west side.
14:39 - The group I'm watching has moved to the north of the ferry lanes and a bit west foraging generally facing north but who knows.
14:30 - From Kingston I've got what I guess are the leaders west of mid channel line of sight the Edmonds ferry terminal. They're not spending much time at the surface but I don't blame them It's cold and windy. -Jim Pasola
*
14:33 - Most whales on the west side are past Apple Tree Point. Others were ahead more towards mid channel. Trailers including I believe Blackberry are west shipping lanes approaching the ferry. Steady, slow travel with occasional foraging.
14:20 - Southbound line of sight Apple Tree to Haines wharf, some may be approaching ferry. West side of shipping lanes. -Sara Frey
*
14:05 - Sara Frey called to report seeing 3 males west side of shipping lanes, southbound, out from Apple Tree Point, longer down times.
*
14:02 - Have a male southbound west side of shipping lanes. Just north of Apple Tree Point.
14:00 - After I saw a group southbound, everyone disappeared except one male who was westbound. Research boat just ran past going south so not with the whales now. -Sara Frey
*
13:47 - Still hearing some faint calls on Sunset Bay. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
13:40 - Seeing them north of Apple Tree Point. - maybe Eglon area. At least some I believe have flipped and are southbound. -Sara Frey
*
13:35 - I moved to Point No Point after my last comment. Initially I saw a few trailers that appeared to be west of mid-channel. And the NOAA boat was with the leaders. Now the NOAA boat is out of sight and I haven't seen a whale in a good 10 minutes. Guessing they moved east! -Jim Pasola
*
13:30 - I’ve been watching them slowly trend north almost to Admiralty side of Whidbey and it looks like they are now trending back south still on the west side of mid triangle. -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
13:07 - Heard one call on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
13:07 - Hearing calls on the Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Orca Network
*
13:05 - Seeing spouts from Sunset Ave.  -Sarah Crumb
*
12:35 - Leaders are making time now my line of sight between Haines wharf and the Sunset Bay structure, hydrophone might be a good bet.
12:32 - The leaders are making some time their line of sight Haines wharf already. And they appear to be moving west, closer to me. Trailers are lingering foraging more.
12:20 - From Eglon, the leaders are straight out not yet to Haines wharf, trailers are line of sight Edmonds ferry terminal. NOAA boat somewhere in the middle, look like about mid-channel. -Jim Pasola
*
12:25 - J pod way offshore of Edmonds, north/northeast heading toward the triangle. Research boat on scene.
11:40 - J38 present. All have cleared the Edmonds/Kingston ferry lanes and are midchannel headed slowly northbound. Very spread and doing deep foraging dives. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
*
J47 Notch - J39 Mako
11:00 - 11:30 - J Pod from the ferry. Link to more photos. -photos & IDs by Janine Harles, October 29, 2024
*
10:30 - Video of J Pod northbound spread across the channel from President Point to Richmond Beach. I was trying to get video of the big guy and quickly realized the fins way off in the distance! 
10:27 - Northbound in front of President Point west side of channel. Update: super spread out all across the channel! -Ashley Alecci Goninan
*
09:58 - Headed northbound. Between Golden Gardens and north beach on the west side of the Sound. -Fi NiMhuirgheasa
*
09:30 - At least three orcas between Shilshole and south Fay Bainbridge Park making directional changes. Mid to west of shipping lanes. -photos by Sue Surowiec Larkin, October 29, 2024
*
09:17 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 09:28 to report: 0917hrs: [CHELAN] Vessel reports spotting 3 orcas heading north, located in the TSS miles north of West Point Lighthouse
*
08:32 - The Victoria Clipper reported a large group of orcas just south of the Edmonds/Kingston ferry lanes, no direction given. Sounds probable for J pod. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network 

October 28
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Mon, Oct 28 - Puget Sound (J Pod)
16:15 - Lost sight of them as the foraged and slowly headed north/northeast into the rain squall.
15:57 - Seeing multiple splashes and spyhops. Whales appear to be in middle of the ferry lanes, viewing from Edmonds Marina Beach toward Apple Tree houses. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
*
15:30 - Beautiful ferry pass by Jpod. They’re generally sound bound with some directional changes west. Breaching up a storm.
15:07 - Also some others approximately here it seems from my line of sight southbound [47.833450, -122.411868].
15:04 - Southbound approximately here moving decently fast [47.797254, -122.451693].
14:39 - From the ferry when they were going south. This group is still headed south. Looks like Jpod to me. -Jami Cantrell
*
14:30 - At least one group northbound mid channel off Apple Tree Point. Moving quickly towards the triangle. Couple of males, females. Difficult conditions. -Sara Frey
*
14:20 - Orcas are southbound approaching Edmonds ferry lanes Edmonds side of mid. -Jami Cantrell
*
10:59 - They were headed northbound. -Kimberly Kay
*
10:03 - Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: [SUQUAMISH] Captain reports 3-5 Orca SW of EDM no particular direction.
*
09:47 - From the Kingston bound ferry. Group was very active between the two ferries. I saw at least three. Middle of ferry travel lanes heading towards Edmonds. Both boats were slowed and they were between us. We saw one breach and at least one very large fin. -photo by Kelli Finnigan McNees, October 28, 2024
*
08:24 - Victoria Clipper V reports a single orca southbound between Carkeek Park and the Shilshole Marina. -Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network 
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Mon, Oct 28 - Penn Cove/Saratoga Passage (T99s minus T99B) - T99E & T99C Barakat - The T99s playfully passed the east side of Whidbey Island on Monday. The double spy hops had me giddy! Link to more photos. -photos by Mollie Segall, October 28, 2024
*
T99E & T99 Bella - T99C Barakat - A quick catch up on those sneaky T99s, after they’d spent time in Penn Cove and were heading south in Saratoga Passage. Always good to see them - love my distant views! -photos by Jill Hein, October 28, 2024
*
18:13 - Heard and saw them from Langley Marina, three to four surfacings, then stealth mode. -Francie L Dailer
*
18:18 - Saw them at seawall Langley… trying to see if I can still spot them but they seem to have disappeared.
18:05 - Heard them, heard the blow hole… and now faintly seeing the dorsal. Getting closer to Langley seawall. -Victoria Hand
*
17:10 - Barakat stopped to play with a crab pot for a few minutes while the rest of the pod continued south, hugging Whidbey side. This was as they rounded East Point [video in FB comments]. -Mollie Segall
*
17:00 - Between East Point and Bells Beach southbound [video in FB comments].
16:50 - Have passed Fox Spit southbound. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
16:49 - Passing Fox Spit now, hugging Whidbey side, southbound. -Charvet Drucker
*
16:25 - They are hanging around the green channel marker north of Baby Island. No direction. I’ve lost them. They may be headed towards EastPoint. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
16:22 - Directional changes one has moved over towards Baby Island direction there of.
16:15 - Entered Holmes Harbor passing Baby Island, mid channel.
16:00 - They’ve passed Hidden Beach southbound possibly towards Holmes Harbor? -Marilyn Armbruster
*
16:06 - Our friends have passed Hidden Beach and are now entering Holmes Harbor. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
15:50 - Heading south two miles north of Hidden Beach mid channel. -photo by Aaron Gill, October 28, 2024
*
15:25 - They are north of Hidden Beach, southbound, about bit outside buoy line, so close to Whidbey. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
15:09 - Past Race Lagoon. Barakat and Puck Whidbey side of mid. Bella and E close to Whidbey. southbound. Hidden Beach next.
13:53 - Aiming south in Saratoga.
13:45 - East side of Long Point, whales are surface active and changing directions - have moved south a bit off shore. -Sarah Geist
*
13:40 - There are actually four and they did a close pass by Long Point, headed southbound.
12:40 - Three orcas exiting Penn Cove including one large male! -Fell Cheston
*
13:11 - Video courtesy [T99s off Coupeville wharf] of Mandi Black WIWS. -Kevin Phillips
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Chris S. Geiger
Date of Sighting: October 28, 2024
Time:
Species seen: Orcas, two adults, two juveniles
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: 200 feet north of Coupeville Wharf
Direction of travel : Eastbound
Behaviors observed: Hunting--Eating
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Breaching up and out of the water, doing the back splash!
Photos available?: No

October 27
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Sun, Oct 27 - Puget Sound (J Pod)
15:26 - I believe they flipped and were at the Kingston ferry or close. Nothing from Apple Tree Point yet. -Sara Frey
*
13:12 - Seeing fins and blows from Fay Bainbridge, they still appear to be off of Jefferson Head, southbound. -Sara Perovich
*
12:15 - Lost visibility from Richmond Beach due to weather. Last spotted west side mid Jefferson Point Road. Breaching and moving south. -Beriah SoOrio
*
12:15 - Viewing from President Point towards Point Wells southbound. -Ashley Alecci Goninan
*
12:15 - I’m heading out! They’re still spread out southbound, here-ish [approx. 47.756641, -122.459685], breaching along the way.  -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
*
11:55 - Observable from Richmond Beach. Same south, quick heading, Kitsap side as reported. -Justin Goslin
*
11:50 - Still really spread out. Five to ten are passing the Kingston ferry terminal now. Steady southbound. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
*
11:35 - Just left Apple Tree Point with trailing male approaching Kingston ferry, all were in fast southbound travel mode Kitsap side. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
*
11:47 - Lots of breaching and slaps. They were very spread north to south. I think they are all past the ferry now still southbound.
11:35 - And another group with two males passing Apple Tree Point. Others well past the ferry. This group close to Kitsap side.
11:20 - One group at ferry. Another with large make still off Apple Tree southbound west side shipping lanes. -photos by Sara Frey, October 27, 2024
*
11:30 - Visible from Kayu Kayu, line of sight is to Apple Tree Point. Southbound. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
*
11:10 - Very steady fast southbound travel west side of shipping lanes Apple Tree Point. Approaching the ferry. Large pod. There are other groups too. Very spread north to south. -Sara Frey
*
10:56 - Sara Frey called to report presumably J pod had been moving south at a good pace, but then stalled and now super surface active, line of sight from Apple Tree Point to Cultus Bay/Possession Point, west side of channel.
*
10:29 - Sara Frey called to report orcas just north of Apple Tree Point on the west side of the shipping channel. Appear to be milling & foraging, no direction of travel.
*
11:40 - Approaching Kingston ferry terminal, southbound and closer to Kitsap.  -photos by Catherine Alvarado Soto, October 27, 2024
*
12:00 - Multiple breaches in a row in front of President Point. My husband and 2 year old got to witness it with me [video in FB comments]! -Ashley Alecci Goninan
*
J Pod from pass by Apple Tree Point mid-morning. Tough conditions but always a blessing! Grouped up passing Point Wells tank farm. -photos by Donna Green Van Renselaar, October 27, 2024

08:58 - I’m currently watching a KW [killer whale] breachfest in Possession Triangle. Based on massive bird activity I’m assuming there’s a lot of foraging going on [approx. 47.893795, -122.456060]. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sun, Oct 27 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T49As) - T49A4 Neptune - T49A6 Charlie II - Race Rocks Light is the second lighthouse built on Canada's west coast… AAA look at the foreground! Breacher is T49A4 Neptune. In the same area around Race Rocks, also got humpback lunge feeding of anchovies & T49A6 Charlie "lunge feeding" of a bird (he caught it with a motion very much like a humpback lunge!). He is an unique young orca with an underbite. Taken in showery weather, so there was a rainbow.  -photos & IDs by Hongming Zheng, October 27, 2024
*
Sun, Oct 27 - Guemes Channel (T35As, T46s, T49A1) - T35A1 Opal - T46E Thor - T35As & T46s off Cap Sante, Anacortes. T49A1 was also around but I never saw him. Link to FB videos. Link to more photos. -photos & IDs by Rachel Haight, October 27, 2024
*
17:20 - Pods in Guemes Channel. Bigg’s? -Rosie James
*
17:08 - They’re just now passing the Anacortes ferry. I’m moving to Washington Park from the Guemes Channel Trail.
16:51 - At least three orca heading west in San Juan passage Anacortes. -Lorena Perez
*
16:50 - Ten orca westbound near Anacortes ferry terminal - T35A’s, T46’s and T49A1. -Barbara Howitt, All Aboard Sailing [WSSJI]
*
16:40 - Nearing southwest tip of Guemes close to Guemes moving quick.
16:17 - Westbound into Guemes Channel.
16:05 - Found these whales again between Cap Sante & Hat Island, last surfacing was facing west. 
14:20 - Per boats on AIS, they are between Samish & Guemes Islands.
13:05 - Finally on the move east/northeast near southeast tip of Guemes. Believe I have T35A1 in my photos so would presume they were with 35As but will go through photos at home later to confirm.
12:52 - Still stalled just northeast of Cap Sante Park.
12:31 - Stalled on hunt, 46s & others.
12:15 - East of Cap Sante. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
07:51 - Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 07:52 to report: YAKIMA Captain reports 6 Orca east of Thatcher Pass heading SB [southbound].
*
Sun, Oct 27 - Saratoga Passage (T99s minus T99B)
14:30 - Before we left the scene, the T99s killed another animal and were circling on their meal [approx. 48.253453, -122.618964 (1 mi. NE of Penn Cove)].
14:05 - They appear to be on the move again slowly after eating their meal. Northbound [approx. 48.225213, -122.615874 (1 mi. E of Long Point)].
13:58 - Eating a meal just north of my last map. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
13:48 - Passing Harrington. Swiftsure went inshore of them and pushed them out a bit. -Sarah Geist
*
13:44 - Update northbound [approx. 48.211788, -122.607016 (500’ from shore at Harrington Lagoon)].
13:25 - Northbound [approx. 48.188811, -122.586080 (1/2 mi. S of Harrington Lagoon)]. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
13:20 - Passing Race Lagoon. Still northbound fast. Whidbey side. -Sarah Geist
*
T99 Bella
13:00 - Heading north Whidbey side about three miles north of Hidden Beach moving fast. -photo by Aaron Gill, October 27, 2024
*
13:00 - Northbound. T99 pod minus T99B [approx. 48.151017, -122.565458 (1.5 mi. N of Hidden Beach)]. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
12:52 - Finally see them Whidbey side north of Hidden Beach just north of Swiftsure. -Aaron Gill
*
12:50 - Past Hidden Beach.
12:45 - Eyes on at Hidden Beach. Northbound Whidbey side in Saratoga. Moving FAST! -Sarah Geist
*
12:45 - North of Cama Beach. Mid northbound fast! Thought mid but Whidbey side for sure…
12:30 - Just north of Greenbank farm northbound not far off North Bluff Road.
11:50 - Passing Honeymoon Bay Area on west side of Holmes Harbor fairly quickly. Northbound. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
12:23 - Whales are west side of mid, exiting Holmes Harbor. Currently still traveling north. Grouped up. Long downs. It’s cold. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
11:27 - Per Cindi, they are now headed north away from Freeland. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
11:10 - Cindi Crowder Rausch called to report she found these whales deep in Holmes Harbor by Freeland.
*
09:20 - Northbound off Whidbey side approaching Baby Island, still seeing some surface activity. Wind is picking up now. Last update from me.
09:02 - Lots of tail slapping north of Fox Spit, some birds circling overhead. Still on Whidbey side slowly northbound.
08:47 - Visible from Camano Island State Park, northbound on Whidbey side just south of East Point, three to four, including one male, looks good for T99s. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
08:07 - They moved out of sight towards the north, moving slowly.
07:48 - Pod of at least three orcas milling mid-channel in the Saratoga Passage about a mile north of Langley. Seem to be drifting slowly north but mostly hanging out [approx. 48.071698, -122.427192]. -photo by Andrew Wright, October 27, 2024
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Sun, Oct 27 - Strait of Juan de Fuca - Race Rocks Light is the second lighthouse built on Canada's west coast… AAA look at the foreground! Breacher is T49A4 Neptune. In the same area around Race Rocks, also got humpback lunge feeding of anchovies & T49A6 Charlie "lunge feeding" of a bird (he caught it with a motion very much like a humpback lunge!) He is an unique young orca with an underbite. Taken in showery weather, so there was a rainbow.  -photos by Hongming Zheng, October 27, 2024
*
Sun, Oct 27 - Puget Sound
14:00 - Definitely humpbacks. This was from 64th on Alki. Been trying to follow since then but lost in rain. Heading southbound. -photos by James Tilley, October 27, 2024
*
15:20 - Haven’t seen any more blows since.
15:12 - There are currently blows seen from 63rd and Alki, slightly south of where the Bainbridge ferry crossed [15:09] we saw a fluke, but aren’t close enough to determine species or gender. There seem to be several individuals because we’ve seen quite a few blows. Blows are continuing now at 15:12.
*
10:25 - Sara and I have been searching, and seen some possible blows off Kayu Kayu, but cannot confirm, could have been spray from high surf. Ton of gulls and sea birds, eagles, couple seals… another very dynamic and beautiful fall PNW day.
10:00 - Whale had drifted/moved slightly south.
09:50 - Spotted at least one humpback pec fin slapping, in very choppy white-cappy seas, east of mid channel in ferry lanes area due west/northwest of Point Wells (tank farm) [approx. 47.790840, -122.422257]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
09:50 - Humpback off Kingston ferry more towards Edmonds side. -Victoria Hoisington
*
09:10 - Humpbacks breaching in between the ferries as they passed each other [video in FB comments]. -Andrew Uberti
*
09:10 - Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 09:14 to report: SUQUAMISH Captain reports 1 Gray [confirmed humpback] near EDM heading SB.
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Michael McCarthy
Date of Sighting: October 27, 2024
Time: 8:00 AM
Species seen: Humpback? Black. Raised a slapped large fin that had patches of white.
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Off Marina Beas Park, Edmonds, WA: (47.8048499, -122.3969979)
Direction of travel : N
Behaviors observed: Traveling.
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No

October 26
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Sat, Oct 26 - Puget Sound (J Pod)
18:30 - Again.
18:20 - Heard them on the Sunset Bay Hydrophone. -Tenaya Brian Stecker
*
17:32 - Seeing spouts from Eglon looking straight east but they are pretty much on the water line so spouts and male dorsals are all I'm seeing. -Jenny Klis
*
17:18 - Still off of Eglon/Rose Point. They have not moved much in the hour I’ve been at Picnic Point but now moving south. -Heather Domenico
*
17:06 - Last from me and Sara. J pod continues southbound travels with some foraging. Most all facing south but one guy decide to head back north. Due south of last update map.
16:45 - Js are now loosely grouped and have moved back west now mostly all south of Cultus Bay traveling south. Lots of breaching [approx. 47.903304, -122.434583]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
16:25 - With research boat and straight across from Picnic Point Park. -Heather Domenico
*
16:15 - Js continue to forage wide spread in same general area South Whidbey from south of Possession Point and to the west by at least a mile. Some surface activity (breaches, tail slaps) who looks to be research now with these groups, they had been further west so presume others out that way.
15:41 - Updated area of those we are seeing [approx. 47.883748, -122.417084].
15:36 - Sara found several more spread southeast of Possession Point, uncertain on direction due to distance. Possibly foraging.
15:26 - Spread out J pod members same general area south of Cultus Bay male in western foraging group and another male plus eastbound sightline Cultus Bay houses, South Whidbey. Map is general [approx. 47.896786, -122.416436].
15:14 - Sara Montour Lewis and I have been watching at least 8 J members spread out multi directional foraging behavior generally about half mile south of Cultus Bay. Includes at least one male. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
14:52 - Orcas heading back southbound off Stamm. East of mid. Very visible without binoculars. -Elise Cranston
*
14:40 - They should be passing through Mukilteo. Lost sight of them from Edmonds, still northbound. West side of channel. They were pretty spread out. -Caitlin Emerson
*
14:15 - At this point aiming towards Possession. Males still on the west/mid channel. Rest must be east. All well past the Kingston Edmonds ferry.
14:00 - Some at Edmonds ferry. Seeing males from Apple Tree Point so at least some mid or west side of mid channel. One breach. Steady northbound. -Sara Frey
*
13:58 - Watching from Sunset Ave in Edmonds. They are just south of the cruise ship. Super spread out. Visible without binoculars! -Elise Cranston
*
13:47 - They are on the east side of the channel, will be approaching Edmonds marina soon. -Catherine Alvarado Soto
*
13:40 - Incredible views from the ferry from Edmonds, breaching, fins.  -Lila Borealis
*
13:29 - Two right by yellow barge from Kingston. -Andrea Reinicke
*
13:30 - Milling about, maybe foraging. Lots of back and forth in that same area. Viewing from President Point towards tip of Possession Point. I think they are in the shipping lanes. Hard to tell from here. 
13:23 - Moving quickly northwest towards Kingston. A couple near the tugboat/barge. -Ashley Alecci Goninan
*
13:13 - Pod at yellow buoy between Point Jefferson and Kingston. More Kitsap side moving north at good pace. From Richmond Beach. -Justin Goslin
*
13:13 - Leader is passing the midchannel buoy in front of President Point.
13:07 - Pretty sure this guy on a jet ski just went right up on them. By the tugboat and garbage barge. -Ashley Alecci Goninan
*
13:07 - There is a group. Almost to Jefferson Point. Moving moderately but steady north. Likely be seen at ferry but pace hard to determine.
*
12:54 - Observing from Richmond Beach. North of colored sailboats. Moving towards Jefferson Point. Mid channel. One big male. -Justin Goslin
*
12:40 - One fin came up between Fay Bainbridge and Richmond Beach west of the sailboats currently in that area. -Sue Surowiec Larkin
*
12:30 - Sunset Hill Park, still visible midchannel but moving north.
12:21 - Seen mid-channel off Sunset Hill Park. -Jeff Meredith
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Miranda Coldren
Date of Sighting: October 26, 2024
Time: 12:18 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen:
Where seen: Golden Gardens Park
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: They are heading northbound right now. There are at least three but I’m not sure beyond that. 
Photos available?: No
*
11:50 - Observed four orca mid channel milling to drifting north off Sunset Hill Park. -Diane Abbey
*
11:40 - Headed from West Point towards Bainbridge.
11:22 - [video in FB comments].
11:12 - Northbound just off West Point!
*
11:15 - Two orca northbound near Yeomalt point, close to shore. One male, one indeterminant
11:25 - Two to three orca, northbound in the same location, just east of southbound shipping lane. At least two of them appear to be males. -Brent Cullimore
*
11:08 - Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: PUYALLUP Captain reports the pod has moved NB towards EHBR. 
*
10:53 - Seeing blows at red dot on map [approx. 47.615564, -122.454824].
10:42 - Lots of jumping chum, large male orca in line with Blakley Rocks. Visible without binoculars from 64th and Alki northbound. -Mary Hartmann
*
10:41 - Viewing from Constellation Park, moving quickly northbound. -Hannah Blackburn
*
10:37 - I just saw four go by Alki Beach heading north. -Lisa Claydon
*
10:31 - Two breaches outer edge Elliott Bay north of ferry lane orcas northbound view from 64th and Alki. -Mary Hartmann
*
J27 Blackberry
10:30 - The trailing male, also seen from 64th Alki. -photo by Steve Rice, October 26, 2024
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Rose Kasrai
Date of Sighting: October 26, 2024
Time: 10:28 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Northbound, passing Bainbridge and Discovery Park
Direction of travel : Northbound
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?:
*
10:27 - Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: CHIMACUM reports 12 or so ORCA near Tango Bouy mid channel of the BREM traffic lanes.
*
10:27 - Orcas northbound.
10:24 - Boat with orcas off 64th and Alki. -Mary Hartmann
*
10:22 - Orcas going Northbound, just crossed behind Bainbridge ferry. -Rose Alita
*
09:48 - Still northbound approaching Tillicum Village on Blake Island. -Jenny Olszowy
*
From my sister in law on ferry (and ferry had slowed down for them to pass) [video in FB comments]. -Grace McRae
*
09:14 - Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 09:15 to report: C/M [of CATHLAMET] reports two ORCA NB near FAU.
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sat, Oct 26 - Haro Strait (T49As) - T49A6 Charlie II was feeling the waves between his teeth this afternoon in Haro Strait! -Orca Behavior Institute -photo by Monika Wieland Shields, October 26, 2024
*
16:40 - Exited Roche Harbor going north. Heading east into Spieden.
16:10 - Heading north through Mosquito Pass.
13:05 - Heading up island.
12:50 - Aiming at Pile Point now from less than a mile offshore.
12:30 - Lots of zig zagging, impossible to say where they’ll hit the island.
12:18 - T49As heading northeast from Discovery towards San Juan. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
Sat, Oct 26 - Possession Sound (T99s minus T99B)
14:08 - Passing Tillicum Beach northbound. -PSWW GroupMe
*
13:29 - Last surface was just to the right of the green channel marker. Whales were headed into Port Susan.  -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
1:19 - They appear to be committed to going into Port Susan now as we depart the scene. North direction [approx. 48.054331, -122.350478].
1:07 - Update on the T99 pod. They are starting to travel now very slowly north at my map spot [approx. 48.044595, -122.349360 (between Hat Is. and Camano Head)]. They seem to be aiming a bit towards Port Susan but it’s a bit too early to tell yet.  -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
12:50 - Possibly on a kill/foraging. Very slow moving northbound [approx. 48.030702, -122.353478 (between Hat Is. and Sandy Point)]. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
12:44 - Update on T99 pod minus Holly still eating their meal milling at my map spot [approx. 48.031077, -122.340187 (1 mi. N of Hat Is.)].
12:21 - T99 pod confirmed eating a meal. Minus T99B. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
11:50 - Spotted together mid channel slowly northbound [approx. 48.014550, -122.349734 (between Hat Is. and Whidbey Is.)]. -Lori Christopher
*
11:20 - They've decided to go west side of Hat Island. Still northbound mid-channel. One male. One or two others with him.
11:10 - At least two northbound mid-channel moving quickly. Past Mukilteo-Clinton ferry run.  -Theresa Mitchell

October 25
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Fri, Oct 25 - Puget Sound (J Pod) - J27 Blackberry - From Point No Point. And the salmon hat. Sound Watch kept the few boats out in line. I wish they could be out with them every day. Link to more photos. -photos by Jim Pasola, October 25, 2024
*
22:55 - Still hearing them. -Joe Dreimiller
*
22:18 - Orca calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Linda Aitkins
*
19:16 - Just started listening to the Sunset Bay hydrophone again and am hearing loud calls. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
18:25 - Someone, looked more to be orca than humpback, very surface active, either porpoising or breaching several times about half mile south of Cultus Bay.
18:10 - J pod members continue to forage south of Cultus Bay and Possession Point spread. In my lenses I’ve all at once: harbor porpoise, humpback, and lovely big J male, all foraging. Can’t express enough how surreal and how fortunate we are to inhabit this place with all these beauties [approx. 47.886167, -122.391053]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
18:00 - Nice calls and echolocation clicks on Sunset Bay hydrophone right now. -Orca Network
*
17:55 - An unusual number of S42 calls, including some intense ones (likely made closer) that overlapped with lower amplitude S01 calls. That is evidence that more than one animal is doing the calling, so it seems that J pod members are having a conversation this evening!
Replay the ~20-minute bout here: Link to clip. -- and thanks to all the Orcasound listeners who have been helping tag the audio data with helpful reports in real time. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
*
17:45 - Beauty in abundance. J pod (those I’m observing) are still spread out south of Cultus Bay foraging, gulls and other seabirds partying around bait balls, pair of sea lions traveling along leisurely northbound, at least two dozen harbor porpoise foraging spread off Ocean Ave, while salmon jumping everywhere. Minke disappeared, humpback too with second possible sighting to the north sightline Possession Point. Indescribably surreal setting with glassy seas painted golden from setting sun. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
17:36 - Found them from the ferry home!! Look to be south of Scatchet Head, facing east. -Amy K. Fowler
*
17:15 - Been watching Js in a wide spread generally in this area (map) from about half mile south of Cultus Bay to mile south of with group on oddly and others foraging on their own. Facing different directions. Research boat has departed south [approx. 47.883977, -122.412283]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
17:04 - Still hearing calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Orca Network
*
16:42 - They’re about here [approx. 47.881786, -122.426981 (epicenter of Possession Triangle)]. -Samiksha Gulrajani
*
My service isn't great at Point No Point I'm just reading these posts on my way home. They must have split. There was a lead group that I lost sight of. Then a humpback came through. Both research boats were deep into Maxwellton and those whales definitely flipped and headed south. A large male, I think Mike was closer to us and eventually flipped and headed south also last saw him off of Cultus Bay. -Jim Pasola
*
16:47 - Calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -T.L. Stokes
*
16:45 - Captain of Swiftsure spotted them two miles east of our position [approx. 47.855493, -122.453111 (SW of center of Possession Triangle)]. -Amy K. Fowler
*
16:15 - Seeing them still trending south, mid/west channel. Seeing south of Possession. -Sara Frey
*
15:55 - I see them still southbound around Eglon right where all the smoke is coming up on the Kitsap. Edit: I can see the rest and they’re all facing different ways again. -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
16:22 - Still hearing calls on Sunset Bay. -Joe Dreimiller
*
15:58 - Hearing calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
15:05 - The lead whales are out in the triangle one of the big males, I think it's Mike, he's bringing up the rear southbound.
14:53 - It looks like they've flipped heading back south. -Jim Pasola
*
15:00 - Saw at least four at Point No Point that flipped back south into triangle. Research boat was with them. -Jenny Klis
*
14:45 - Appear to be southbound south of yellow buoy marker across from Maxwelton. -Jayn Goldsen
*
14:35 - They have stalled off of Maxwellton foraging. -Jim Pasola
*
14:35 - Dorsals in view, midchannel meandering north between Mutiny Bay and Foulweather Bluff [Possibly these were Bigg’s KWs -HG]. -Howard Garrett, Orca Network
*
14:20 - From Maxwelton can see a lot of activity between yellow buoy and Point No Point northbound. -Jayn Goldsen
*
14:00 - The leaders are approaching the yellow buoy off of Maxwelton.
13:40 - Leaders have entered Admiralty northbound mid-channellish. -Jim Pasola
*
13:27 - They’re almost out of my view northbound Admiralty side [approx. 47.886167, -122.467810].-Alice Thuy Talbot
*
13:21 - From Stamm Overlook, trending northwest at a good pace. Not clear whether or not they’ll commit into Admiralty but so far it looks like that’s the direction. -Tamara Kelley, Orca Conservancy
*
13:00 - There are whales well north of the research boats that appear to be northbound and are a good bit farther east. -Jim Pasola
*
12:30 - I’m watching from Sunset Ave in Edmonds and I can see spouts, breaches and I assume tail slaps! From my vantage point, they are out by the Point No Point Lighthouse. -Stephanie Brenaman
*
12:35 - I'm seeing two boats with the whales, one looks like the blue sound watch boat, and one looks like the research boat with a platform on the bow. And they now appear to be heading this way.
12:20 - I moved to Point No Point they are more distant from here. The NOAA boat is with them I can't tell from the whales any direction of travel but the NOAA boat is actually moving southward. -Jim Pasola
*
12:30 - Kim Paige called to report several orcas northbound on west side of channel headed northbound at decent pace between Eglon & Pilot Point.
*
12:27 - Two double breaches in a row then a single breach line of sight Kingston ferry dock from here. -Jim Pasola
*
12:05 - Found them from Picnic Point. Anyone searching from mainland they are behind Puget Sound Express. Can barely see them even through a scope. Was able to spot them because of splashes from breaches. Not clear direction of travel but guessing northbound. Line of sight is Eglon. -Tamara Kelley, Orca Conservancy
*
12:00 - They haven't been foraging like they have previously steady northbound.
11:30 - I've been watching from Eglon, whales have steadily moved northbound now passing Haines Wharf line of sight. -Jim Pasola
*
10:05 - Gosh the eastbound ferry to Edmonds got the best seat in the house! They looked to be right on them, stalled and then proceeded very slowly. Awesome. I could see some big breaches right after the ferry departed them! It looked like they were heading northwest when I saw them last. -Ashley Alecci Goninan
*
09:49 - They are in ferry lanes. Eastbound ferry has slowed to let them pass. -Jenny Klis
*
10:05 - I’m on my way to Edmonds for a PSE tour and saw them from the Kingston ferry! I could go home now and be fully satisfied. We slowed for the whales and then the captain announced we had to throw it in reverse to get out of the way of the cargo ship!! Quite an unusual route for the ferry this morning but for very good reasons! -Amy K. Fowler
*
09:53 - Two larger males and female leading, tight cluster 5+ whales less than half mile behind. -Colleen Farrell
*
09:41 - Viewing from ferry to Edmonds. Group of 6+ is south of ferry lanes but heading north pretty quick. -Amy K. Fowler
*
09:36 - They are definitely closer to east side. Leaders are heading towards the ferry lanes now. Moving quickly. Group has moved past Point Wells. Cargo ship is heading south through them right now. 
09:25 - I can [see] at least 10-15 big group super spread out heading north. Most in front of Point Wells right now.
09:16 - Orcas are in front of President Point mid channel marker heading north! -photo by Ashley Alecci Goninan, October 25, 2024
*
09:00 - Off Jefferson Head, heading north. Link to FB videos. Link to more video. -Kathie Baxter
*
09:00 - Ten or more of them went past Point Jefferson Kingston heading north. A couple of them were busy breaching and tail slapping. -photo by Chris Beamer Otterson, October 25, 2024
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Fri, Oct 25 - Haro Strait
14:30 - Orca Sighting. Mid-Haro west of Lime Kiln Lighthouse. Moving north. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
*
Fri, Oct 25 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T46Cs)  - T46C1 Tsunami - T46C Carmanah - San Juan de Fuca, T46Cs! Link to more photos. -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, October 25, 2024
*
T46C Carmanah  - T46C1 Tsunami - Another fun day out on IE5 – and yet another unusual sighting – this time with the T46Cs who rarely come into our waters. The word must be out, we have tasty seals! Way over by Victoria Sam spotted the whales – yay!! T46C matriarch Carmanah (b.1994), T46C1 Tsunami (b.2006), T46C3 Razor (b.2013) and T46C4 Hobi (b.2018). It was cold and windy but fun to see them ploughing/porpoising through the seas.  -photos by Jill Hein, October 25, 2024
*
T46C3 Razor - T46C1 Tsunami - I could live these fall days forever! Yesterday was another amazing day on the water. I met the T46Cs (new to me!) who rarely come into our area and are seen more often in Alaska. Included were matriarch/mom T46C Carmana (b. 1994) and 3 of her kiddos, gorgeous big boy T46C1 Tsunami (b. 2006 and who is sporting some gnarly rake marks on his head and side), T46C3 Razor (b. 2013), and T46C4 Hobi (b. 2018). Such a beautiful family! The clouds and sky and colors were incredible, too, with layers and layers. Add in some friends - Jill Hein, Bonnie Gretz, Cindi Crowder Rausch - and how could you ask for more? -photos by Donna George, October 25, 2024
*
T46C1 Tsunami & T46C Carmanah - T46C4 Hobi - We headed west on a gray but lovely day, beautiful clouds around the Olympics and both Tahoma and Kulshan showing! Thanks to naturalist Sam's amazing spotting skills, we found the rare visitors to the Salish Sea, the T46C matriline, descendants of T46, the prolific T46 Wake. They are matriarch T46C Carmanah (b. 1994), son T46C1 Tsunami (b. 2006), and youngsters T46C3 Razor (b. 2013) and T46C4 Hobi (b. 2018). Daughter T46C2 Sam (b. 2009) has dispersed from the group but has been seen out and about. We caught up with them off Constance Bank in BC (Thanks to Capt. Tyson for playing "O Canada" as we crossed the border!) and at first they were a bit spread out, then the trailers started porpoising to catch up as they headed west. Very cool to see a pod new to me! We then turned northeast to try to catch up with the T36's and T65A5 but just caught brief glimpses as they were speeding north and we had to head home. A lovely, chilly fall day with lovely orcas and good friends on a great boat! -photos by Bonnie Gretz, October 25, 2024
*
Fri, Oct 25 - Admiralty Inlet (T65As minus T65A3 & T65A5, T99s minus T99B)
16:01 - Currently south bound, grouped close together. -Grayden Kelbert
*
16:00 - Pretty much milling/foraging? directional changes around the same spot on Amy’s map. Mid channel and a few miles south of Bush Point. Possibly trending southeast but can’t say for sure. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
15:56 - Swiftsure found T65As and 99s at my location [approx. 48.004833, -122.622480 (midchannel N of Mutiny Bay)]! -Amy K. Fowler
*
14:50 - We are seeing them mid channel slowly headed northwest, between one mile south of Bush Point and Foulweather Bluff, and now spread out and headed past the entrance to Hood Canal. -Susan Berta, Orca Network
*
09:59 - Eight to ten minute down times, slooow moving. Glassy calm waters. Approx. here [47.990295, -122.598098]. I took some distant hazy photos, looks probable for 65As & 99s but can't be certain. 
09:44 - Tight group of orcas slow northbound, long down times, north end Mutiny Bay, Whidbey side.  -Rachel Haight, Orca Network 
*
09:05 - Victoria Clipper reported six or maybe more orcas close to shore at Double Bluff heading north towards Admiralty Inlet. -Tony Tilt
*
COASTAL KILLER WHALES -
Fri, Oct 25 - California Coast
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Axel Patterson
Date of Sighting: October 25, 2024
Time: 9:35 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: 36.6222729, -121.9466912 (Monterrey Bay)
Direction of travel : North casual pace
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I couldn't get a photo unfortunately as they were spotted with binoculars. They were rather casually traveling, but I'm not as versed in their behavior to assume what they were doing other than traveling the length of the bay fairly close to shore, as my vantage point was a condo up from the beach. There was at least four that breached the surface around each other, but there may have been more. I only could identify it being an orca as I saw the head shape and eye spot with binoculars a few times. It was my first time seeing orcas out in the wild!
Photos available?: No
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Fri, Oct 25 - Puget Sound
14:26 - A humpback came through [viewing from Point No Point]. -photo by Jim Pasola, October 25, 2024
*
Fri, Oct 25 - Puget Sound
19:38 - Beautiful humpback is still pacing back and forth very close in offshore Ocean Ave [video in FB comments].
18:55 - Still sitting here in near darkness listening to humpback exhalations. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
18:36 - Humpback is and has been slowly cruising just south of Stamm Overlook. Along with orcas north. -Justin Goslin
*
18:35 - Heard few exhalations and finally spotted humpback! Whale is about quarter mile offshore from me Ocean Ave facing northbound. My heart is exploding.
17:20 - Humpback and who looks like minke close together off Ocean Ave, Edmonds about one mile offshore! Humpback facing north, probable minke facing south. 
18:10 - Humpback lumbering around south of Possession Point just east of eastern most J pod members [approx. 47.886534, -122.403420]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
Fri, Oct 25 - Puget Sound
08:00 - Whale sighting from Indianola dock [in Port Madison] I believe a baby humpback? Rather small [video shows juvenile humpback whale]. -Lindsey Mcllvena
*
MINKE WHALES -
Fri, Oct 25 - Puget Sound
17:20 - Humpback and who looks like minke close together off Ocean Ave, Edmonds about one mile offshore!! Humpback facing north, probable minke facing south. -Alisa Lemire Brooks

October 24
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Thu, Oct 24 - Puget Sound (J Pod)
19:57 - I'm hearing them too! -T.L. Stokes
*
19:25 - Starting to hear faint calls again on Sunset Bay hydrophone.
18:07 - Hearing calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Linda Aitkins
*
17:41 - Viewing from Edmonds pier some are near Kingston heading northwest mid channel. -Shuai He
*
17:37 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 17:58 to report: 1737hrs: Vessel reports 8 orca moving north, just east of the NB traffic lanes off Edwards Point. 
*
17:30 - Northbound J pod. I moved south to see what leaders were doing and found no one, so came back to Kayu Kayu and see quite a few spread out north of tank farm (Point Wells) mid channel. Haven’t seen any south of them yet. So many were still southbound when I left but they must have flipped shortly after. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
17:30 - Orca sighting just north of Kingston headed north. -Kathie Baxter
*
17:15 - I'm seeing quite a few head north, possible flip? Meeting up? -Conner Helms
*
17:11 - There were a lot more behind - saw at least three males and several females, close to the Kitsap side. Moving very slow but steady southbound. -Sara Frey
*
17:09 - Appears all whales have cleared the Kingston/Edmonds ferry lanes southbound. -Sue Surowiec Larkin
*
17:00 - Viewing from Kingston. Appeared to be Milling in front of Point Wells before Matson ship passed through. -Camille Marvin
*
16:51 - J pod leaders of those I’ve seen have passed yellow mid channel buoy off Richmond Beach. Seeing others including male back to south of Apple Tree Point west of eastbound ferry. All slow southbound. Map is general spread of those I’ve observed [approx. 47.775194, -122.459548]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
16:50 - Large males, west side of shipping lanes off Apple Tree Point. Others, close to Kitsap side.  -photos by Sara Frey, October 24, 2024
*
16:42 - Seeing four to six orcas approaching ferry lanes from Kingston overlook southbound… a few grouped together. -Sue Surowiec Larkin
*
16:35 - Some of the trailers are still north of Apple Point Cove, slowly southbound. West side of the triangle.  -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
16:30 - I just pulled up to Kayu Kayu Ac Park in Shoreline and have spotted at least six to eight females/juvies/ little one, due west spread in singles to pair slow steady southbound mid channel to east of. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
16:14 - Leaders passing Kingston going south from my viewpoint (Edmonds dog park), decently spread. Look far away but I think east of mid based on where they were in comparison to ferries.
15:53 - I would definitely say mid[channel] and from Edmonds dog park they look directly across the water. -Conner Helms
*
13:54 - Oh! They've reappeared! Just off Possession, research vessel still with them!  -Sarah Crumb
*
15:38 - Hearing calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Olivia Carpenter
*
15:14 - West side of channel, cargo ship headed straight through them.
15:06 - Straight out from Sunset heading south. Research boat following. -Julie Harris Martin
*
15:05 - A little more southwest from my last update still foraging.
14:25 - Foraging around here [approx. 47.876760, -122.415666 (center of Possession triangle)]. -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
14:37 - They've started heading south between Edmonds and Eglon now. Kind of spread out. Vessel still following.  -Sarah Crumb
*
13:43 - Headed southbound from Whidbey.
13:21 - Can see them from Stamm Overlook as well - far off in the distance but still very visible - right next to research vessel (two little orange ppl in a tiny boat! So magical. -Aubrey Rae
*
13:21 - Trending north, lead group past green buoy, trailer spread behind. Research and white boat visual markers. Stamm Overlook.
12:41 - Fantastic breaches, increased surface activity right when hydrophone calls happened. Appear to be moving east, northeast. -Justin Goslin
*
12:36 - I am hearing calls now on the Beach Camp at Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Jennifer Taylor
*
12:30 - I moved to Sunset to warm up in the car, and you can still see them. Look for the research vessel out near Whidbey, and scan out at that distance. Viewing is a little less clear from the lower height, but you can still see fins.  -Sarah Crumb
*
12:17 - Still able to be seen by research boat in area Alice noted above. The group appears in a line south of research boat. Far off viewing from Stamm Overlook. -Justin Goslin
*
11:56 - I see them here still [approx. 47.884505, -122.444536 (center of Possession triangle)]. -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
11:51 - Trending south, definitely closer to Edmonds side. Watch the research vessel, they're right on them.  -Sarah Crumb
*
11:28 - Saw some fins out by Eglon. They’re all pointed north. I think a research vessel is with them? -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
11:45 - Have definitely moved farther east I can barely see them. -Jim Pasola
*
11:44 - There's a big bait ball with a huge flock of seabirds that they're hunting in or by. Research vessel staying close. Kinda milling about, circling the ball. 
11:28 - Three breaches in a row! Looks like a research vessel is on site and the sailboat is keeping their distance. 
11:21 - I can see them from Stamm Overlook out mid channel. Very far off, but definitely saw fins. North of that big flock of birds on the water. -Sarah Crumb
*
11:20 - I've moved to Point No Point and from here they just appear to be out in the triangle. There's a big ship that's heading right for the northernmost whales and it also appears that the small NOAA research boat is with them. -Jim Pasola
*
11:11 - I think those may be Jpod - seeing about five blows from Eglon but not sure since it’s blurry. -Sarai Yousif 
*
10:50 - They have moved pretty well north and for the last ten minutes or so all direction has been northwest they might be making a move.
10:35 - Some of them are pretty grouped up and they're just having a ball. Splashing and jumping clearly foraging back and forth trending slightly northbound.
10:16 - I'm seeing a lot of whales straight out I guess there this side of mid-channel but still a long way off. There's a ground swell and it's misty foggy on the other side, so I can't see all the way across. Seeing lots of activity breach blows tail slaps.
10:10 - From Eglon, I see one large fin and a blow line of sight at Haines Wharf. -Jim Pasola
*
08:43 - Kim Paige called to report J pod midchannel headed slowly southbound between Eglon & Pilot Point.
*
8:30 - Hearing echolocation clicks on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
08:15 - They’ve moved a bit more west and south. Some tail slaps and a breach. Still foraging. No direction. Also long down times
07:49 - They're in the triangle just outside of south Mukilteo, north Edmonds [approx. 47.889152, -122.370629]. -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
07:30 - Heard a faint call on Sunset Bay. -Joe Dreimiller
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Thu, Oct 24 - Puget Sound (T65As minus T65A3 & T65A5, T99s minus T99B) - At Elliot Bay. -photo by Ernie Yip, October 24, 2024
*
T99C Barakat & T65A4 Ellifrit - T65A4 Ellifrit, T65A Artemis, T99 Bella - T65As & T99s head into Commencement Bay, Link to video. Link to more photos. -photos & IDs by Rachel Haight, October 24, 2024
*
18:40 - Single seen hunting really close to the Hamilton Park Pier. -Torry Chamberlayne
*
18:30 - All grouped up, westbound past Chinese Reconciliation Park! Around eight individuals. Seeing surface activity in front of old town dock. Losing light. -Brooke Casanova
*
18:15 - They were on a hunt right off of Thea’s Park, but have since disappeared on a dive.
18:07 - At least three to four still deep in Commencement across from Tyee Marina. -Mollie Segall
*
17:40 - They are across from Tyee Marina near the Port. -Jason Cook
*
17:40 - Beautiful looks from Cliff House as they continue southeast/south. They split up and started racing thru the water at one point.
17:23 - Some going east into Commencement.
17:20 - Off Browns Point. Had been angled southeast towards Browns but then seemed more due southbound passing us by.
17:04 - Southbound passing Dash Point fairly close in. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sharon Allsup
Date of Sighting: October 24, 2024
Time: 4:58 PM
Species seen: orca
Number of animals seen: 7
Where seen: East Passage, Federal Way side, off 53rd Ave (not a viewing point)
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?: group closer to shore w/1 male, 3 females, 2 calves/smaller; 1 other male further out in channel and behind, near the small boat which is now behind them rather than ahead. Will pass Dash Point in next few minutes.
Photos available?: No
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sharon Allsup
Date of Sighting: October 24, 2024
Time: 4:53 PM
Species seen: orca
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: East passage, mainland/Federal Way side, roughly off 51st (not a viewing point)
Direction of travel : South towards Dash Point/Browns Point
Behaviors observed: traveling?
If orcas, any males?: 1
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: brief sighting of 1 male dorsal, still watching for others; a bit behind a small boat, between it and mainland. Should be visible from Dash Point Park shortly if not already
Photos available?: No
*
16:55 - Looking straight across the water from Gold Beach, very much on the mainland side of the channel, southbound. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
16:54 - Whales near beach on east side of channel.
16:47 - Getting close to Dash Point. -Ryan Dicks
*
16:06 - They are coming up to Point Robinson lighthouse. -Matthew Lau
*
Male is T99C Barakat - T65A2 Ooxjaa
16:00 - T65A2 from just north of the Des Moines pier. -photos by April Janice Basham, October 24, 2024
*
16:04 - Spread in two loose groups, lead group south of Des Moines pier steady southbound, some choppy water, windy.
15:57 - Moving fast south, blows easy to see without binos, almost put from Des Moines pier. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
15:53 - Still north of the marina.
15:50 - Spotted them from Des Moines Marina. VERY windy appear to be mid channel headed south. -Mandy Michelle
*
15:50 - Approx. here southbound [47.408584, -122.358830 (1 mi. NE of Point Robinson)].
15:20 - Southbound past Three Tree Point. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
14:44 - Wow rest of the group just north of Brace Point, east side of channel. The male I was following was well south last time I saw him. -Steve Rice
*
14:37 - Visible without binoculars from Lincoln Park southbound just south of ferry lane. Blows are gorgeous. -Mary Hartmann
*
14:23 - Viewing from Lincoln Park. Mid channel. North of ferry lane. -Jodi Winterton
*
14:22 - South of north end of Vashon as viewed from Brace Point. -Steve Rice
*
14:20 - Close to shore Lincoln Park milling north of ferry lane. -Mary Hartmann
*
14:01 - Viewing from Emma Schmitz Viewpoint, the whales are steady southbound between Vashon Ferry dock and Dolphin Point. Sunlight picking up blows. -Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network
*
13:35 - Passing Manchester southbound as viewed from Constellation Park. Mid channel, much closer than earlier. -Steve Rice
*
13:21 - Right behind the Clipper southbound [approx. 47.593858, -122.463026]. -Alexander Simenstad
*
13:07 - Clip as they were passing Eagle Harbor with some enthusiasm as viewed from 64th Alki. -Steve Rice
*
12:50 - T65As and others southbound off Eagle Harbor! Seven to eight animals, four knots. -Brian McGinn
*
12:40 - This group is almost to ferry lanes now... group of four coming up regularly as they move south.
12:30 - Group of orcas, five to seven, in outer Elliot Bay southbound mid-west of channel between sight line Skiff Point, Bainbridge Island and Magnolia. -Sue Surowiec Larkin
*
12:08 - My mom is viewing them from Fay Bainbridge right now, south bound. Looks to be two males and three to four females. -Emma Vasilj
*
10:35 - Big breach around this area. Orcas all over it seems [approx. 47.720064, -122.423750 (1 mi. off Carkeek Park)].
10:20 - Just now seeing a small group is passing President Point southbound closer to Kitsap side. 
10:05 - Seeing dorsal fins heading south east. Viewing from President Point. Looks like they are past the ferry lanes about midchannel. -photo by Ashley Alecci Goninan, October 24, 2024
*
09:55 - Four to five orca just north of the Kingston ferry route. West side heading towards Kingston. -David Soder
*
09:51 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 09:57 to report: 0951hrs: Vessel SUQUAMISH reports via 800MHz they've spotted a pod of 5 orcas off Apple Cove Point, heading south.
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Thu, Oct 24 - San Juans
18:00 - Two humpbacks passing Mineral Point heading south. -Dan Shelley [WSSJI]
*
Thu, Oct 24 - Admiralty Inlet
15:26 - Humpback headed northwest bound in Admiralty at Bush Point. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
MINKE WHALES -
Thu, Oct 24 - Puget Sound
13:45 - Minke headed northbound mid channel in ferry lanes, came up next to ferry. -Janine Harles
*
12:00 - Minke off Point Wells northbound. -Brian McGinn
*
UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALES -
Thu, Oct 24 - Puget Sound
09:15 - I believe I saw a baleen whale between Picnic Point and Meadowdale! [minke & humpback both present in the area -RH]. -Isabelle Ivankovich Busby

October 23
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Wed, Oct 23 - Puget Sound (J Pod) - JPod, Admiralty Inlet. Link to more photos. -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, October 23, 2024
*
If there’s ever even a ‘chance’ to see J-pod, you have to go check – even though you know they’ll be way off in the distance. Even so, it was magical to see them as they were off Bush Point heading northbound – but then they flipped and were even further away as they headed back south – probably to the Possession Triangle. So humbling to see them. LOVE. -photos by Jill Hein, October 23, 2024
*
A few very long distance pics from Point No Point this afternoon. I thought I had a few small fins but the boys stood out at this range. Glad they headed back! Just too many fish in the Sound to leave. Link to more photos. -photos by Jim Pasola, October 23, 2024
*
21:00 - [on Sunset Bay hydrophone]. -Sarah Geist
*
20:52 - Starting to hear calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Linda Aitkins
*
20:41 - Hearing calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone! -Katie West
*
18:23 - Still watching the last few southbound just south of Bush Point, but I’m losing light! -Heidi Bruns Shank
*
17:55 - Trailer passing Bush Point southbound. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
17:55 - This was the trailer headed back south.  -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
17:40 - Still hearing some calls on Bush Point hydrophone. -Orca Network
*
17:37 - Two large males out from Bush Point boat launch but aimed southbound. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
17:30 - They flipped at Bush Point. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
17:30 - Still on Bush Point hydrophone... so amazing to hear them. -Kevin Phillips
*
17:13 - Still audible on Bush Point hydrophone. -Orca Network
*
17:05 - Just starting hearing them [Bush Point hydrophone] a couple minutes ago. -Theresa Duerst
*
17:02 - You can hear them on the Bush Point hydrophone. -Danielle Lanxon
*
17:01 - Still appear to be traveling northbound.
17:00 - Able to view from East Beach on Marrowstone Island with binoculars south of the Bush Point yellow buoy. -Jennifer Taylor
*
17:00 - Most or almost all have passed Bush Point northbound. -photo by Marilyn Armbruster, October 23, 2024
*
16:57 - Confirming J pod faint call in vessel noise detected by an awesome Orcasound - Listen for Whales listener on the Bush Point hydrophone. Thanks to Orca Network for maintaining this location! Link to clip. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
*
16:42 - Viewing from Bush Point. Jpod is spread a bit north/south. They are hanging mid to other and continuing their travels northbound.  -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
16:27 - Nice tight group mid channel between Foulweather Bluff and Mutiny Bay headed north. -Howard Garrett, Orca Network
*
16:25 - Relocated them between Bush Point and Cape Foulweather mid channelish northbound still.
15:40 - Big spread between north side of Double Bluff and Foulweather Bluff northbound. Beautiful blows of many orca mid channel to Whidbey side of mid [approx. 47.956614, -122.557648]. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
16:20 - Seeing a group mid-channel out from Mutiny Bay and closer blows to Foulweather as well. Viewing from just south of Bush Point. -Heidi Bruns Shank
*
16:09 - Viewing from Shore Meadow. Had quite a few at the yellow channel marker headed north. Then lots of directional changes. Thought they may have flipped, but see some west side of mid passing the top of Foulweather. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
15:15 - A lot of splashing and breaching in the far distance seen from Maxwelton. Maybe going into Hood Canal. -Jayn Goldsen
*
15:20 - Another look from the parking lot before I head out, the lead whales I see are off of Double Bluff, Whidbey side, northbound. Several more behind them, line of sight Sunlight Beach.
15:10 - I have to leave the lead group is passing Sunrise Beach. There was a larger group approaching, look like they might be closer, but they've disappeared. -Jim Pasola
*
15:00 - I see a lot of spouts from Maxwelton north of yellow buoy northbound. -Jayn Goldsen
*
14:51 - Whales are heading northwest out of Possession triangle. -Aisha Rashid
*
14:50 - This small Lead group has passed the yellow buoy off Maxwelton, northbound. There's still a lot of whales behind pretty far behind actually.
14:40 - I have at least three whales, one male off of Scatchet Head northbound.
14:30 - I'm seeing quite a few whales. I've seen all three of the males. They have definitely moved this way, but I believe they're just drifting with the outgoing tide, they're foraging, moving in all directions. Line of sight from Possession Point to Edmonds so they're well spread out. They are spending a lot of time underwater for residents. Many, many fish jumping everywhere.
14:00 - From Point No Point I've seen two, line of sight about Picnic Point just foraging. I'm seeing several more now at least two males visually from Point No Point; they're right in front of that tug pulling the barge, but they're quite a bit this way. -Jim Pasola
*
13:00 - Still in the same general area in the triangle. Viewing breaches and blows between Maxwelton and from Eglon to south of Point No Point. No real direction. Foraging.
12:15 - Have eyes on them south of Maxwelton. Look northbound towards Admiralty so far. -Sarah Geist
*
11:47 - Finally got visuals on them. Viewing from Sunset Bay. Appear to be traveling northbound back towards Possession Triangle. West of mid channel, line of sight Eglon [approx. 47.864053, -122.443547]. -Tamara Kelley, Orca Conservancy
*
11:41 - [approx. 47.862697, -122.436618].
11:25 - Viewing from Brackett's Landing. Spread groups milling in line with Double Bluff on Whidbey.
11:03 - Viewing from Stamm. They appear to be mid channel in line with Eglon trending south. -Olivia Carpenter
*
10:40 - Viewing from Stamm towards Point No Point seeing sprays, dorsal fin facing southwest loosely grouped up appears to be mid channel. -Jaymi Davison Garvett
*
10:23 - Faint calls heard over ship noise.
09:37 - Lots of beautiful Jpod calls on the Sunset Bay Hydrophone right now. -Orca Network
*
09:21 - Loud calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
09:21 - Hearing calls on Sunset Bay.  -Joe Dreimiller
*
07:03 - Loud J Pod calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Wed, Oct 23 - Haro Strait (T49As) - I filmed the T049As on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 off the west side of Haro Strait. Link to Youtube video. -Gerald Graham
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Wed, Oct 23 - Puget Sound
11:54 - From Brace Point [video of humpback on FB comments]. -Nicole Na
*
09:00 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 09:06 to report: 0900hrs: Vessel reports a possible humpback or grey whale located in the TSS on the SEA/BI route, heading southbound. 
*
MINKE WHALES -
Wed, Oct 23 - San Juans
13:15 - Minke whale headed down San Juan Channel abeam of Pear Point/Fisherman’s Harbor. -Barbara Howitt, All Aboard Sailing [WSSJI]

October 22
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Tue, Oct 22 - Puget Sound (J Pod) - From the ferry - J Pod. Link to FB reel. -Fusa NZ
*
18:12 - Just left Eglon. From there, they looked to be out from Edmonds marina. Still trending south, lots of surface activity. -Katie West
*
17:20 - Just saw them from Eglon heading south approaching Edmonds. -Lori Pinkney
*
16:41 - They look to be southbound more toward Kitsap side. Viewing from Possession Beach Park on Whidbey. -Michele Tosh Brodsky
*
16:34 - Straight out ahead at Picnic Point seeing with binoculars breaching! At least five orcas. Behind and in front of the freight boat. -Delaney Grieve
*
16:32 - Bigger group ahead, saw a breach about 10 minutes ago. Maybe mid channel but east of the shipping lane as a big ship just went by. Some are still south. From my spot, I can’t tell if going north or south or milling. -Michele Tosh Brodsky
*
16:30 - Spread out of Picnic Point, seem to be drifting south now.
16:19 - Can see blows from Picnic Point, possibly westbound southwest of Possession Point buoy. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
16:18 - I just saw them in the far distance from the 16:00 Mukilteo to Clinton ferry, mid way, blows way off in the Possession Triangle! funny how happy just seeing distant whale blows can make you. -Susan Berta, Orca Network
*
16:15 - Big male south of the buoy, westbound. -Michele Tosh Brodsky
*
16:12 - Looks like some are headed south on Kitsap side. Viewing from Picnic Point. -Delaney Grieve
*
16:12 - Viewing from Possession Beach Park. They are west bound. From my vantage point I see them in the vicinity of the channel marker/buoy. -Michele Tosh Brodsky
*
16:07 - Had so many. Drifting towards me at Possession. Now almost al have headed west out of view. -Sarah Geist
*
16:00 - From Glendale looking south - I can see the whales and research boat. Whales are spread and moving in all directions. Lots of surface activity. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
15:53 - Picnic Point. Can see blows scattered with the naked eye, far out. Going all different directional changes, seem to be milling still. -Delaney Grieve
*
15:49 - Seeing many now. Foraging with a northeast drift.
15:39 - Seeing a large group south of Possession boat launch. -Sarah Geist
*
15:44 - Trending northeast again, in line with Cultus Bay from my perspective.
15:23 - Still spread out in the same area, lots of directional changes. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
15:20 - They’re still in the same general area they have been for the last hour or so. Some have made it slightly more north east but spread all over the triangle still.  -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
15:07 - Calls continuing on the hydrophone.  -T.L. Stokes
*
14:56 - Spread out, facing north. Calls continuing on hydrophone.
14:51 - Still milling spread out in middle of Possession Triangle, direction of travel unclear. -Orca Network
*
14:52 - Still stalled in the same area as Rachel's update. Some breaching earlier. Hearing calls on the hydrophone.
14:16 - Spread out north to south, some near orange research boat and others trailing, all northbound east of midchannel. Viewing from Stamm Overlook [approx. 47.880539, -122.408848]. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
14:39 - Heard on hydrophone.  -Joe Dreimiller
*
14:38 - Trending north slightly.
14:35 - Seem to be stalled some spread foraging in this area [approx. 47.873959, -122.423562]. -Rachel Haight
*
14:22 - Single clear S01 call on Sunset Bay hydrophone! You can replay it here: link to clip. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
*
14:07 - Whales now at Possession Bar, spread out fishing, some trending north/northeast [approx. 47.862626, -122.434462]. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
*
14:07 - Heading northeast mostly but some are facing different directions. -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
13:50 - Visible from Stamm Overlook Park with binoculars. -Olivia Carpenter
*
13:48 - [calls on Sunset Bay]. -Sarah Geist
*
13:40 - Saw a male popping up a few times near Haines Wharf Park (I think? White structure) from Kingston-Edmonds ferry. Ferry did a great job moving slowly entire way. -Fusa Nz
*
13:15 - From Edmonds fishing pier heading north can view with naked eye. -Kayla Zabecki
*
13:04 - Heading into ferry lanes.
13:01 - Blows straight off of Marina Park in Edmonds. Northbound, west of mid. -Deb Cronheim
*
12:55 - A group closer to east is just south of ferry lane heading northbound, viewing from 12:40 Edmonds-Kingston ferry. -Fusa Nz
*
12:53 - Moved quickly and seemingly closer to the east side as viewing is getting difficult from here.
12:44 - Viewing from President Point midchannel passed buoy. Small boat with them. Heading north. -Ashley Alecci Goninan
*
12:06 - Viewing from Carkeek Park. Directly across on west side of the channel. Spread and milling, slightly trending north. -Olivia Carpenter
*
11:59 - Viewing from Sunset Hill Park. Near three boats. Can’t tell direction [approx. 47.764256, -122.455373]. -Kayla Zabecki
*
11:22 - Watching from Daybreak Star, four to five whales spread out northbound, directly east of Port Madison, mid channel. -Aja Petee
*
10:30 - Watching from Valley Road Bainbridge. Slowly moving south… mid to west of channel, breaching, surfing on the wake of big boat, beautiful! -Sue Surowiec Larkin
*
10:12 - About a mile north of this ship!
10:10 - Watching from Rolling Bay on Bainbridge... many orca, mid channel, spread out, traveling south. Currently north of fishing boats. -Kimberly Sylvester
*
09:44 - Looks like some are south of Port Madison, close to Kitsap side. Still southbound. -Larry Benesh
*
08:52 - They are very spread out, now south of President Point… did see one full breach! 
08:25 - Orcas southbound, near Shoreline, east side, three or four, and one mid channel. -Trish Moylan Davis
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Tue, Oct 22 - Active Pass (T65As minus T65A3 & T65A5, T99s minus T99B) - T65A4 Ellifrit, T65A2 Ooxjaa, T65A Artemis - On October 22, the T065As and the T099s travelled eastbound through Active Pass. The late afternoon sun nicely backlit their spoofs as they entered the Pass. Photos taken from the shore of Galiano Island, BC.  -photos by Karoline Cullen, October 22, 2024

October 21
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Mon, Oct 21 - Puget Sound (J Pod)
21:00 - Still hearing faint calls on Sunset Bay.
20:15 - Still hearing calls on Sunset Bay. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
20:01 - Clear calls on Sunset Bay again. -Grace McRae
*
19:30 - Just turned on the Sunset Bay hydrophone and am hearing some faint calls. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
19:26 - Lots of calls still on the Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Isabelle Ivankovich Busby
*
19:08 - Still hearing them. -Joe Dreimiller
*
18:35 - Steady northbound in Possession Sound, most just cleared Possession Point headed towards Glendale. Whidbey side close to shore.
18:30 - One is between Possession Point and south Mukilteo. Others are trending towards Possession Sound. -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
18:30 - S01 & a couple S10 calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone. Link to clips. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
*
18:29 - Hearing calls Sunset Bay Hydrophone. -Linda Aitkins
*
18:10 - From Stamm Park, J pod spread between bearings to Satchett Head and Possession Point Green buoy, generally eastbound but some direction changes, likely foraging [video in FB comments]. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
*
18:08 - About here now [approx. 47.888583, -122.396431 (1 mi. S of Possession Point)].
18:06 - They’re still in the same area but trending northeast ish. 
17:45 - More east but same update as last comment. -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
17:25 - I heard them on Sunset Bay hydrophone for just a bit. -Joe Dreimiller
*
17:15 - They seem stalled in area due south of Whidbey, east of Eglon, northwest of Edmonds, spread out, likely foraging. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
16:58 - From the ferry can confirm the fins I saw (~5ish) were pointed east. -Hongming Zheng
*
16:50 - Some appear eastbound from same area that Catherine indicated. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
16:46 - I can see some of them where the white circle is [approx. 47.871898, -122.430313]. Heading south. -Catherine Alvarado Soto
*
16:28 - Appear to be continuing southbound maybe out from Eglon area maybe?
15:59 - Some have grouped up and are southbound approximately here-ish [approx. 47.895695, -122.470048] I'd guess? Viewing from Stamm. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
Positive IDs for J26, J38, J39, J45 & J47. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
*
15:35 - Some trending east from that same area. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
15:20 - Just saw two breaches from the cliffs south of Point No Point but very far north in my view and still traveling north. First time I've ever seen JPod in person!  -Rachel Messerschmidt
*
14:45 - I left Point No Point. Whales were spread out foraging. Seem to be drifting toward us slowly with the outgoing tide but no clear direction. -Jim Pasola
*
14:30 - Likely moved more west of midchannel, I can barely see with binos, those with scopes faring a bit better.
14:20 - Appear very spread throughout this area [approx. 47.883399, -122.473591], some facing north, some heading south. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
14:15 - Viewing through binoculars and spotting scope from Stamm Overlook Park, a milling group of three to four including an adult male is in line with Point No Point on a true bearing of 309 degrees, possibly moving north slowly due to ebbing tidal current.
13:47 - From Stamm Overlook Park, another (second) adult male northbound on east side of channel crossing a true bearing of 273 degrees.
13:35 - Viewing from Stamm Overlook Park, saw five surfacings of adult male beyond the NOAA research vessel, on east side of shipping lanes, all showing steady northwest bound movement. Whale was sighted on a true bearing of 277 degrees. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
*
13:32 - Viewing from Eglon, they are approaching Meadowdale, still heading north. Lots of surface activity.  -Catherine Alvarado Soto
*
12:51 - Some still south of lanes.
12:50 - Some north of us, most northwest or just west of ferry.
13:05 - They look to be in the Possession triangle, about midchannel due south of Whidbey, lots of directional changes, VERY spread out.
12:49 - I am on the Edmonds ferry and they are very aware of whales and proceeding very slowly.
12:45 - In Edmonds ferry lanes and to north very spread out. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
12:30 - 20+ whales have all cleared Kayu Kayu, northbound just east of midchannel. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
*
12:20 - They are moving with some purpose. The leaders are now approaching the tank farm. Spread out with some quite a bit behind and seem to be a little bit farther east now. Large group well behind line of sight Kayu Kayu clearly fishing directional changes about mid-channel. Visible from Kingston leaders are just about to reach the yellow buoy off President's Point. NOAA boat with them. -photos by Jim Pasola, October 21, 2024
*
11:45 - No longer in sight from Sunset Hill Park, still were cruising northbound, next best spots Carkeek Park then Richmond Beach. -Sarah Nickel Smith
*
11:00 - North of Shilshole viewing from Fay Bainbridge research boat with them. Hope they can navigate the multitude of fishing nets on the water. I count 13 fishing boats between the seiners and the gill netters. -Jim Pasola
*
10:45 - From Richmond Beach - Discovery Park GroupMe: Orcas still northbound. Spread out from Discovery Park towards south end of Golden Gardens. Mid channel-ish. Milling or northbound slow. Some breaches and tail slaps (Matt Leaman, Krisi, Julia Cramer). -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
*
10:51 - Research boat with Jpod… passing mid Shilshole northbound mid-east channel. -Sue Surowiec Larkin
*
10:06 - Heading north mid channel by Rolling Bay - from ferry. -Chelsea Freniere
*
10:00 - A group of orcas with at least one male and decent spread north of Bainbridge Island ferry lanes (rough guess on map [approx. 47.641117, -122.439003]). Hard to tell direction of travel but would say west/north, closer to Seattle side of Sound. -Katie Puckly
*
09:51 - Approaching Eagle Harbor northbound.
09:45 - It kind of looks like they’re headed northbound again [approx. 47.614776, -122.462551]. -Alexander Simenstad
*
09:00 - Spotting blows while standing at Pier 69. Waaaaaayyy out across water, closer to Bainbridge! -Alli Montgomery
*
08:28 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 08:52 to report: 0828hrs: Vessel CHETZMOKA reports 5 orcas located 3/4 nm off West Point light, heading west-bound.
*
08:13 - Victoria Clipper 5 reports "many orcas" southbound at West Point. -Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Mon, Oct 21 - Agate Pass (T137s)
11:58 - Sara Frey called to report 4 orcas including one male northbound close to Kitsap side near Apple Tree Point. At this time, believe these are the Bigg's orcas.
*
11:30 - I have a group of orcas cruising peacefully. Mid channel moving north towards Jefferson Point. Maybe the Bigg’s that went through Agate Pass. One big male. Mid channel, no boats around. From Richmond Beach. -Justin Goslin
*
10:00 - They are cruising quickly towards Indianola dock eastbound. Viewing from my kayak at the point across from Suquamish dock. -Kimberly Sylvester
*
09:52 - So lucky to see these wonderful whales. Large male there initially but not seen for about an hour while this group hung around back and forth [video in FB comments].
09:40 - From Suquamish pier [video in FB comments]. -Chelsea Brimble
*
09:31 - Northbound again, three stragglers mid-channel under the Agate Pass Bridge.
09:17 - Whoa, hold the phone! Big male just went northbound up the pass again! 
09:06 - They took off southbound towards Brownsville.
09:00 - They had all moved south of the bridge, southbound and out of sight towards Brownsville-ish. -Ben Blankenship
*
08:39 - Five orcas mid Agate Pass heading out. -Anne Miller
*
08:25 - Three orcas plus one big male milling about in Agate Pass, north of the bridge, favoring the Bainbridge side. Large male last seen south of the bridge. Slowwwwwly northbound. -Ben Blankenship
*
07:30 - I just saw a pod of five orcas passing through Agate Passage. They were headed south. They were passing directly under the Agate Passage Bridge when I saw them.  -Sydney Akers
*
MINKE WHALES -
Mon, Oct 21 - Central Puget Sound
10:00 - [Minke at] Point Defiance, Dune Peninsula this morning. Broke surface three times in front of Dune going towards Dalco… and then seen 15 minutes later out at the right point of Vashon heading out towards Federal Way. -photos by Sandy Pringle, October 21, 2024

October 20
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Sun, Oct 20 - Puget Sound (J Pod) - Orcas spotted today on the Edmonds-Kingston ferry! Link to FB reel. -Charlotte Gerzanics
*
21:37 - Some faint calls. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
20:57 - Calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Isabelle Ivankovich Busby
*
20:22 - Faint calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone.  -Joe Dreimiller
*
20:22 - Calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
20:05 - More calls on Sunset Bay. -Grace McRae
*
19:38 - Calls & echolocation.
19:29 - More calls. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
18:59 - Hearing some louder calls on Sunset Bay now. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
18:24 - Great J pod calls on Sunset Bay. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
16:59 - Marie Waterman, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 17:10 to report: 1659 hrs: MV PUYALLUP Captain reports 10-15 orcas frolicking off the port beam in the middle of the traffic lanes.
*
15:40 - Still see at a distance from Richmond Park farther southwest now. Around this dropped pin [approx. 47.736954, -122.455367].
15:05 - Viewing at a distance from Richmond Beach Saltwater Park. Surface active - near the yellow buoy between Kingston and Jefferson Point. -Andrea Schvaneveldt
*
14:52 - Rain about to hit. Pod right at yellow buoy [halfway] between Kingston and Point Jefferson.
14:49 - I’d say a little west of mid channel. Quite a big group. Heading south slowly. In front of rain line.
14:38 - Spectacular air show going on. -Justin Goslin
*
14:41 - Very surface active and breaching. Appear to be east side of mid-channel approaching Richmond. -Mollie Segall
*
14:37 - They are passing Kayu Kayu, lots of breaches, and still heading south. -photos by Catherine Alvarado Soto, October 20, 2024
*
14:36 - Richmond Park, breaching. -Isabelle Brandicourt
*
14:28 - Arriving at Richmond Beach. Same trajectory as previous post. Slicing up the waves. -Justin Goslin
*
14:00 - J pod east side of channel transect Edmonds Marina Beach and Kingston terminal. Still steady southbound grouped. A beautiful sight. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
13:50 - I saw these beauties heading south on the Edmonds to Kingston ferry. -photo by Shawn Kennedy, October 20, 2024
*
13:47 - They're riding right along side the Edmonds ferry right now, south bound. -Rubie H Baker
*
13:43 - Southbound southwest from Edmonds closer to Kingston side. Viewed from Edmonds fishing dock. Ferry westbound paused for them. -Beriah SoOrio
*
13:12 - Seeing a group passing in front of the Edmonds ferry from Sunset Ave mid-Chanel. Four to six maybe. -D.j. Phelps
*
13:40 - J Pod continues to power southbound now off south end Edmonds Marina approaching Marina Beach about 1.5-2 miles offshore.
12:34 - J pod beautiful. All grouped up powering southbound off Edmonds [approx. 47.826129, -122.402506], about 2 miles offshore and still ~2 miles north of the ferry lanes. Seem to be pushing slightly more east as they move south. Breathtaking even at distance.
12:20 - J pod continues southbound travel powering through the chop [approx. 47.874037, -122.447158]. So beautiful seeing all the big boys slice through the white caps (smallers not quite as visible). Now 2 miles northwest from north end Edmonds Dive Park (Transect dive park to north of Point No Point, but two miles offshore Edmonds).
12:00 - At least dozen or more, if not most/all J pod trended south and are still trending south. Due south Cultus Bay.
11:34 - J pod made it north near South Whidbey and now are foraging around generally south of Possession Point and Ike’s NW Sunset Ave, Edmonds [approx. 47.882944, -122.405585].
10:55 - Generally here slow trend north, maybe slight northwest. Some directional changes. Salmon jumping inshore off Edmonds.
10:49 - J pod still mostly in two groups close to one another about 1.5- 2 miles northwest of north end Edmonds Dive Park. Slow resting pace northbound. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
10:33 - J-pod is northbound straight out from Edmonds Marina, (viewing from shore at the marina) mid-channel. Confirmed photo of J26 but the others are too far away to identify 100%. Thought I saw Cookie’s fin further to the west. We called the captain of the ferry Spokane crossing over from Edmonds to notify them of SRKWs in their path. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
10:36 - A lot of orcas generally in two groups just north of incoming ferry. Seem to be in resting. All northbound. Ferry has slowed/stalled.
10:35 - More in a group south of that guy. Incoming ferry may have good look.
10:30 - At least one male northbound out from about Edmonds pier/ferry dock. I’ve not seen others since relocating to Marina Beach from Kayu Kayu.
10:12 - Some spread. Trending northbound towards Edmonds.
10:07 - Large group of at least half dozen.
10:04 - Got at least two big boys foraging just north of Point Wells [approx. 47.781947, -122.410100]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
08:30 - The Victoria Clipper reported large group of orcas southbound between Richmond Beach & Carkeek Park, midchannel. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
08:00 - Heard some sounds that sounded like Southern Residents on Sunset Bay hydrophone.  -Alisa Lemire Brooks [PSWS]
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sun, Oct 20 - Hood Canal (T65As minus T65A3 & T65A5)
16:33 - Northbound east of mid.
16:31 - Seeing at least one at Eagle Creek. -Kelly Dawson
*
16:30 - Saw three to four spouts (possible same animal) at Hood Canal marina facing west. -Bethany Bethany
*
14:48 - Now just passing Union Marina headed toward north shore bald point. Tail flapping.
14:42 - It’s in between Alderbrook and Union Marina. They are circling in the middle of the canal, possibly feeding.
14:34 - Mile marker 17 headed west. Middle of canal. -Scott Ekman
*
14:36 - Watching from Hood Canal Marina in Union. the whales. They are milling mid channel. -Jami Rouse Ankley
*
14:30 - We did see them on the way back in the center of canal heading to Union. They put on a little show. Tail slapping and some. Very cool! -Jamie Tramitz Ekman
*
13:55 - Moving west fast close to north shore at Sisters Point. -photos by Kevin Hogan, October 20, 2024
*
13:35 - West of Twanoh headed west [video in FB comments]. -Paul Davis
*
13:06 - They are headed west slowly passed Twanoh on the other side. -Julie Davis
*
12:45 - They are passing Twanoh headed west. -Paul Davis
*
12:33 - It’s about four-ish miles east of Twanoh State Park. But they are headed back west again, out of sight for me but probably very close to Twanoh again.
11:58 - They are currently around mile marker 15 of State Route 106 along the south shore of the canal.  -Brad Byron
*
11:30 - Orcas moving east. Mid canal. Mile 14 on State Route 106. -Laura Ethridge
*
10:49 - Headed northeast towards Belfair right across from Pebble Beach Lane. -Jessica Morgan Rempfer
*
09:42 - Big orca in center of Hood Canal off Union moving towards Belfair. Three smaller near southern shore. Drove down five miles and they changed places. Three in center, big guy south shore. No hunting yet seals hugging shoreline on nrth side. Hoping to see them on their way back. -Jamie Tramitz Ekman
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Jamie Ekman
Date of Sighting: October 20, 2024
Time: 9:42 AM
Species seen: Orca, most likely Biggs
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: In front of Union, WA
Direction of travel : Belfair SE
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: Male 5 foot dorsal fin
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: 3 smaller on South shore
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Audrey Lambert
Date of Sighting: October 20, 2024
Time: 8:45 AM
Species seen: Orca (likely Transient)
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Offshore from Musqueti point, near North shore of Hood Canal
Direction of travel : Moving south, towards Skokomish estuary, then possibly west/southwest [corrected to east/southeast], out of sight around Musqueti Point
Behaviors observed: Spyhopping, fluke slapping, milling; loud exhalations and lots of activity at the surface
If orcas, any males?: At least one male, possibly two. Could not definitively discern total number of animals in group due to activity.
Any unusual markings?: Unable to determine at distance
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Whales were very active at surface, close to Mustakumwode and then moving south off of Musqueti Point, eventually moving towards Skokomish River outlet/estuary area and then disappearing (likely south/southwest [corrected southeast], turning direction toward Belfair). One non-tribal fishing boat, aluminum with yellow, approached whales very closely, motoring over them at times before speeding off, with large male surfacing directly behind the boat. This boat came between the whales and the north shore and appeared to cause them to move into deeper waters.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
Sun, Oct 20 - South Puget Sound (T137s)
18:10 - Seeing blows from Bella Beach at a distance heading southbound out of Carr Inlet west of mid closer to Longbranch side. -Andrea Schvaneveldt
*
15:31 - As we leave the scene the T137 pod were all grouped up together in a southwest direction [approx. 47.338678, -122.685483 (off Raft Island)].
15:13 - Southbound now swimming quickly [47.356281, -122.669522 (off Minter)].
14:42 - Update northeast direction and they are spreading out again after their meal [approx. 47.345425, -122.683668 (So. of Minter)].
14:33 - T137 pod finishing up a meal are starting to swim slowly northbound now [approx. 47.327034, -122.695794 (W. of Raft Island)]. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
14:29 - T137s are mid channel on the blue dot in the center [approx. 47.326447, -122.696804] of Carr inlet, no direction of travel, likely just made a kill, big slick and lots of birds. -Grayden Kelbert
*
14:28 - Just found the T137s in Carr Inlet. Just west of Raft Island. -Trevor Tillman
*
11:40 - They were from so far away! As they seemed to head towards Fox Island from my viewpoint on the Anderson Island ferry, here is what I saw. I was thankful the ferry workers pointed out the blows!
11:20 - At least one whale, type unknown, spouting between Steilacoom and Chambers Bay mid channel or closer to east side.  -photo by Lane Sample, October 20, 2024
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Sun, Oct 20 - Admiralty Inlet
12:18 - This juvenile humpback is milling and lunge feeding at the surface near my map spot [approx. 47.930445, -122.497334 (between Point No Point and Useless Bay)].
11:57 - One juvenile humpback is southbound at my map spot [between Point No Point & Maxwelton - approx. 47.935807, -122.487828 (between Point No Point and Useless Bay)]. -Bart Rulon Wildlife

October 19
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Sat, Oct 19 - Admiralty Inlet/North Puget Sound (J Pod)
20:20 - Turned on the Sunset Bay hydrophone again and have been hearing calls for a few minutes. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
18:47 - Still hearing distant calls. -T.L. Stokes
*
18:41 - Hearing calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Linda Aitkins
*
18:14 - Still hearing faint calls occasionally on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Orca Network
*
17:45 - Seeing fins of two males facing southbound due south of Possession Point about one and half to two miles [approx. 47.856338, -122.395687]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
17:29 - Heard a few faint calls on Sunset Bay again. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
17:15 - I had a good look at the orca earlier but it didn’t surface again and I’ve since moved a little south and have not seen them or any others yet. Cannot confirm if it was one of J pod.
16:55 - Quick visual on single female or juvie male off Stamm Overlook close to Edmonds side facing southbound. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
16:04 - Hearing faint calls on Sunset Bay again.
15:33 - Was hearing some echolocation clicks briefly on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Orca Network
*
15:24 - A few louder calls now. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
15:23 - Louder call on Sunset Bay now. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
15:20 - Hearing JPod calls on Sunset hydrophone. -Sarah Geist
*
15:20 - Calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone.
12:20 - Orcas on Skunk Bay camera. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Amanda Rueda
Date of Sighting: October 19, 2024
Time: 1:14 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: W of Point No Point, Hansville
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed: Slow travel
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sat, Oct 19 - San Juans
08:59 - Just spotted a single orca as we were leaving Friday Harbor about 10-15 minutes ago! Link to FB video. -Joel Downs 
*
Sat, Oct 19 - Puget Sound (T137s)
18:13 - Just under the Narrows heading north. -Katrina Larsen
*
17:15 - Parked in line for ferry from Vashon to Point Defiance four orcas swam by headed towards Gig Harbor. -Stephanie Gimse
*
5:50 - Four orcas just swam [southbound] past lighthouse on Vashon. -Suzanne Gullace [PSWS]

October 18
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Fri, Oct 18 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (J Pod)
17:00 - J-Pod eastbound from Race Rocks. -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Fri, Oct 18 - Port Angeles
08:00 - Believe we just saw an orca outside of Port Angeles. -photos by Trevor Jae-Brinkman, October 18, 2024
*
Fri, Oct 18 - Haro Strait - Here’s a screen grab [video in FB comments] of a few seconds. Definitely more than one. -Sarah Geist [WSSJI]
*
14:04 - 14:06 - Just spotted an orca within a spot of circling and rafting seabirds on Lime Kiln camera. Orca pointed up-island off of the point. On playback 14:04:09 - 14:06:08. -Julie Massa [WSSJI]
*
Fri, Oct 18 - Holmes Harbor (Possible T137s)
17:09 - There are two orcas in Holmes Harbor near Honeymoon Bay. Too far away to determine identity, but fun, nonetheless! Heading in the direction of Saratoga Passage [north]. -Karen Amador [WIWS]
*
Fri, Oct 18 - Puget Sound (Possible T65Bs)
17:00 - I am on the ferry to Seattle from Bremerton. There were four or five orcas headed inland [probable southbound] over near Blake Island. They were about a mile out from the ferry so could [not] see too well. -Emily Hamilton [PSWS]
*
PORPOISES -
Fri, Oct 18 - South Puget Sound - Harbor porpoise viewed from Fox Island Pier. Link to FB video. -Thomas MacRae

October 17
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Thu, Oct 17 - Bellingham Bay (T123s)
12:09 - Reported by a friend as two transients heading into the bay.  -Jennifer Hunt [PSWS]
*
11:11 - Between Eliza and Larrabee.
10:55 - Orcas in Bellingham Bay yesterday and right now! -Ficus Chan [PSWS]
*
Thu, Oct 17 - San Juans (T18s)
10:55 - Now westbound into Cayou Channel. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
09:40 - Maybe T19s west side Shaw. No direction. -Edenonthe Salishsea [WSSJI]
*
Thu, Oct 17 - Admiralty Inlet (T65As minus T65A3 & T65A5, T65Bs, T137s)
18:46 - Saw the orcas from Admiralty heading into Hood Canal just now. Center channel just northwest of Shine Tidelands. -photo by A, October 17, 2024
*
16:40 - Out from north end Mutiny Bay, midchannel, spread into three groups, southbound.
16:29 - I see blows probably around south end Marrowstone west side of channel.
15:08 - Both groups almost due north of Flagler, lead group much closer & due southbound. The trailing group, in general southbound, but headed east, still way on Port Townsend side. Photos distant, but 65As & maybe 65Bs trailing, lead group had a male so wondering if that's 137s? The only photo I got of lead group appears to show 137A.15:05 - There's a group about half mile ahead of the others. I'd get to Fort Flagler if you can
14:59 - Much closer to Port Townsend, passing Port Townsend now, southbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
15:19 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: 1503hrs: Vessel KENNEWICK reports they've spotted 8-10 orcas off Pt. Hudson, heading southbound. 
*
14:15 - Ten orcas off North Beach, Port Townsend, will be passing Point Wilson in about ten minutes, they are southbound into Admiralty T137As, 65As and 65Bs. -Christopher Hanke
*
14:17 - Six orcas heading east, Admiralty Inlet. Approaching Fort Worden. -Cyrilla Cook
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Thu, Oct 17 - Haro Strait (CRC-15671 Split Fluke & CRC-15979 Bond)
17:48 - Two humpbacks exiting Cattle Pass to the south. -Dale Wallgren Prugar [WSSJI]
*
15:00 - Probably Split Fluke and Bond that we had at Point Caution. -John Boyd [WSSJI]

October 16
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Wed, Oct 16 - San Juans (T18s)
15:40 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 15:49 to report: 1540hrs: Vessel TILLIKUM Captain reports that the 2 orca are now WB in Cayou Channel.
*
14:44 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 15:04 to report: 1444hrs: TILLIKUM reports they have slowed due to 2 orca, NB [northbound] in the southern entrance to Upright Channel. 
*
13:45 - They passed Point Caution southbound close to shore. Past Friday Harbor now. -Cindy Hansen, Orca Network [WSSJI]
*
10:35 - Three orcas in Spieden heading east!  -Cari Larsen Scheef [WSSJI]
*
Wed, Oct 16 - Admiralty Inlet (Probable T65As minus T65A3 & T65A5) - Thanks to the Orcasound live-listener(s) for tagging these rare sounds made by Bigg's killer whales this morning, first at Bush Point (08:45) and then at Port Townsend (09:37). (I only moderated/confirmed them...) You can replay 30-second clips from the two reports here -- https://live.orcasound.net/reports. Thanks to Orca Network for hosting the Bush Point hydrophone! Thanks to the Port Townsend Marine Science Center for hosting the Port Townsend hydrophone! -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
*
10:49 - WIWS just received a sighting of four orcas off Fort Worden west bound. One male, three females/juvenile. -Kevin Phillips
*
10:35 - At least two orcas seen off Point Wilson headed west. -Hillary Michaele Sanders
*
08:48 - Confirming Biggs calls [on Bush Point hydrophone] heard by an orca sound listener at 08:48 this morning!  -Scott Viers, Orcasound 
*
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES -
Wed, Oct 16 - Strait of Juan de Fuca
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Carolyn Dunmire
Date of Sighting: October 16, 2024
Time: 11:30 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 8
Where seen: from Coho Ferry closer to Port Angeles on Crossing of San Juan de Fuca
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: Did not notice
Any unusual markings?: No
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: We were traveling south. Large group of small orcas. Could clearly see dorsal fins but no tails showing.
Photos available?: No

October 15
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Tue, Oct 15 - Swiftsure Bank (J Pod) - Excerpt from the Center for Whale Research Encounter #109: “Pausing to scan south of Magdalena Point, Vancouver Island, Mark spotted some distant exhalations in line with Clallam Bay, and Joe quickly confirmed through binoculars that they belonged to a male and female killer whale, travelling west. Assuming Bigg’s, the guys were surprised to see a female resident killer whale resurface from a prolonged dive. They quickly recognized her as J16! Her male companion was of course J26. The two were foraging in the glassy water, but oddly, no others were visible. It is not unheard of for the J16s to march to their own beat from time to time, but the field team was surprised given the Beaufort 0 conditions and ideal autumn afternoon lighting that they were not at the least seeing the other two members of the matriline, J36 and J42. J16 and J26 appeared to be trending west between foraging dives, so Mark and Joe focused their scans east, having come upon the pair from the west and not seeing others. Finally, Joe spotted a distant dorsal fin of a sprouting male. They made their way toward him, and began seeing more spread killer whales as they neared, finally finding themselves 2.5 nautical miles east of the J16-J26 pair with the westernmost animals of this “new” group…” -Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #109.
*
Tue, Oct 15 - Swiftsure Bank (K & L Pod) - Excerpt from the Center for Whale Research Encounter #108: “After a brief interlude, wondering where to move next, another wave of mixed Ks and Ls appeared to the northeast. These animals included the balance of the L55s – L55 and L109 – with several K14s and K16s. this group was pushing southwest toward the others, and the CWR team paced them until L25 popped up in their path, foraging on her own. She led the guys to the first sighting of the L54s for the day, as the matriarch herself travelled south alongside her sons, L108 and L117. L88 soon appeared to the west, completing the quartet – L88 has travelled consistently with L54 and her offspring for several years, and is generally included in “the L54s”. The CWR crew ended the encounter with the L54s trending southwest with the rest of the clan, less J pod, and began the near-65 nautical mile journey back to Victoria…” -Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #108.
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Tue, Oct 15 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T49C) - As we turned to leave [Race Rocks] T49C transient orca swam by! The highlight for me was the sea otter in the Strait as we headed back to Edmonds! Thanks to Captain Trevor for a great trip on PSE Edmonds! Link to more photos. -photo by Janine Harles, October 15, 2024
*
Tue, Oct 15 - San Juans
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Richard Spore
Date of Sighting: October 15, 2024
Time: 4:44 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 6
Where seen: Entrance of harbor Patos Island. This is the second visit today: #1 heading toward Sucia Is. Around 11:00 sighting #2 as noted above. Looks like 1 young and large bull with a wobbly fin.
Direction of travel : Sighting 1 southerly Sighting 2 Northerly
Behaviors observed: Slow travel with some milling off the entrance. Not in any hurry.
If orcas, any males?: 1 large male
Any unusual markings?: Wobbly dorsal fin
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: We are the only boat here or in the area, to have 2 visits in a day was an incredible. No whale boats makes it even better
Photos available?: No
*
Tue, Oct 15 - Hood Canal (T65As minus T65A3 & T65A5)
16:50 - I'm at Eagle Creek. Pod of unknown feeding mid channel. -Lorraine Friis Eckstein
*
16:06 - At least three. Milling, Mid-channel, between Hood Point and Duckabush. Slight north /bound travel. Potentially T65As. -R/V WDFW 572. -Kwasi Addae
*
09:59 - Four just passed MP 14 on Northshore. Appear to be heading that way. -photo by Robert Wills, October 15, 2024
*
09:45 - Four orcas moving slow, mid channel, heading west, Hood Canal. MP 13-14 [47.36106, -123.04447]. -[WA app]
*
09:34 - Four orcas reported, no direction given [47.37212, -123.01851]. -[WA app]
*
09:14 - Just saw them heading towards Union from the North Shore. -Mike Anderson
*
08:14 - Just passed Twanoh State park going slow toward Belfair. -photo by Michel Kerns Topp, October 15, 2024
*
06:50 - I took the dog outside, it was dark. I could not see, but I did hear at least two orcas. Following the sounds they are traveling east toward Belfair. Hood Canal. About MP 13 [47.36104, -123.04450]. -Robert Wills
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Tue, Oct 15 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (CRC-15966 Merlin, CRC-17724 Scuttle, CRC-16503 Hemlock) - CRC-16503 Hemlock & CRC-17724 Scuttle - CRC-16503 Hemlock - Up at Race Rocks lighthouse near Victoria BC encountered Merlin, Scuttle and Hemlock humpbacks… there were many more in the distance! Thanks to Captain Trevor for a great trip on PSE Edmonds! Link to more photos. -photos & IDs by Janine Harles, October 15, 2024
*
PORPOISES -
Tue, Oct 15 - San Juans
19:00 - From the shore; they were seen off the west side of Orcas Island looking out to the San Juan Strait. -photo by Jewels Watt, October 15, 2024

October 14
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Mon, Oct 14 - Hood Canal (T65As minus T65A3 & T65A5)
18:15 - Passing Twana right now. -Brian Coram
*
17:10 - We just now saw at least two [orcas] heading slowly east, midway between Twanoh and Alderbrook, hugging north shore. -Tori Dulemba
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Mon, Oct 14 - Holmes Harbor
16:30 - I’m writing to report an encounter with a humpback whale in Holmes Harbor [Whidbey] this afternoon. Seemed to go all the way to the end of the harbor and then circled back out. -Chelsea Willis

October 13
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sun, Oct 13 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T35As, T46B1s, T46C2, T49As, T65Bs) - T46C2 Sam - T35A2 Topaz - T49A1 Noah -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network - We encountered just west of Victoria BC. Had to go a little further to find them but such a joy to see them all together! Present were T49A’s, T35A’s, T65B’s, T46B1s, T46C2. Link to more photos. -photos by Jennifer Swenson, October 13, 2024
*
Sun, Oct 13 - Hood Canal (T65As minus T65A3 & T65A5) - T65A Artemis & T65A6 Callisto - Taken from Twanoh State Park. Link to more photos. -photos by Catherine Alvarado Soto, October 13, 2024
*
T65A2 Ooxjaa - Ooxjaa has some new designs. He's the only one I got a decent look at today. The others kept their distance and the light was terribly harsh. Link to more photos. -photos by Jim Pasola, October 13, 2024
*
Twanoh State Park pass tonight. Link to more photos. -photos by Kristen Waite-George, October 13, 2024
*
18:27 - Saw another one about 10 minutes. ago. Yes, I believe eastbound. Closer to south shore. Correction westbound. Moving out.
17:55 - 6721 NE North Shore Rd. Just saw one! Moving slow. -Heidi Husted Armstrong
*
18:10 - Spotted from beach just east of Happy Hollow.
18:10 - Seeing them to the west from a beach just east of Happy Hollow business.
17:48 - Forest Beach best public space to utilize right now.
17:46 - Right off Twanoh Beach Club (private club).
17:12 - Traveling east of Twanoh but all the way on the other side, Forest Beach as next vantage point on this side I suspect.
16:57 - They’re almost straight in front of Twanoh now. -Jeff Meredith
*
17:11 - Just past Twanoh State Park heading east. Beautiful. -Julie Davis
*
17:10 - Passed Twanoh still eastbound, mid channel to Tahuya side. Long down times covering good distances while under. -Ashley S Whitman
*
16:51 - They’re across from Twanoh now [approx. 47.384414, -122.996897]. -Robin Warshaw
*
16:21 - We have eyes on blowholes west of the Twanoh dock. -Ryan Given
*
16:14 - Viewing from Twanoh State Beach at a distance. Mid channel. -Andrea Schvaneveldt
*
15:54 - Male orca just seen north side of channel Mile Post 13. Northeast North Shore Road. -Robert Wills
*
15:20 - Two males and one female or juvie just east of Union. Saw one slow surface nothing since. Long dive. -Ashley S Whitman
*
16:00 - They are headed towards Twanoh from those spot [approx. 47.353243, -123.048859].
15:58 - They are south of Potlatch heading east. Dropping pin. -Julie Davis
*
15:50 - This was when they passed by Tahuya. It was great to meet everyone and thank you all for the help in finding them! It was amazing to see. -Melinda Wood
*
15:35 - Still on Tahuya side traveling eastbound deeper into Hood Canal. -Ashley S Whitman
*
15:00 - They've rounded Ayers Point heading towards Tahuya, Tahuya side of mid channel; Ooxjaa was actually close so definitely 65As. -Jim Pasola
*
14:43 - Seeing three orcas heading south at Potlatch. -Julie Davis
*
14:33 - Approaching Potlatch State Park. 
14:10 - They were milling for a little bit in the same area, now moving south again. Four to five orcas.
13:49 - They are by the Hahobas Shoreline Preserve, still heading south.  -Catherine Alvarado Soto
*
13:35 - Heading south from near Rest-A-While RV resort.
12:54 - Viewing from here, they are milling.
12:45 - They appear to be predating.
12:38 - They appear to be milling in Dewatto Bay. 
12:32 - We just see them from Liliwaup still heading south.  -Ira Rickman
*
11:30 - Three orcas in Hood Canal heading south, just went past Hamma Hamma River. -Michelle Lerat [PSWS]
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Sun, Oct 13 - Haro Strait
10:33 - Northbound passing Smallpox Bay, three humpbacks and close to shore. Possible mom, kid and friend. -April Ryan, Maya’s Legacy [WSSJI] 
*
10:18 - Humpback just north of Lime Kiln. No direction but several purse seiners around. -Julie Woodruff [WSSJI]

October 12
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sat, Oct 12 - Strait of Juan de Fuca
13:52 - On the Blackball ferry and just saw a solo whale spouting. It was an orca and we were about two-thirds the way across to Victoria. -Teena Williams
*
Sat, Oct 12 - Haro Strait
19:21 - Ended up seeing about five swimming northbound in Haro Strait mid-channel. Viewed from Landbank. -Barton Minium
*
Sat, Oct 12 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T35As) - T35A1 Opal - We then headed toward Cattle Pass and caught up with the T35As, Lester and family. -photos by Bonnie Gretz, October 12, 2024
*
T35A3 Garnet & T35A1 Opal - T35A1 Opal -photos by Jill Hein, October 12, 2024
*
I am in the Puget Sound area on a business trip. I came day early hoping to seen killer whales in the San Juan Islands. Today I went out with Outer Island Excursions out of Anacortes and we saw the T35A Bigg's killer whale family. Mom Lester and her four children ranging in age from 2-14. Link to FB videos.  -Tracy Gibbs Sargent
*
16:40 - Northbound in Cattle Pass now closer to the Lopez side.
15:55 - T35As south of Cattle Pass heading north towards the pass. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
15:27 - We are near Whidbey and Smith Island. We just saw the T35As. -Maxcey Sligh
*
Sat, Oct 12 - Strait of Juan de Fuca/Admiralty Inlet (T117 & T120) - T120 - T117 -ID by Melisa Pinnow - Another beautiful fall day on the water, on Puget Sound Express with Jill Hein and Wendi Robinson. Just north of Port Townsend we found a minke, or two! We then found one gorgeous male orca around Point Wilson, who turned out to be T120 (b. 1986)... new to me! There were two others near him… his pod is mom T117 (b.1976), sister T117B (b.2005) and her calf T117B1 (b. 2023), though I didn't see a little one. We then headed toward Cattle Pass and caught up with the T35As, Lester and family.  -photos by Bonnie Gretz, October 12, 2024
*
T120 - What an amazing treat on Saturday Oct 12 – to be out on the water with Puget Sound Express aboard Saratoga – and finding some Biggs whales I’d never seen before – after 20+ years of whale watching in the Salish Sea! Exciting for sure. This small-ish group was very spread out in the area between Protection Island and Burrows LH, Matriach T117 b. 1976, son T120 b. 1986. Other whales were present but I don’t have good enough pics for IDs. These particular whales don’t have names yet - T120 - a big boy - was easy to see and photograph, the others very distant. So cool - and we also had a minke whale!   -photos by Jill Hein, October 12, 2024
*
T120 -ID by Brendon Bissonnette & Melisa Pinnow -photo by Jason Cook, October 12, 2024
*
17:13 - Male continuing southbound, mid channel. It is now south of Bush Point moving slowly.
16:32 - Viewing from Bush Point ramp- seeing one orca (male) , mid to other. Traveling southbound. Changed to a higher location - male is mid. Haven’t seen the others that were reported earlier. He is continuing south. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
15:09 - Four-ish knots southbound here with the male. Females to the east [approx. 48.115667, -122.687605]. -Trevor Tillman
*
14:43 - I spotted one male from the Port Townsend side, still headed south. -Bambi Miller
*
14:24 - I can see two heading south, mid channel and behind the container ship. 
14:17 - I'm at Fort Worden, I saw a male one heading east, towards Whidbey.  -Catherine Alvarado Soto
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Jeremy Wheat
Date of Sighting: October 12, 2024
Time: 1:30 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: 48.10088° N, 122.90131° W (mouth of Discovery Bay)
Direction of travel : West
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: 5
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
12:41 - Solo male orca southbound from this mark [approx. 48.162466, -122.890862 (5 mi. north of Discovery Bay)]. -Jason Cook
*
MINKE WHALES -
Sat, Oct 12 - Strait of Juan de Fuca
13:40 - Three minkes in the same general area [north of Protection Island]. -Jason Cook
*
Minke whales between Protection Island & Whidbey. Link to more photos. -photos by Jason Cook, October 12, 2024
*
photo by Bonnie Gretz, October 12, 2024
*
photo by Jill Hein, October 12, 2024

October 11
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Fri, Oct 11 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T49C) - T49C Nielson
12:46 - Single male [orca] [approx. 48.374649, -123.158767 (5 mi. SE of Victoria BC)].
12:40 - Orca! Eastbound. Unknown ID. Unknown number. Only one fin so far. -photo by A, October 11, 2024
*
Fri, Oct 11 - San Juans (T35As & T123s) - T123A Stanley - Another spectacularly beautiful day, dead calm seas, and we found the T35As again, but this time T123A Stanley was with them. Born in 2000, he’s at his prime. They traveled along the shores of Decatur Island, the back-lit blows were so pretty. -photos by Jill Hein, October 11, 2024
*
T123A Stanley - T35A2 Topaz - We caught up with the T35As (Jill and I saw them last week with Chainsaw!)...this time they were with the T123s… beautiful T123A Stanley (b. 2000), his mom T123 Sidney (b. 1985), and sisters T123C Lucky (b.2012), and T123D Darcy (b. 2018), in Lopez Bay. They were initially hugging the shore line in the dark smooth water, with beautiful back-lit blows enhanced by the fall coloring along the beach. They then headed out and south, going past Burrows Island. Fall whales are awesome! -photos by Bonnie Gretz, October 11, 2024 
*
T35A Lester & T35A4 - T35A Lester - T123s and T35As near Lopez island. Serene encounter! Link to more photos. -photos by Cindi Crowder Rasuch, October 11, 2024
*
Male is T123A Stanley - Perfect fall day. Friends, whales and nature! On IE5 with T35As, a new family for me, and T123s including their gorgeous big boy T123A, Stanley! -photos by Donna George, October 11, 2024
*
T123A Stanley -photos by A, October 11, 2024
*
17:16 - All are past the south tip of Smith from my view. My last update. Come visit us Stanley!
16:57 - Passing east side of Minor now.
16:49 - Viewing from above Hastie Lake County Park. They have moved west. But so far do look to be heading towards the east side of Smith/Minor Islands. -Sarah Geist
*
15:20 - Southbound [approx. 48.396601, -122.726133 (2 mi. W of Deception Pass)].
14:22 - Southbound. Large T group [approx. 48.456650, -122.782340 (E of Lopez Is.)]. -A
*
13:56 - T123 pod and T35As are eastbound at my my map spot [approx. 48.479868, -122.821255 (Decatur Is.)]. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
Per Cindi Crowder Rausch on the water, it's the T35As & T123s. [9 whales total]
*
13:01 - Three orcas spotted east side of Lopez between us and Center Island. -Noel Andrews Abrams

October 10
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Thu, Oct 10 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T65A5, T65Bs, T137s)
13:15 - The T137 pod, T65B pod and T65A5 are westbound at my map spot [48.235842, -123.202068 (between Victoria and Dungeness Spit)]. They have departed Puget Sound. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
UNIDENTIFIED SPECIES -
Thu, Oct 10 - Puget Sound
17:08 - Puget Sound dolphins!? Was watching off our deck and swear I saw gray bottlenose dolphins racing by headed toward Illahee. I’m very familiar with porpoises and these were different shape, color, movement and speed. Anyone else see this? I didn’t have my camera handy. -Jonathan Quello

October 9
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Wed, Oct 9 - Haro Strait (T60D & T60E)
12:47 - 60D&E. -Pete Ancich [WSSJI] 
*
12:45 - Whale watch boats on something Kelp Reefs light moving slowly northeast. -James Richardson [WSSJI] 
*
Wed, Oct 9 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T46Bs)
15:29 - [Orcas] eastbound [in front of] Diamond Point. -John Trubiano [PSWS]
*
Wed, Oct 9 - Puget Sound (T65A5 & T137s)
18:00 - Twenty minutes ago passed Rockaway Beach Park. -Jill Irwin
*
17:47 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: TACOMA reported visual confirmation [of orcas].
*
17:39 - They are passing Rockaway Beach Park on Bainbridge Island, headed north. -Sara Perovich
*
17:25 - Large male north of south end of Bainbridge, passing on west side of yellow buoy as viewed from Constellation Park. Steady northbound.
17:28 - Leaders almost to Blakely Rocks.
17:15 - Leaders nearing south end of Bainbridge, viewing from Emma Schmitz. -Steve Rice
*
17:00 - T137A Jack on his way by Blake Island. -photo by Steve Rice, October 9, 2024
*
17:00 - Smaller orcas by Tillicum Village.
16:53 - Visible from Emma Schmitz just cleared north tip Vashon northbound mid channel. -Mary Hartmann
*
16:52 - Just saw one by Blake Island headed north. On the east side of Blake Island. Could’ve been more but I’m on the ferry and it was way away. -Sam Lee Erwin
*
16:53 - Northbound passing the south end of Blake island, mid channel, as viewed from Lowman Beach.
16:56 - Some passing Tillicum Village. -Steve Rice
*
16:40 - Austin Hicks called to report seeing four orcas from the Vashon ferry traveling northeast.
*
16:37 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 16:47 to report: 1637hrs: CATHLAMET notified and they report the group is mid-channel between FAU and VASH, and are crossing the route now.
*
16:37 - And some at the ferry dock now too, viewing from Emma Schmitz. Still northbound.
16:35 - Blows sighted south of Vashon ferry dock, Vashon side. -Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network
*
15:53 - Spotting them north of Point Robinson, northbound, island side of channel. -Ellen Cole
*
16:35 - Spray in between north end of Vashon and Blake, heading northbound all the way over by the islands watching from Brace Point in West Seattle.
16:28 - Looks like the ferry is stopped just saw some spray across the water by Vashon closer to the north end I’m watching from Brace Point just south of the ferry dock. -Gina Cunningham
*
16:29 - Hearing from a friend they are now past Dolphin Point/Vashon headed northbound approaching the ferry lanes. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Seanna Browder
Date of Sighting: October 09, 2024
Time: 3:21 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Point Robinson
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: 2
Any unusual markings?: 0
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: One was if as Jack. Transients
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
T137A Jack & T65A5 Indy - T137A Jack
14:49 - Orcas now north of Point Robinson. Stepped on the beach just in time to see Jack/T137A and Indy/T65A5 pass close in to island. Missed other group who I could see in the distance farther north, out closer to mid. All leisurely pace north/east moving closer to mid as they go. -photos by Marla Smith, October 9, 2024
*
14:40 - Now a bit more mid channel. 
14:37 - Passing Point Robinson now. Closer to the Vashon side. Headed north. -Annette Messitt
*
14:32 - Followed them at a distance to Point Robinson‘s lighthouse. There were only two not sure where the third one went.
14:07 - Past Browns Point only see two now [approx.47.365119, -122.397399].
13:44 - [approx. 47.351483, -122.435796 (Maury Is.)].
13:32 - Just saw them again heading north on the other side of the ferry [approx. 47.332790, -122.449217]. -Christina Clayton Boles
*
13:27 - Appeared to be heading east towards Dune hugging Vashon side (to clarify).
12:58 - Viewing orca breaching on Vashon side across from Owen Beach but boats east of ferry terminal. -Joe Smith
*
12:30 - Just saw two or three at the tip of Point Defiance. Link to video. -Christina Clayton Boles
*
12:22 - Just saw a solitary orca swimming north in the [Tacoma] Narrows. -Kevin Donovan [PSWS]

October 8
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Tue, Oct 8 - Haro Strait (J Pod)
15:36 - Orcas about a mile out from Eagle Point.
15:08 - Continuing down island towards Pile Point. -Jenny Stands Wilson [WSSJI]
*
15:07 - Not positive but I think I saw a breach!
14:38 - Listening and hearing them. -Kimberly Fritz
*
14:26 - Hearing calls and echolocation clicks on LK hydrophone. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
13:57 - Calls much louder. Previous dorsals coming from south/southwest weren't seen again, may have been matrixing on the Lime Kiln cam and/or chop on the water (wind is blowing directly into camera).
13:40 - A little hard to see because of the wind/rain and distance, but I think I'm seeing a dorsal or two coming up from the south. -Morgan Dale
*
12:10 - 13:49 - Wonderful calls, echolocation, and lots of whistles still on the Orcasound Lab hydrophone reported by Orcasound listeners (no OrcaHello AI detections yet!). Thank you everyone for pushing that "Report sound" button! Ambient noise conditions are great in Haro Strait right now. I've rarely heard such reverberation! You can review annotations and review recordings here - https://live.orcasound.net/reports. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound [WSSJI]
*
13:43 - Leader passing Land Bank. Heading down island. -Jenny Stands Wilson [WSSJI]
*
13:30 - Leaders southbound off Lime Kiln lighthouse. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
13:23 - Listening to Lime Kiln hydrophone, calls getting louder. -Nikol Damato, Orca Network
*
13:21 - Viewing from Landbank distant fins, 1.5 miles offshore heading down island. -Michelline Halliday [WSSJI]
*
13:18 - Suddenly very chatty! Sounds like Js.
13:16 - Clicks audible on both Orcasound Lab and Lime Kiln hydros, no visual on cam at time of comment. -Morgan Dale
*
13:21 - Hearing louder calls now. -Jennifer Taylor
*
13:10 - Hearing echolocation clicks on both the Orcasound Lab hydrophone and the Lime Kiln webcam hydrophone. Faint calls, but no visuals so far on cam.  -Morgan Dale 
*
13:09 - Faint calls and clicks still audible. -Nikol Damato, Orca Network
*
12:52 - Heard orcas on Orcasound Haro hydrophone. Clicks and vocals. -Gerald Graham
*
08:44 - J-Pod calls audible on the Raincoast hydrophone in Swanson Channel. -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Tue, Oct 8 - Puget Sound (T65A5 & T137s)
19:04 - We just pulled away from them (we are on a boat) They don’t seem to be going anywhere. Just hanging out in front of Glen Cove.
18:30 - In front of Glen Cove. -Sydney Haglund
*
18:29 - Sure looks like T137s from here but viewing with binoculars so can’t say for sure.
18:20 - Milling, breaches & tail slaps from the male and others. They were spread but seem to be grouping back up slowly. Counted at least three. -Brooke Casanova
*
18:13 - I can see the breaching from here! They must have snuck by me! -Jennifer Swenson
*
18:11 - Surface active! Too far for IDs at the moment.
18:07 - Seeing fins mid channel out from Kopachuck continuing north. -Brooke Casanova
*
17:23 - Seeing them directly out from Bella Bella in Carr milling. -Torry Chamberlayne
*
16:41 - Headed slowly north it was just off the northern point of Fox Island [approx. 47.256452, -122.672734]. -Steve Gardner
*
16:36 - Heading this way now out of my view [approx. 47.264387, -122.706050 (2 mi. N of McNeil Is.)].
16:17 - Hunting here now [approx. 47.229464, -122.660198 (.5 mi. N of McNeil Is.)].
16:05 - They are traveling north slowly in Carr Inlet just past Gertrude Island, close to McNeil. -Laura Kozar Batanian
*
15:56 - Watching four orcas swim North in Carr Inlet along McNeil Island from the southwest corner of Fox Island right now [approx. 47.216046, -122.638949]! -Sasha Ertl
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Jennie Martin
Date of Sighting: October 08, 2024
Time: 1:31 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen:
Where seen: One male south end of Fox Island closer to McNeil Island close to shore
Direction of travel : No direction of travel yet
Behaviors observed: Hunting
If orcas, any males?: ?
Any unusual markings?: ?
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No

October 7
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Mon, Oct 7 - Admiralty Inlet (J Pod) - Lovely day watching J pod northbound in Admiralty… sort of distant, mid channel at best, but beautiful to see them... from Bush Point, then Lagoon Point.. further out from Fort Casey but the lighting was beautiful! -photos by Bonnie Gretz, October 7, 2024
*
17:53 - Pretty sure I see multiple orcas milling around just north of Fort Ebey State Park. -Ashley Hironimus
*
17:41 - In the last 5 minutes or so, more surface active with some breaches and spyhops. Making it hard to say good night!
17:32 - Viewing from the trail at Ebey's Landing. They’ve been steady northbound. They’re a little south of the buoy that’s mid channel, close to Fort Ebey State Park. -Kourtnee Marr Lindgren
*
16:44 - Viewing from Fort Worden, they will be approaching Ebey's Landing soon. -Catherine Alvarado Soto
*
16:38 - Still northbound just barely passed Fort Casey. -Mel Nasby
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Darlene Salo
Date of Sighting: October 07, 2024
Time: 4:15 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: Due west of Fort Casey
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: Swimming
If orcas, any males?: 5
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
16:10 - Friends report they're about Fort Casey Lighthouse northbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
15:30 - Mid channel to West blows and fins from Fort Casey… not to Port Townsend yet. -Bonnie Gretz
*
15:14 - Can hear them on the Port Townsend hydrophone now! -Cheryl Harmon
*
15:12 - Starting to become more visible with the naked eye from Fort Casey mid channel, but spread all the way east as well. -Silver Hubble
*
15:00 - Distant blows south of Fort Casey. Maybe mid channel. -Bonnie Gretz
*
14:52 - Faint calls on Port Townsend hydrophone.
14:42 - Still hearing a few calls on Bush Point hydrophone. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
14:27 - Leaders are almost in line with Fort Flagler.
14:26 - 296 degrees.
14:22 - 277 degrees.
14:21 - Still viewing from Lagoon Point (and taking bearings with Scott!) 264 degrees. -Katelyn Schoedl
*
14:20 - They were just north of there.
14:10 - Approx. [48.088544, -122.632806] spread, north/northwestbound. Two trailers closer to Lagoon. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
From Bush Point earlier. Not the closest pass, but very surface active and what a blessing it was to see J pod again after so many years.  -back of camera photo by Elizabeth Skinner, October 7, 2024
*
14:13 - Viewing from Lagoon Point, lined up with the center of Marrowstone Island. -Katelyn Schoedl
*
14:05 - Still hearing calls on Bush Point with some vessel noise. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
14:00 - Approaching south end of Lagoon Point, Whidbey side of mid still. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
13:55 - Watched them pass Bush Point… out of sight now approaching Fort Flagler and large tanker. -Missy Main 
*
13:00 - 13:45 - Spread out across Bush Point. Lovely… very beautiful. Northbound mid to Whidbey. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
13:40 - Nice group passed active Whidbey side of mid. Spread out. All now north of Bush Point. Continuing steady north. Some foraging along the way. Not super close but really pretty views to see them all basically loosely grouped. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
13:36 - Hearing calls on Bush Point hydrophone. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
13:09 - More coming up mid channel ish.
13:06 - More mid channel a bit.
13:02 - Seeing fins on the west side from Bush Point… flat glass but far away from Whidbey side. -Bonnie Gretz
*
12:58 - Seeing the whales mid-channel just south of Bush Point. -Heidi Bruns Shank
*
12:33 - Still moving northbound. Research vessel on site. Here ish [approx. 47.963620, -122.579675]. -Sarah Geist
*
12:20 - Friend reports some porpoising fast, some foraging, research vessel following for reference. Northbound passing Limpet Lane, Whidbey.
12:07 - Sarah reports they're northbound passing Double Bluff Whidbey side. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
11:39 - Another group northbound behind others. Very Whidbey side.
11:35 - Seeing 10+. Surface active. Small private white boat stopped to let them pass.
11:30 - Viewing from Maxwelton. Several groups northbound. North of Point No Point. -Sarah Geist
*
11:15 - There's whales spread from Scachet Head to north of Maxwellton that we can see on the fog line mid channel here to be slightly moving northward.
10:50 - From Point No Point I've got whales seem to be fishing directional changes right at the fog line looking at Scachet Head from here. -Jim Pasola
*
09:50 - I just heard another blow, but it’s further north they are staying with the fog.
09:02 - I’m in Eglon and I can’t see them, but I can hear them. I'm hearing two and three blows at a time. Wish I had more info. -Melissa Peterson
*
08:38 - Seeing several individuals including male moving westbound (into the fog) mid channel, north of Edmonds/Kingston ferry lane. -Mike Ferdinandi
*
07:54 - Hearing some louder calls now. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
07:49 - Hearing clear Jpod calls. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
07:42 - Constant echolocation clicks since 7:10. Still ongoing. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
*
07:25 - Hearing calls on Sunset Beach hydrophone. -Heidi Bruns Shank
*
07:20 - Faint calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Mon, Oct 7 - Ketchikan, AK (T65A3 & others) - T065A3 Amir in Ketchikan, Alaska. Link to more photos. -photo by Jonathan Kelley, October 7, 2024
*
Mon, Oct 7 - Active Pass, BC (T35As & T123s)
17:00 - The T123s and the T035As (thanks to R. Hayden and B. Bissonnette for IDs) swam steadily eastward through Active Pass. Photos taken from the shore of Galiano Island.  -photos by Karoline Cullen, October 7, 2024
*
Mon, Oct 7 - San Juans (T49C)
15:15 - He just passed Point Caution on the San Juan side, still heading north. -Cindy Hansen, Orca Network [WSSJI]
*
14:30 - Heading north up San Juan Channel towards Friday Harbor.
12:15 - T49C in Cattle Pass, unknown direction of travel. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Janeth Bustamante
Date of Sighting: October 07, 2024
Time: 12:00 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Shark Reef Lopez Island
Direction of travel : North. Pace is slow, seems to have been hunting
Behaviors observed: Looked like may have been hunting and may have caught a seal or seal lion. Lots of tail slapping after what looked like feeding.
If orcas, any males?: Unsure
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Many directional changes right in front of shark reef sanctuary
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
12:00 - I wanted to report an orca sighting today off of Shark Reef Sanctuary. -photos by Janeth Bustamante, October 7, 2024
*
08:20 - Report of single male orca milling at Granny’s Cove. -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
Mon, Oct 7 - Haro Strait (T18s, T60D, T60E)
16:38 - Now barely visible from South Beach, having gone west.
16:09 - Viewing from South Beach. Whales just north of South Beach heading down island, angled west. -Flora Trethowan [WSSJI]
*
15:15 - T60D and E are traveling with them. -Pete Ancich [WSSJI]
*
14:58 - T18s heading down island. Third mile offshore. Viewing from one mile south of Landbank. -Michelline Halliday [WSSJI]
*
Mon, Oct 7 - Puget Sound (T65Bs) - T65B Chunk, T65B3, T65B2 Nettle -T65B1 Birdsall - T65B's near Vashon. Link to more photos. -photos by Janine Harles, October 7, 2024
*
19:10 - Picked them up again In roughly the same area just closer to land side of Gig Harbor picked them up again because I could hear them breaching.
19:02 - Losing them in the fading light but they are trending southwest towards Gig Harbor/the Narrows.
18:54 - Mid Dalco Passage on a hunt. Very surface active. From Gig Harbor Viewpoint 5 Mile [video in FB comments]. -Melissa Bird
*
18:29 - Heading west past south tip of Vashon, not yet to ferry lanes. -Kirsten Vacura
*
18:23 - Viewing from Dune. They are westbound headed towards Maury Island. -Stephanie Morris
*
18:24 - From Dune Peninsula heading west towards Maury Island, mid channel. -Kyle Anderson
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sharon Allsup
Date of Sighting: October 07, 2024
Time: 5:28 PM
Species seen: orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: off S tip of Maury Island, in southbound (Maury-side) shipping channel
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed: traveling, still very close together tight group
If orcas, any males?: 1
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Steady southbound, no boats at all around them for once (makes it harder to find them after a long dive!). Should be easily visible now from Dash Point, Browns Point w/naked eye, maybe Owens/Point Defiance w/ binocs
Photos available?:
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sharon Allsup
Date of Sighting: October 07, 2024
Time: 5:14 PM
Species seen: orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: East Passage, passing Shore Acres towards south end of Maury Island, on Maury side
of midchannel in southbound shipping lane
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed: traveling in tight group
If orcas, any males?: 1 sprouter, doesn't seem to be fully grown up
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Did not confirm 5th fin during the next few viewings, so ignore that bit from previous report.
Photos available?:
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sharon Allsup
Date of Sighting: October 07, 2024
Time: 5:07 PM
Species seen: orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: East Passage, midchannel in front of Gold Beach, sorta on Maury side
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed: traveling in tight group
If orcas, any males?: 1
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: definitely 4 - looks like male, calf, adult female and immature, possible 5th female/immature fine. No boats at all
Photos available?:
*
13:39 - Southbound midchannel between Seahurst and Glen Acres, with the male trailing behind the others. -Kate Hruby
*
13:26 - Saw a few blows off the east side of Vashon, viewing from Lowman Beach. Whale boat with them, the boat just turned north again but I haven’t seen any whale activity for a few minutes. -Jenna Heft
*
Confirmed T65Bs. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
12:43 - South of Dolphin Point by PSE boat slow southbound only blows visible from Constellation Park in West Seattle. -Mary Hartmann
*
12:14 - Still between Constellation and Blake. Fast ferry slowed for them. There is now a whale watching boat with them.
12:04 - At Constellation now. They are approaching north end of Blake Island. 
11:51 - Just north of Alki Lighthouse. Headed south. -Jodi Winterton
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Laurel Dierdorff
Date of Sighting: October 07, 2024
Time: 11:20 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Off of downtown Seattle, from ferry.
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?:
*
11:15 - 4 orca reported here, photo looks probable for T65B1 [47.61955, -122.43232 (Elliott Bay)].  -WA App
*
10:00 - Spotted them once from Sunset Hill, but closer to Discovery now and in the fog, not close to shore anymore. Looked like heading south still. -Corah Whipple
*
09:16 - Just saw three male/ females south bound almost to the Golden Gardens buoy. East side of Puget Sound. -Fi NiMhuirgheasa
*
09:17 - North beach above Golden Gardens this morning. Not sure of time. -Lea Kane
*
09:05 - Spotted several [orcas] heading south quite close to shore near Blue Ridge, probably around five to seven, only saw one male. Should be visible from Golden Gardens soon!  -Diane Capps
*
08:44 - Friend just posted whales off Blue Ridge. They should be right about Golden Gardens at the moment. It looks like four or five orcas quite close to shore. -Sandy Kraus Labowitz
*
08:35 - Photo confirmed male orca out from Carkeek Park. No direction given but appears northbound in photos [47.71522, -122.41084]. -WA App
*
Mon, Oct 7 - South Puget Sound (T65A5 & T137s) - T137A Jack & T65A5 Indy - T137A Jack, T137 Loon, T65A5 Indy - Oh Jack (T137A Son 2002), how good it is to see you. Thanks Loon (T137, 1983) for bringing the kiddos down for a visit (T137B Tempest, female 2006, T137D Wright, female 2012) along with funny guy T65A5 Indy male born 2014. Carr Inlet. Link to more photos. -photos by April Janice Basham, October 7, 2024
*
T137A Jack - These are reasons why we love living in the Puget Sound. Carr Inlet. T137s & T65A5 Indy. Link to more photos.  -photo by Cherie StOurs, October 7, 2024
*
19:00 - West side of Herron Island heading north. -photo by Dana Clark, October 7, 2024
*
18:42 - Group of five with one male south west side of Herron. Heading north. -Cara P. Martin
*
17:35 - Jack and the Mountain. -photo by AirWaterLand Photography, October 7, 2024
*
17:29 - Thank you, everyone I saw my favorite Jack. He went around the bend at Johnson Point, I was viewing from Zittles. -Julie Davis
*
17:25 - Viewed from Taylor Bay heading north into Case Inlet. -Courtney A Turk
*
17:02 - Viewed them from Zittels moving west. -Paul Davis
*
16:55 - Jack is headed west into Case Inlet. -AirWaterLand Photography
*
16:08 - West of Eagle Island, still westbound I think. Headed to another spot with views into Drayton Passage.
15:58 - Almost to Eagle Island westbound.
15:30 - Milling now just off south McNeill. -Belen Bilgic Schneider
*
15:32 - They are all together steady southbound about to cross in front of the McNeil prison dock hugging the McNeil side. -April Janice Basham
*
15:27 - Grouped up and now southbound towards Anderson Island… hugging McNeil Island.
15:20 - Slightly spread. They are at the southeast tip of McNeil. Generally milling but with some south trend. Definitely closer to McNeil side.
14:33 - T137s plus T65A5 are southbound in Carr Inlet. Mid channel between Fox Island and McNeil Island. Closer to McNeil side. Grouped up. -Candace Gavin
*
14:25 - Southbound closer to McNeil.
14:23 - Seem to be turning toward us they’ve passed through closer to McNeil still far off but can
see big blows with no binos.
14:14 - We’re at Bella - seals are coming in - we walked down as far left as we could - seeing them straight out across Carr closer to Longbranch a few boats around. -Andrea Schvaneveldt
*
These are at least 137s [T65A5 also present]. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
13:15 - We just had three orcas in Carr Inlet. They are now heading southbound out of Carr. -Deanna Foster Goldberg
*
12:04 - Two orcas reported in Henderson Bay, no direction given [47.36829, -122.67348]. -[WA app]
*
08:50 - Orcas this morning in Henderson Bay. Very foggy could not see them, but could hear them. It was magical. -Lee Quinn
*
UNIDENTIFIED SPECIES -
Mon, Oct 7 - Active Pass, BC
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Jim Clark
Date of Sighting: October 07, 2024
Time: 09:00 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: heard and saw an Orca in Active Pass just below the IntheBluff homestead [a humpback was confirmed at the same time area, leaving open possibility of either species -RH]
Direction of travel : slow pace heading south
Behaviors observed: tracking
If orcas, any males?: no
Any unusual markings?: nothing noted
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: It was my first ever sighting and actually heard the Orca blow prior to seeing visually
Photos available?: No
*
Mon, Oct 7 - Puget Sound
08:25 - I saw what I think was a grey whale headed from Port Washington Narrows into either Rich Passage or Dyes Inlet. I was crossing the Manette Bridge and saw it in the general area of the Bremerton Marina. Definitely a whale. -Shar Durham [PSWS]

October 6
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Sun, Oct 6 - Swiftsure Bank (K & L Pod) - Excerpt from the Center for Whale Research Encounter #100: “The first animal they photographed was mature bull L87, apparently the easternmost whale in the grouping, though he was pacing L22 closely. L72 and L105 were travelling just inshore and ahead of them, trailing a large tight group that appeared to contain much of the rest of L pod. This larger group turned out to be a mix of the L4 and L12 matrilines, suggesting that all of L pod but perhaps the L54s were present. They team spent the next several minutes documenting as many of these animals as they could, including all members of the L12 subgroup – L25 was alone ahead of the others leading the westward charge – and all of the L4s. Based on the behaviour of the animals and their proximity to the apparently rich feeding area from the day prior, along with the absence of K pod, Mark assumed there may be others ahead. The Mike 1 team eased ahead of the Ls and just a mile and a half beyond them, found several spread members of K pod, apparently foraging. The quickly travelling Ls arrived shortly and joined the cadre of Ks – and as the team soon found, the L54s and L88. K16 and L88 were foraging together, K35 near. K20 and young K45 were not far from them, foraging near K12, K14, K37, K22 and the hulking K33. L87 appeared now alongside L25, and for the next little while Mark and Joe did their best to document each new individual they could. This was made challenging by the somewhat long/deep sounding dives they observed from the animals, though the incredible number of gulls diving for the scraps made relocating them easier. As a whole, the animals appeared robust, and it was good to see such successful foraging for a sustained period. They ended the encounter early in the afternoon as the group continued their spread foraging behaviour, and began making way east, back into the Juan de Fuca. The only members of L pod not observed this day were of the L47 matriline (including L83), from which no whales were photographed, as well as L90 and her calf L128…” -Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #100.
*
Sun, Oct 6 - Puget Sound - I was out last night taking pictures of the aurora and could hear orcas out on the water but couldn't see anything. Was hoping they would stick around! Off President Point! -Ashley Alecci Goninan
*
Sun, Oct 6 - Puget Sound (J Pod) - Spotted on the Clipper. -photos by John Ferguson, October 6, 2024
*
18:50 - With Matt and Chris at north end of Sunset Hill Park, they saw blows off Point Jefferson through binoculars while I measured a bearing with my orienteering compass of 315 degrees from true north. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
*
18:42 - Seeing a few dorsal fins, south of Richmond Beach, mid to east of channel southbound. Looks like research boat with the leaders. Light is fading fast!!! -Sue Surowiec Larkin
*
18:42 - Last share as the sun goes down - still southbound on the west side of the channel [approx. 47.724629, -122.491167].
18:05 - Spotted heading west and southbound around this area [approx. 47.755929, -122.439724]. -Levi Sawyers
*
17:52 - Whales spread from midchannel to west of, from midchannel marker to just south of Jeff Head (sight line from Richmond Beach Saltwater Park). Leaders traveling fast southbound. Loose group of males bringing up the rear including likely J45 & J47. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
*
18:09 - Some of the group is crossing over toward Port Madison.
17:50 - Approaching Shilshole, southbound. There are several groups all spread out probably 15 orca in total lots of activity, spy hopping, tail slapping, foraging, and breaching. -photo by Heather Paar, October 6, 2024
*
17:43 - Viewing from Richmond Beach, seeing about seven out there having a good time! -Lauren 'Lo Blakeley
*
17:39 - Seeing blows just west of midchannel marker between Richmond Beach and Jeff Head. Southbound. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
*
17:30 - Leaders are just west of the yellow channel marker south of the ferry lanes. Red power boat is with them. Another still in ferry lanes, all southbound. Viewing from Apple Tree Point. -Jenny Klis
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Rachel Izzo
Date of Sighting: October 06, 2024
Time: 4:55 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 8
Where seen: On ferry from Kingston to Edmonds
Direction of travel : West/southwest
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: Unknown
Any unusual markings?: Unknown
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
16:55 - Large male in the rear pretty far behind the big group. Approaching Apple Tree Point. Southbound west side.
16:45 - Big group passed Apple Tree Point southbound west shipping lanes. Two large males + more. Large male mid channel. Group coming from behind too. Approaching ferry. Breaches and fun! -Sara Frey
*
16:44 - Visible from Kingston. Lots of foraging and directional changes. Look to be mid channel from Edmonds or just a bit north of Edmonds. -Rebecca Berger
*
16:41 - Sara Frey called to report J pod is traveling southbound, a group is more on the west side of the channel, out from Apple Tree Point approaching the Edmonds/Kingston ferry lanes.
*
J38 Cookie & J22 Oreo
16:45 - 16:50 - Blackberry J27 & J38 Cookie [were at] Apple Tree Point. -photo by Donna Green Van Renselaar, October 6, 2024
*
16:45 - J Pod from the Edmonds to Kingston ferry. Link to more photos. -photos by Mollie Segall, October 6, 2024
*
15:55 - Large group Eglon level third across west side. -Brian Livingston
*
15:22 - We were able to see them from Sunset Ave in Edmonds! The small research boat is still with them. From Picnic Point you will want to look south/southwest - hope this helps! -Stephanie Brenaman
*
15:20 - Visibility is not too great from where I am with sun glare and haze but can see the large males and blows about here [approx. 47.853546, -122.428897 (between Eglon and Stamm Overlook Park)]. Still milling lots of directional changes. -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
15:10 - Michael Dougherty and I out conducting non-invasive acoustic research (>2000m, engine off, recording with lowered hydrophone). At our location [approx. 47.871644, -122.460374] (red triangle) we hear calls and occasional clicks & observe a main group milling for last 20 minutes at bearing of 180 true (measured with orienteering compass) and estimate range of about two kilometers, placing most of J pod at the purple pin with one research vessel and two opportunistic whale watching boats (recreation powerboat, trolling fishing boat). There’s also a smaller group (2-3, including 1 adult male) that has been approaching us from the Cultus Bay area (now 800m north of us, based on time difference between visual blow & arrival of exhalation sound), so we are departing. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
*
14:52 - Several individuals surface active south of Possession still breaching etc. while a group of approximately five have flipped north/northwest sightline Apple Tree Point to south end of Cultus Bay. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
*
14:17 - Trending south. -Sara Frey
*
14:25 - Male dorsal midchannel north of Edmonds towards Picnic Point southbound barely in range with binoculars.
14:16 - Big breach midchannel/just west of mid trending south with line of sight Apple Tree Point to north side Cultus Bay now breaching near research boat in the visual gap between Possession Point and Mukilteo. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
*
13:41 - Seemingly right around here [approx. 47.882861, -122.452203 (between Eglon and Possession Point)] trending more northeast for now anyways. Lots of directional changes. Viewing from Eglon. -Jami Cantrell
*
12:43 - Definitely seeing from Eglon in the distance near the research boat. Lots of activity. -Anne Scalamonti
*
12:23 - From Eglon they have grouped back up and are SLOWLY northbound in the triangle.
11:59 - From Eglon I can [say] J Pod for sure still mid channel in the triangle with the research boat slowly southbound-ish but lots of direction changes. Hopefully means lots of fish. -April Janice Basham
*
10:15 - Been moving north and south in this general area [47.897774, -122.465833(between Point No Point and Possession Point)], approximate guess. Currently ten or more grouped up southbound.
10:14 - Some have stalled, surface activity, fins facing south.
10:10 - They seem to be going more west as they move north. I won't be able to see them much longer. Anyone viewing from Point No Point might be able to spot them soon?
10:07 - Now seeing more to the north and west. All have flipped and now traveling northwest again. Couldn't tell you if it's a true commitment north yet or not.
09:55 - This group I'm seeing has moved south but stalled with lots of direction changes and fast movements, porpoising & lunging. Maybe somewhere halfway been Scatchet Head & Eglon. Only have seen maybe six to eight. They are at the very distance of my sight, so others may just not be in my view. But not all of them that I see if presumably J pod.
09:45 - They just swam through one of the largest flocks of gulls I've ever seen, hopefully that means good food. This group is way west side of midchannel. Seemingly southbound still.
09:40 - Seeing several southwest of Scatchet Head, moving south/southeast fast. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
09:00 - Orcas in Useless Bay off Maxwelton - at least six. -Sally Mayer
*
08:55 - The Victoria Clipper is with some now. They’re between Possession Point and Useless Bay on the Whidbey side traveling north. -Melissa Peterson
*
09:10 - Some trailers still spread out in the north end of Possession triangle. 
08:40 - They’ve stalled and lots of directional changes now. Same area and tons of sea birds. Breaching and tails slaps. 
08:32 - I found some more. There’s a little white boat out there who is surrounded by them. Find the boat and you will see a huge male and some of the others. All still heading north. Overall not too surface active.
08:22 - I found more.
08:14 - I think I see Jpod in Possession triangle. Spread out heading north. They’re really spread out. [approx. 47.872440, -122.461428]. And coming up very sporadically. I want to say I’ve seen at least seven? Two large males. -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
07:00 - Intermittent echolocation. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
Thanks for staying up late and listening/tagging, Rachel Haight! (I was too exhausted from the previous night’s Port Townsend effort!) You can listen to a nice clip here - link to clip. Just a reminder to the community group that one can now review all recordings tagged as interesting by live listeners here: https://live.orcasound.net/reports. Finally, David Bain confirmed in near test time that the OrcaHello AI also detected calls during the same period. You can review confirmed AI detections here: https://hello.orcasound.net/detections/confirmed. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
*
01:33 - Was approximately when I heard last calls.
01:20 - Still hearing them.
01:10 - Intermittent calls.
00:55 - Louder, more talkative, clearer.
00:49 - Frequent calls.
00:44 - Nice calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone.  -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
00:45 - Hearing calls on Sunset Bay Hydrophone. -Linda Aitkins
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sun, Oct 6 - San Juans (T19s) - Quick view of two huge Bigg’s males and a smaller female or juvenile today near Spieden Island. Link to FB video. -Nate Rooks
*
Sun, Oct 6 - Haro Strait (T18s) - T19C Spouter & T19 Nootka
09:00 - I was camping at San Juan County Park over on San Juan Island, Washington. My campsite had a full view of the Haro Strait. While I was brushing my teeth, the ranger comes over to me and says, "three black dorsal fins right behind you!" I ran to the water & got a chance to see three wild orcas, in their native habitat. I'm awestruck at seeing such beautiful creatures! Link to videos. -photos by Matt Herrick, October 6, 2024
*
Sun, Oct 6 - Puget Sound (T65A5 & T137s)
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Bob Stokes
Date of Sighting: October 06, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: 3/4 miles NW Point Robinson 40 yds offshore high tide
Direction of travel : SE
Behaviors observed: Hunting
If orcas, any males?: No
Any unusual markings?: No
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: On quite small, one medium and one larger
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org - T65A5 Indy & T137B Tempest - T137B Tempest -photos by Bob Stokes, October 6, 2024
*
15:27 - They just passed Rockaway Beach Park on Bainbridge Island headed south. Jack is trailing shortly behind the other four. -Sara Perovich
*
14:25 - Three just passed by Rolling Bay on Bainbridge Island. Slow travel southbound. Very close to the island. -Michele Edwards Ley
*
14:00 - San Juan Clipper leaving T137s and T65A5 very spread out right now, southbound travel off the southern edge of Port Madison. -Alli Montgomery
*
13:56 - There were four in front of our home on Jefferson Head, one male for sure. -Corrie Beamer Urquhart
*
13:40 - Still slowly moving south, mid sound just south of Jeff Head. About straight out from Suquamish dock.
13:36 - Orca mid sound just a bit south of Jeff Head. Appear to be moving slowly south. Viewing from Suquamish. -Matt McCulloch
*
12:55 - My last report as we leave the scene. T137A is near my map spot [approx. 47.774602, -122.447622]. The rest of the family and T65A5 are closer to the Kitsap shore still southbound.
12:42 - Southbound angling more towards Point Jefferson [approx. 47.800543, -122.445345]. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
12:40 - Large male southbound around the Kingston-Edmonds ferry line. West side of channel. -Sara Frey
*
12:27 - Update southbound [approx. 47.808019, -122.434215].
12:11 - The T137 pod and T65A5 are southbound grouped up at my map spot [approx. 47.826854, -122.432434 (south Possession Triangle)] in blue! -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
12:09 - Jack and fam seen directly in front of the Edmonds/Kingston ferry. Southbound, east side of the channel. -Mollie Segall
*
12:09 - We just saw them (sailboat) just outside Edmonds we think we saw four. -Donnell Baker
*
11:45 - Male seen center channel heading south just north of Edmonds ferry route. I was able to track the male from Possession Point, head west and veer south over about an hour. He was cruising pretty fast. I’m on the Edmonds side (& a little too far for a decent picture). -Sheila Guard
*
11:01 - The other two are heading towards the south of the green buoy. -Joe Dreimiller
*
11:00 - One very large male exiting Possession Sound on Mukilteo side of midchannel heading south towards Edmonds.  -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
10:55 - Out from Possession Park southbound.
10:40 - Passed Glendale southbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
10:48 - Single male orca flew past Possession waterfront Whidbey side of mid channel heading south, high rate of speed. -Ryan Babler
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Date of Sighting: October 06, 2024
Time: 10:18 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: South of the Mukilteo Clinton ferry crossing
Direction of travel : Unknown
Behaviors observed: I am pretty sure I saw three separate spouts but couldn’t discern dorsal fins.
If orcas, any males?: Unknown
Any unusual markings?: Unknown
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, Oct 6 - Puget Sound (T65Bs) - Thanks to this post, got to experience my first whale sighting from our boat! -photos by Katie Domingue, October 6, 2024
*
19:02 - We saw them at Dune and then at Owen moving so fast. -Torry Chamberlayne
*
18:45 - Resurfaced heading south in Narrows viewing from Owen Beach. -Andrea Schvaneveldt
*
18:45 - Middle of Dalco west of ferry lane headed south. -Charlene Engelland
*
18:45 - At the tip of Point Defiance heading south long dive times. Looked like they were hunting. -Holly Johnson Fox
*
18:37 - They’re rounding the sw side of Vashon.
18:31 - South end of Vashon viewing from Owen Beach. -Andrea Schvaneveldt
*
18:31 - Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: CHETZEMOKA Master reports 3 orca in crossing from TAHL>PTD.  
*
18:34 - Can see with binoculars from Gig Harbor off the south tip of Vashon. -Michelle Wozniak
*
18:33 - View from Owens Beach. They are headed toward Narrows. -Torry Chamberlayne
*
18:31 - Currently located south end of Vashon Island. Headed westbound towards Gig Harbor. -Keith Brian
*
18:13 - Westbound south end of Vashon not quite to the ferry terminal. -Jason Cook
*
18:13 - Currently heading south. Tip of Maury on Vashon side. Can be seen without binoculars! Four, possibly five? 
18:02 - It appears they may be hunting - very close and active behavior. Mid channel. Moving toward Maury side. 
17:55 - Seeing some shopping and longer times on the surface - northwest of the yellow buoy. -Sandy Hassell
*
18:05 - Seeing them just west of the buoy from Dune peninsula - surface active. -Andrea Schvaneveldt
*
17:40 - Rounding Maury southwest bound [approx. 47.335296, -122.450538]. -Jason Cook
*
17:37 - They are still milling around buoy. -Sandy Hassell
*
T65B1 Birdsall -photo by Sandra Hartline, October 6, 2024
*
17:34 - Now they’re west of the buoy still aimed west.
17:33 - Viewing from Ruston Way, hard to tell but they appear to be mid channel nearing the yellow buoy. When I keep the buoy in the left of my binoculars they’re in the middle aiming west. -Kirsten Vacura
*
17:23 - Viewing from Browns Point Lighthouse Park. They're straight out from the keepers house SLOWLY southbound Maury side of channel. -Robyn Riley
*
17:16 - Now at the yellow shipping buoy just off Dash Point. -Keith Brian
*
17:07 - View perspective old town Tacoma [approx. 47.363894, -122.412916]. Slowly southbound hugging Maury. -Jason Cook
*
17:02 - Viewing from Dunes by the sailing boat with binoculars. -Gyöngyi Vivien Vitáli
*
16:59 - We see them Maury side [from] Des Moines Pier. -Linda Emoto
*
16:56 - Viewing from Browns Point with binoculars. Southbound on Maury side by three boats. -Greg Brossart
*
16:45 - Slowly passing Dash Point fishing pier Maury side southbound.
16:09 - Viewing from Dash Point fishing pier. Saw one large fin on the Saltwater side of the channel. Very small even with binos. -Robyn Riley
*
16:18 - We’re at Saltwater and they seem closer to Maury. -Malinda Sorci
*
15:58 - Watching from Woodmont. They are in front of Golden Beach, Maury. Two small boats by them. -Ali Saccone
*
15:50 - Viewing from Point Robinson southbound heading towards Dumas Bay east side. -Jerilyn Alfers Templeton
*
15:38 - Watching straight out form Saltwater Park, still southbound. -Jeffrey Stander
*
15:14 - Straight out from Point Robinson now, still mainland side of mid channel, approaching Des Moines marina, southbound, long downtimes. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
15:25 - They snuck by us at Point Robinson but heading south past Maury.
15:02 - Seeing them from Des Moines now heading south still not quite to Point Robinson. -Julie Davis
*
14:58 - Southbound [approx. 47.413712, -122.364535]. -Justin Foster
*
14:56 - Approaching Point Robinson, southbound, far across on the mainland side of mid channel. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
14:46 - Still heading south west towards Maury. -Caldwell Rohrbach
*
14:20 - They are aiming towards Maury Island now [approx. 47.445844, -122.380766].
14:08 - Update southbound [approx. 47.453592, -122.381857]. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
14:02 - South bound close to Three Tree Point. They were next to the Swiftsure. -Susan Plecko
*
13:52 - T65B pod southbound after eating a meal [approx. 47.477690, -122.383312].
13:37 - Southbound [approx. 47.493299, -122.381129]. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
13:27 - Just breached still heading south.
13:24 - Heading south down East Passage slowly.
13:20 - Still there on a kill in at Seahurst.
13:18 - They stalled at the dock.
13:14 - On the move again heading south more mid channel.
12:59 - They are headed south in at Seahurst.  -Julie Davis
*
13:00 - Traveling in a leisurely fashion southbound between Brace Point and Three Tree Point. Two or three boats following at a distance. -Ellen Cole
*
12:47 - Viewing from 98th St access, see two or three south, one with large dorsal. -MaryJean Moretti Mariano
*
12:36 - Southbound more mid channel off Dilworth view from Lincoln Park in West Seattle.
12:22 - Southbound east in channel just north of Fauntleroy ferry lane view from Colman Pool, four tight group orcas. -Mary Hartmann
*
12:22 - Visible from Fauntleroy now. 300 yards off the dock. -Daniel B Lanske
*
12:13 - San Juan Clipper leaving the T65Bs currently southbound, grouped close together in line with Lincoln Park! -Alli Montgomery
*
11:58 - Three are still east channel by Clipper in line with Blake Island.
11:56 - Moved fast to the west toward Manchester.
11:51 - East in channel by Clipper southbound view from Lowman Beach. -Mary Hartmann
*
11:54 - Just saw them! North of Lincoln Park. -Katie Domingue
*
11:44 - Just saw them off the north coast of Alki headed south. -Kate Johnson
*
11:10 - The orcas off Alki Beach have changed directions, now heading SB [southbound].
10:46 - Don't seen to be northbound anymore. Appear to be hanging out in this area for the time being [approx. 47.588917, -122.434430]. -Jd Staley [PSWS]
*
07:52 - Staff member Marla Smith is hearing from a friend who is watching 3-4 orcas drifting leisurely northbound out from Dilworth [Vashon Island] mid channel but closer to island side.
*
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES -
Sun, Oct 6 - Bellingham Bay
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Nathan Kopf
Date of Sighting: October 06, 2024
Time: 1:44 PM
Species seen: Two orcas. Mother and calf.
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Observed several times, mostly around - 48.6978156, -122.5138148 - from Clark Point - 48.6980832, -122.5134131.
Direction of travel : Very leisurely pace. They seem to be doing something in the area. Multiple surfacing over the course of 20 minutes.
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: We will pull stills from the videos and send them in.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
UNIDENTIFIED SPECIES -
Sun, Oct 6 - Puget Sound - I saw some bottlenose last weekend at Point Robinson fanned out. (Maybe half a dozen or more). They were not harbor porpoises as I’ve seen those here and there. Dark backs, silver sides, large… Look like the offshore bottlenose.  -Carl Wassilie

October 5
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Sat, Oct 5 - Swiftsure Bank (K & L Pod) - Excerpt from the Center for Whale Research Encounter #99: “At 1222, as Mark approached the eastern edge of Swiftsure Bank, he spotted his first dorsal fin amidst the flurry of seabirds and humpback whales. The first whale he identified was K16, followed by her 22-year-old son, K35. They were actively foraging, and Mark could see many more whales scattered across the area. As he continued to photograph the whales, he identified K14, K22, and the distinctive, large-finned and open-saddled K20 alongside her youngest, K45. Then, he noticed a group of five or six individuals approaching, with a very small calf tucked alongside them. Initially, Mark assumed it was L90 with L128. But upon closer examination of his photos, he realized it was L83 with a small, emaciated calf. Just a couple of weeks earlier, CWR staff had photographed L90’s newborn off the west side of San Juan Island, but this calf looked far from healthy. Rather, the calf appeared lumpy and skinny. Mark quickly sent pictures of the calf’s right eye patch to Dave and Michael, and they eventually confirmed the troubling reality: it was indeed an emaciated L128. L90 was nearby, foraging, as L83 approached Mike 1 with the emaciated calf draped across her rostrum. As she carried the calf down the side of the boat, Mark’s heart sank—he was certain the calf had stopped breathing. L83 jiggled the calf, as if desperately trying to revive it. As she continued past the stern of Mike 1, Mark thought he saw the calf take a faint breath and return to her side. Emotionally drained from the sighting, Mark decided at 1323 that it was time to end the encounter and make the ~60-nautical-mile journey back to Victoria Harbour…” -Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #99.
*
Sat, Oct 5 - Puget Sound (J Pod) - J22 Oreo - Quick close pass at Point No Point this morning. We were watching J38, J22, and at least one more approach, and suddenly there were five more whales to our right, very close to the point. J38 was really having fun tail slapping and side/back swimming. Link to more photos - part one. Link to more photos - part two. Link to more photos - part three. -photos by Jim Pasola, October 5, 2024
*
J26 Mike - They cut through the sailing race in Kingston. Link to more photos. -photos by Melissa Peterson, October 5, 2024
*
J45 Se-Yi'-Chn -ID by Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
*
Today was my first SRKW encounter, and it was more incredible than I imagined! From Marina Beach Park and Richmond Beach, I managed to take some semi-decent photos despite being far away on shore. -photo by Megan Stuart Chapin, October 5, 2024
*
Not for one single moment do I take for granted the time I get to spend with these magnificent whales. Jpod oh how I have missed you. What a fantastic day spent kicking off Rezzie season for some of us. They looked to be fishing up a storm today and my heart is just full. Link to more photos. -photos by April Janice Basham, October 5, 2024
*
Thank you to all the members who reported sightings today. Woke up to J Pod reports from PNP and even though we live in Kirkland we decided to make it happen. I’ve lived in the area nearly 40 years and have spent countless hours on the water having never seen an orca in the wild. I commented to my family just a couple weeks ago, “It’s been 40 years. I wanna see an orca!” Thank you to the kind folks at Eglon Boat Ramp who advised us on where to look. First old soul spotted! As the pod moved south we did too. We enjoyed an incredible afternoon viewing all the action from family members’ home on the bluffs south of Kingston. Favorite moment was when I had a giant dorsal fin in my binoculars view south of Richmond Beach while the bottom half of the view had two massive sea lions near shore looking nervous, bobbing frequently on the lookout as they headed north. This time they had nothing to worry about. Thankful to this community and to those who’ve shared pictures. So looking forward to future adventures. -Beriah SoOrio
*
21:51 - Calls are getting louder on Sunset Bay.
21:35 - Hearing a few calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
21:18 - Hearing calls on the Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Mandy Michelle
*
18:37 - They’ve been down a couple minutes. Still watching from Discovery Park, they were visible in front of the massive cargo ship earlier. -Jeff Meredith
*
18:15 - Blows. Straight off of West Point. Southbound. -Deb Cronheim
*
18:04 - Spread way out toward Discovery, more east than they were. 
17:49 - Boat was headed right toward big male but now just see one boat ahead of them. -Sandra Prow
*
17:59 - Southbound near mid channel with the majority of them cutting east towards Shilshole/Discovery lighthouse.
17:41 - All heading southbound spread out [approx. 47.713078, -122.474190]. -Levi Sawyers
*
17:28 - Spotted from Daybreak Star Cultural Center looking north, southbound. -Aubree Mae Renfro
*
17:10 - Js still out there foraging [approx. 47.721245, -122.450884], super wide spread across and north south Carkeek/Port Madison. Lowering sun illuminating their exhalations making for pretty and easier to spot the whales from afar. Lovely day with J pod and people watching along the shores. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
17:07 - Watching from north end of Sunset Park, leaders including one adult male previously non-directional with research boat now may be southbound crossing line with dock just south of Point Jefferson mid-channel. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
*
17:07 - Still seeing some directly out from Richmond Beach. West of midchannel, milling with multiple directional changes. -Tamara Kelley
*
17:02 - Spread out around this dot [approx.47.737247, -122.458653] - heading southbound with many trailing. -Levi Sawyers
*
16:40 - Still seeing whales milling from Carkeek, mid channel but closer to the west side. Spread out. -Mollie Segall
*
16:15 - Yay! Watching half a dozen orcas milling/foraging west of mid-channel. I’m above the bluff in North Beach (above north end of Golden Gardens park) looking towards Indianola with large binocs. Coast guard ship just passing them now. -Jennifer Greiner Clark
*
16:18 - Seeing at least one male with the research boat, slightly south of earlier update. Whale is currently facing north. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
16:10 - Green is Holland America, gray dot is NOAA and orcas [approx. 47.748599, -122.446865]! They may have stalled again.
16:04 - Many Js are now on the move northbound, sightline just south of Jefferson Head to Richmond Beach mid channel. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
16:04 - Seeing them just in front of the research boat, same location as Sue's report, northeast of the cruise ship. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
16:00 - Orcas spotted west of Richmond Beach in the shipping channel. Spotted four individuals from the cruise ship Eurodam. -Gayle Roberts
*
15:56 - Two orcas foraging mid channel between sight line Richmond Beach and south Fay Bainbridge. Appears that Coast Guard may be escorting cruise ship through central Puget sound. Slowly southbound. -Sue Surowiec Larkin
*
15:52 - Viewing from Sunset Hill also, but far north. Very tiny.  -Corah Whipple
*
15:40 - Sailboat moved fast but there was two to three I could see mid channel or a little past. Needed my binoculars.
15:33 - I’m at Carkeek Park and can see the straight in front near the sailboat with blue. -Don McKnight
*
15:25 - Many J pod members have stalled, making directional changes, look to be engaged in foraging behavior off Richmond Beach. Not sure if all have. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
15:10 - Some south of Jefferson Head as seen from Richmond Beach, moving steadily southbound but not too fast. -Matthew Pfab
*
15:07 - There might still be some trailers but many are off Richmond Beach and to the south now. 
14:59 - There is small group mid channel now from that sightline. Also the sailboat race participants are catching up to the leaders, hopefully organizers were aware of possibility of the whales.
14:55 - Lead J pod whales now sightline Richmond Beach to Jefferson Head. We got whales spread from east side of channel to west side and back north a ways still, in singles and pairs mostly. Steady pace southbound. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
14:55 - Still mid channel from Richmond Beach. Many sailboats in their area, should be pretty easy to spot! -Lauren 'Lo Blakeley
*
14:43 - Moving southeast at red pin [approx. 47.778701, -122.431463 (between Point Wells and President Point)]. -Megan Stuart Chapin
*
14:40 - Now viewing from Richmond Beach upper lot, still southbound, possibly moving faster now. -Michelle Holshue
*
14:33 - I’m Jefferson Point Road now. A lot of movement south of Richmond Beach. -Beriah SoOrio
*
14:26 - Viewing from Richmond Beach, Kitsap side of midchannel, widely spread. Line of sight: north and south of ferry terminal. -Matthew Pfab
*
14:20 - Spread out whales at about the Woodway/Richmond Beach border [approx. 47.780659, -122.425151]. Female lead mid channel, male east of and mom/calf duo trailing him. Others spread across to west side all southbound with some direction changes foraging behavior off south of tank farm. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
14:10 - The leaders have passed the tank farm, viewing from the Kingston ferry terminal in line of sight, mid channel maybe slightly west. -Jim Pasola
*
14:04 - Four or so currently where + sign is. -Beriah SoOrio
*
13:55 - Very spread out and in small groups, midchannel to Kitsap side. Lots of directional changes, I think they're all still north of the ferry lanes. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
13:55 - Definitely still generally southbound with members all over making directional changes. Pair of eagles perched on dock lampposts at Point Wells (tank farm).
13:50 - At least two south of Apple Tree Point, west of mid channel, one southbound other northbound/making direction changes [approx. 47.802733, -122.470052]. Others spread to east and north. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
13:43 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 13:52 to report: 1343hrs: Vessel SPOKANE announces via 800MHz they're at all-stop for a huge pod of orcas, 15 in count, located mid-channel and heading southbound. 
*
13:40 - Viewing from Carkeek, orcas are with the little red research vessel. -Aubree Mae Renfro
*
13:39 - Multiple whales spread in Edmonds/Kingston ferry lanes wide spread west of mid to shipping and north/south. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
*
13:38 - Just got on the westbound ferry, seeing them spread out north to south still north of Kingston terminal. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
13:24 - Five individuals still spread east of Apple Tree Point large male slowly approaching Kingston ferry lanes - foraging west of midchannel southbound trending. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
*
13:17 - Lead female plus about here. Males trailing others spread back and east/west about a half mile [to] mile. Some Making directional changes while others continue southbound movement.
13:10 - Ressies still advancing southbound still wide spread leaders near Edmonds/Kingston ferry lanes. Now have at least one female east of mid channel. Couple of spread out males leading west side, others in between. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
12:50 - After close pass this morning at Point No Point I now see dorsals Kitsap side of midchannel directly east/northeast of Apple Tree Point with research boat. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
*
12:43 - Residents still southbound very wide spread mid channel to west of and north/south in singles and small groups [approx. 47.828817, -122.461312]. Leaders nearing northern (WB) ferry lanes. Two research boats on scene. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
12:38 - Visible from Sunset Ave in Edmonds with binoculars. In front of Eglon amidst the sailboats traveling south. Research boat is with them. -Tamara Kelley
*
12:20 - Just south of Point No Point. Swam right through the Foul Weather Bluff race. Link to more photos/videos. -photo by Steve DeKoekkoek, October 5, 2024
*
12:16 - Seeing some looking southwest from Stamm, east of the sailboats. Heading south. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
12:19 - Saw one male do a lazy dive facing north but seems like they’re all still generally trending south.
12:15 - Seeing one male, one female/juvenile male approaching Edmonds ferry terminal in the midst of the sailboats. I’ve only seen them still going south but eavesdropping heard some folks at Eglon are seeing some whales heading north. -Amy K. Fowler
*
12:05 - Research boat trending south in line with Pilot Point, viewing from Stamm overlook. Too far for me to see fins right now. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
12:02 - It looks like they are slowly heading south, north of Edmonds.  -Catherine Alvarado Soto
*
11:59 - Group of ? I’m viewing are generally still due south of Scatchet Head, Whidbey and now east of Rose Point/northeast of Eglon Kitsap milling with slow trend southwards. Who looks to be research boat has been on scene [approx. 47.879316, -122.451601]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
11:58 - Still seeing a few individuals east/northeast of Eglon. Haven’t seen any south of Edmonds ferry terminal, there’s also giant group of sailboats south of Edmonds, moving north so curious if they’ll turn around or continue on through the boats.
11:31 - Several heading south, seeing one male due east of Eglon who seems closer to mid channel than east side, one group still up near Cultus Bay. Very spread out, hard to track. -Amy K. Fowler
*
11:30 - At least two on the Eglon side (near a couple boats). Viewing straight west out from Picnic Point memorial overpass marker. Still spread out and not sure which direction they will head. Haven't seen any on the Whidbey side. -Erika Jean McDowell
*
11:16 - Seeing more south of Possession Point now.
11:13 - Still very spread out, most hugging Whidbey looking like maybe going up into Possession but I did see one that was out front to the south well beyond the point… still to be decided where they’re heading.
10:58 - Looks like one group is crossing Cultus Bay, heading toward Possession. -Amy K. Fowler
*
10:45 - Viewing from Eglon Beach, there's a group close to Scatchet Head.  -Catherine Alvarado Soto
*
10:45 - I would say they are straight out from the Eglon boat ramp on the Whidbey side traveling south. -Melissa Peterson
*
10:44 - Still southbound, all on eastern side of channel.
10:43 - Still viewing from Eglon, they are spread out with one group near dropped pin [approx. 47.899827, -122.469081].
10:28 - Viewing from Eglon, still northeast of here, much closer to Whidbey side. -Amy K. Fowler
*
10:26 - There is a channel marker between Hansville and Useless Bay. They are just north of that. I can barely see them with my binoculars from Eglon. -Melissa Peterson
*
J38 Cookie
09:50 - This morning from Point No Point. -photos by Donna Green Van Renselaar, October 5, 2024
*
09:45 - Incredible pass at Point No Point very close. Continuing southeast. -Jim Pasola
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Kevin Mcdonald
Date of Sighting: October 05, 2024
Time: 9:29 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 10
Where seen: Point No Point
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed: Milling, hunting
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
09:13 - Quite a few passing Limpet continuing south. Surface active! Still spread. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
09:08 - Very spread out. Continuing south. Approximate [47.947068, -122.530428 (between Hansville and Double Bluff)].
08:59 - Some Whidbey side, surface activity at pin [approx. 47.962781, -122.557344 (off Double Bluff)]. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
Per Alisa Lemire Brooks [PSWS] J pod was heard on Bush Point hydrophone this morning.
*
08:32 - Viewing from SM [Shore Meadows] 15+ highly surface active spread north/south and east/west. Moving south. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
08:20 - Friend reports orcas spread midchannel southbound south end Mutiny Bay.  -Rachel Haight, Orca Network 
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sat, Oct 5 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T19s)
14:05 - Confirmed T19s.
13:53 - At least four orca [near Race Rocks]. Galiano is here. Westbound [approx. 48.321642, -123.830034]. And Spouter. Three orca total.
*
Nielson, Galliano and Sprouter today off Sooke, B.C. Juan De Fuca Strait. Link to FB videos. -Sooke Coastal Explorations -Paul Pudwell
*
Sat, Oct 5 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T49C) - Via Puget Sound Express M.V. Saratoga. A great day at Race Rocks in the Strait of Juan de Fuca with a visit from T-49C Janet/Nielson. Link to more photos. -photos by Jason Cook, October 5, 2024
*
Sat, Oct 5 - Rosario Strait
08:00 - Just spotted small whale swimming and breaching while on ferry to Anacortes [approx. 48.525527, -122.773285]. Was right along Decatur Island. Possible baby orca? -Kassandra Pearson
*
Sat, Oct 5 - Saratoga Passage/Holmes Harbor (T65A5 & T137s) - T137 Loon & T137B Tempest - T137A Jack & T65A5 Indy - Spent the afternoon with friends, the T137s and Indy (T65A5) today. Link to more photos. -photos by Sarah Geist, October 5, 2024
*
T137A Jack - T137A Jack, T137D Wright, T137 Loon - Some photos of our beloved T137s (and Indy) as they passed by Hidden Beach this afternoon. Link to more photos. -photos by Elizabeth Skinner, October 5, 2024
*
T65A5 Indy, T137A Jack, T137 Loon - Saw the T137s today. Link to more photos. -photos by Rachel McAuley, October 5, 2024
*
Sat, Oct 5 - Saratoga Passage (T65A5 & T137s) - T137A Jack & T137D Wright - T137D Wright & T65A5 Indy - And he came back the next day - JACK that is! Quite late in the day, the T137s and T065A5 Indy were heading north in Saratoga Passage - just caught them before dark!!! -photos by Jill Hein, October 5, 2024
*
18:15 - Continuing northbound, slow but a little faster, nearing Race Lagoon Whidbey, grouped up all five.
17:50 - Hugging Whidbey shore northbound, approximately 1.5 miles south of Race Lagoon. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
17:09 - Five orcas moving north in the middle of the channel just off North Bluff Road (3.5 miles north) of the [Greenbank] Farm. -Marie Gill
*
T137D Wright & T137 Loon - T137A Jack
16:30 - From Hidden Beach as they went past. Link to more photos. -photos by Tami Kannenberg, October 5, 2024
*
16:44 - Picked up the pace. Past Hidden Beach. Pretty close pass.
16:22 - Approaching Hidden Beach. Northbound Saratoga. -Sarah Geist
*
16:11 - They just passed Wonn Road. They are Whidbey side, northbound. They have been moving at a sloth pace. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
15:43 - Now have exited Holmes Harbor, still trending north.
15:32 - Slowly headed past Greenbank Estates, headed toward mid-channel. Two whale boats and one kayak following. -Fell Cheston
*
15:29 - Wonn Road - T137s still heading north but meandering out of Holmes Harbor, with porpoises in their path. -Howard Garrett
*
T137B Tempest & T137A Jack
15:16 - Just passing the point, very close to shore. -photo by Kate Sheppard, October 5, 2024
*
14:50 - They continue to hug Whidbey’s west side. Moving SLOWLY. Still northbound. Approaching Dines Point. (Private location). -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
14:15 - They're slowly northbound just south of Honeymoon Bay, hugging shore on west side of Holmes Harbor. -Katie Davis Watkins
*
13:52 - The T137 pod and T65A5 are slowly northbound at my map spot [approx. 48.025523, -122.525518] after eating at least two porpoise, as we depart the scene. This is my last post. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
13:30 - Peekaboo! Viewed from below Freeland Park. -Elizabeth Skinner
*
T137A Jack -photo by Amy Tureen, October 5, 2024
*
13:31 - Are still just north of Freeland Park. Surface action sporadically. Slowly drifting north. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
13:25 - Milling off Freeland Park. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
13:16 - Update [approx. 48.022690, -122.535843], after they just killed at least two porpoise.
12:59 - Jack was back by my initial map spot but the others are right at the end of Holmes Harbor off Freeland Park a few miles away. T65A5 is here with them too.
12:45 - We’ve spotted the T137 pod southbound at my map spot. Holmes Harbor [approx. 48.048310, -122.528989]. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Jan Willis
Date of Sighting: October 05, 2024
Time:
Species seen: Orcas
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Holmes Harbor
Direction of travel : north, slow pace
Behaviors observed: traveling and milling, possible hunting
If orcas, any males?: Yes
Any unusual markings?: notches in dorsal fin
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: It was a magical magnificent afternoon sharing time with these beautiful creatures.
To realize their struggle to survive is heartbreaking. We all need to be stewards for their survival and do what we can to help them be able to thrive. No matter the pod, resident or transient we all need to be respectful of their journey in these waters. It is such a privilege and honor to see them and to hear their breathing and witness the magical opportunity to be in their presence. It always makes my heart speed up when I know they are near. I grab my camera and hope for a moment that I can capture them in their own environment doing what whales do! Maintaining a respectful distance has kept me buying longer and better lenses for my camera! I can't think of a more perfect way to spend an afternoon!!!!!!!
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
10:00 - I have one orca northbound in front of me at Race Lagoon. It was a smaller dorsal like a female. Possibly one way ahead but they are staying down. Confirmed I see two. Headed toward Harrington Lagoon now.  -Cat Ullman DeLeonardis [WIWS]
*
Sat, Oct 5 - Puget Sound (T65Bs) - T65B2 Nettle - T65B Chunk - As promised to new orca friends on the beach. Link to more photos. -photos by Amber Stanfill, October 5, 2024
*
T65B2 Nettle & T65B3 - T65Bs from Owens Beach to Salters Point, beautiful day with whale peeps, whales and beautiful weather. Link to more photos. -photos by Cherie StOurs, October 5, 2024
*
T65Bs. Link to more photos. -photos by Krysta Berens, October 5, 2024
*
T65B Chunk & T65B2 Nettle - Today was a great day, sun, orcas, orcas friends with Paul. We started at Owen Beach, then off to Five Mile, epic there, and then Titlow, and finally Salters. Link to more photos. -photos by Julie Davis, October 5, 2024
*
I know so many of you can appreciate this experience. The T65Bs were the most surface active family I've seen in about a year and it was bordering on painful to see the activity just at the very edge of what my 600mm lens could reach from the Anderson Island shore. The top is the activity around what I'm pretty sure was a seal hunt in the northwest cove of Ketron Island. The bottom is about 1/2 way down the west side of Ketron, giving you an idea of just how distant it was. After more than an hour in this exact spot, everyone at the Riviera Marina was baffled at why they were there so long. Once everyone else left, we realized there was a huge sea lion bull that had been at the edge of the water the whole time, per Casey's comment above. As I processed these, I couldn't help but anthropomorphize this in my head as a tired mom of 3 rambunctious kids (ages 13, 5 & 1) thinking "no way, not a sea lion bull." while smiling and nodding at her kids as they leapt, tail slapped, porpoised, and breached up and down the beach in front of it...at least they can burn off some energy! -photos by Belen Bilgic Scneider, October 5, 2024
*
I got to witness an orca blowing raspberry bubbles in the water this morning! Link to FB reel. -Amber Stanfill
*
15:42 - They have a big male sea lion trapped on the beach. There's four of them still on the west side of Ketron. -Casey Jones
*
16:13 - They are still in the same spot, intermittently surface active. I think we saw a terrified seal or sea lion on shore for a while so maybe they were patiently terrorizing it this whole time. 
15:24 - They have continued to be hugging the Ketron shore [approx. 47.161759, -122.645046] with moderate surface activity, milling and playing. We’re seeing at least three.
14:03 - All four are closer to the mainland slowly southbound about here [approx. 47.180836, -122.606395]. Closeness to shore is a wild guess. -Belen Bilgic Schneider
*
14:43 - Just spotted straight out from the beach at Chambers Park. -Lexi Rozner Kinney
*
14:37 - Spotting them from Anderson Island marina. Seem to be milling about for now.
14:30 - They’re on west side of Ketron. North tip. -Karrie Vogt
*
14:33 - West side of Ketron between Anderson and Ketron traveling south this is my last post. -Julie Davis
*
14:27 - Headed south on east side of Anderson Island. -Paul Davis
*
14:08 - Visible from Saltars Point Park. Looks like they may be heading toward Eagle Island. -Ben Bird
*
14:07 - Headed south in front of McNeil. Viewing from Saltars. -Paul Davis
*
14:07 - Heading towards Anderson Island viewing from Steilacoom ferry dock.
13:52 - Viewing from Sunnyside, they are still heading south near McNeil Island side not quite to the penitentiary. -Cherie StOurs
*
13:31 - Right by the buoy heading south looking from Chambers.
13:17 - Chambers headed south closer to Chambers. -Julie Davis
*
13:02 - Viewing from University Place, across from Fox Island fishing pier, whales closer to mainland. Still heading south. -Katie Steinhoff Dunn
*
13:00 - Just saw three orcas a little south of the Narrows Bridge.  -photo by Darcy Nelson Kooiker, October 5, 2024
*
12:57 - San Juan Clipper is leaving the T65Bs currently trending southwest, about to be in line with the Fox Island fishing pier. Closer to the mainland. -Alli Montgomery
*
12:53 - Still headed south, Tacoma side of midchannel approaching the Fox Island fishing pier. -Jami Cantrell
*
12:44 - Viewing from University Place, across from the Fox Island fishing pier. They’re still just north of us, but continuing south toward mid channel, possibly heading closer to Fox Island side. Whale watch boat behind them. -Katie Steinhoff Dunn
*
12:40 - Still headed south from Titlow. -Julie Davis
*
12:14 - They’re coming under the bridge now on the inside of the pillars closer to Tacoma side! -Andrea Schvaneveldt
*
T65B1 Birdsall
12:21 - They passed underneath the bridge and are headed towards south mid channel. -photos by Lisa Connelly Richard, October 5, 2024
*
12:17 - Just at bridge headed south still four of them. -Julie Davis
*
12:10 - Went under Narrows Bridge heading south, whale watching boat on the Gig Harbor side of them. -Susan White
*
12:08 - Viewing from Hidden Beach still north of Narrows Bridge mid channel slowly southbound. -Cherie StOurs
*
12:02 - They’re getting closer to the bridge, whale watch boat with them. Still middish channel but coming closer to Narrows Park side. -Andrea Schvaneveldt
*
11:55 - Four orcas mid channel heading south one mile north of Narrows Bridge.  -Susan White
*
11:51 - They are currently north of the Tacoma bridge still heading south. Toward the middle of the channel. -Torry Chamberlayne
*
11:48 - Three orcas heading south at the Narrows Bridge. -Ryan Cristelli
*
11:15 - Past Salmon Beach south mid channel hard to see with the sun glare. Not to bridge yet. -Brittany Hays
*
11:14 - Still seeing them from Five Mile still heading south mid channel. -Julie Davis
*
11:08 - Last update from me. They’re heading south to the Narrows on the Gig Harbor side. -Amber Stanfill
*
11:06 - Seeing them headed south slowly at Five Mile, beautiful up here. -Julie Davis
*
11:01 - Seeing them from Five Mile Drive Narrows viewpoint [approx. 47.309238, -122.552696]. Headed south. -Paul Davis
*
10:52 - Facing back south but still in same area. Across from Point Defiance on Gig Harbor side.
10:48 - Turning north Closer to Gig Harbor side.
10:42 - They rounded the point 20 feet from shore. I don’t think I’m exaggerating, they look to be slowly trending south in Narrows. And I just missed a spy hop because of this update. -Amber Stanfill
*
10:45 - On a kill off Point Defiance now. Not 100% committed south. 
10:34 - Whales headed into the Narrows. -AirWaterLand Photography
*
10:31 - Heading south. Near the Gig Harbor viewpoint/Dalco Passage viewpoint. -Caldwell Rohrbach
*
10:31 - From Dune Park, they are going towards south. They disappeared at the point. So I am assuming towards south. -Nori Kimura
*
10:18 - Just off of Owens Beach. -Torry Chamberlayne
*
10:09 - Milling; not committed to a direction yet. -Karen Kingsbury Hultgren
*
09:54 - Still in front of Vashon ferry terminal. -Amber Stanfill
*
09:45 - Headed west of Owen Beach. -Norma Herrera
*
T65B1 Birdsall
09:43 - They’re just staying in one spot. Maybe three of them." Still in Dalco.
09:19 - Friend is fishing in Dalco: "they're out in front of Point Defiance". -report & photo courtesy of Ashley S Whitman, October, 5, 2024
*
09:44 - Just saw for them headed south still. -Norma Herrera
*
09:32 - In front of ferry. Vashon side. No direction. -Amber Stanfill
*
09:33 - Pretty much right on the ferry line posted up. Looking to be heading. The bird flock is following them.
09:23 - Still out here, look to be feeding four orcas. -Ryan Robert
*
09:14 - Yes! Still here. -Nori Kimura
*
09:09 - Heading west along the south shore of Vashon. -Amber Stanfill
*
08:45 - Hunting midchannel just east of the ferry lane. -David Michael
*
07:49 - Two to three orcas in Dalco Passage, westbound. Link to FB videos. -Ryan Robert
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Sat, Oct 5 - Strait of Juan de Fuca  - Via Puget Sound Express M.V. Saratoga. A great day at Race Rocks in the Strait of Juan de Fuca with humpbacks as far as the eye could see. Link to more photos. -photos by Jason Cook, October 5, 2024
*
Sat, Oct 5 - Haro Strait
18:40 - Single orca spotted off of San Juan County Park [video shared shows fluking humpback]. -Matt Herrick [WSSJI]
*
GRAY WHALES -
Sat, Oct 5 - Clallam Bay (CRC2486)
19:00 - [video shows gray whale CRC2486 feeding in the shallows - this whale has been spotted off and on in this area for the past few weeks]. -Chinook Ahasiw [SSWW]

October 4
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Fri, Oct 4 - Haro Strait (J Pod)
20:04 - Vocals.
19:58 - Faint vocals. -Gerald Graham
*
19:25 - Just switched to Lime Kiln hydrophone and am hearing echolocation clicks there.
18:55 - Hearing echolocation clicks on Orcasound hydrophone. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
18:47 - Seeing them from County Park about a mile out. Abeam of Darcy Island. -Sara Hysong-Shimazu [WSSJI]
*
16:09 - Reported between Moresby and Turn Point. -John Boyd [WSSJI]
*
14:00 - Confirmed J pod by Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI], last seen southbound off Pender Island.
*
13:45 - My brother said they just stopped the Swartz Bay to Tsawwasen Ferry for orcas a bit ago. He said probably 30 orcas traveling in groups of three to four each, they were breaching a lot he said he couldn’t get a better shot.  -Justin Johnson
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Fri, Oct 4 - Ketchikan, AK (T68Cs) - T68C1 Sila - T68C1 Sila with a new calf - T68Cs. Link to more photos. -photos by James Lewis, October 4, 2024
*
Fri, Oct 4 - Holmes Harbor/Saratoga Passage (T65A5 & T137s) - T65A5 Indy
19:00 - They passed Sandy Point southbound into Possession Sound. -photo by Marilyn Armbruster, October 4, 2024
*
18:40 - Beautiful pass in Langley! Headed southbound. -Elizabeth Skinner
*
19:00 - Approaching close to Sandy Point. Viewing from north of Sandy Point. Southbound.
17:15 - Have left Fox Spit southbound. I'm not with them right now. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
16:16 - We last saw them headed east/southeast. Probably headed towards Fox Spit, but can not confirm.
15:55 - Watching from Wonn Rd. Counted four - on the east side of the channel, south of Baby Island moving north. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
15:53 - A neighbor just sent photos. Adult male is definitely T137A Jack. -Sandy Pollard
*
15:40 - Just had at least five orcas in north Holmes Harbor, perhaps two males. All large! Heading north leisurely. Very shallow water close to shore. EDIT to add: Literally just below the bluff east side. Dines Point. -photo by Kate Sheppard, October 4, 2024
*
Fri, Oct 4 - Puget Sound (T65Bs) - T65B Chunk, T65B1 Birdsall, T65B2 Nettle - T65B1 Birdsall - T65Bs transient orcas Commencement Bay/Browns Point visit. Link to more photos. -photos by April Janice Basham, October 4, 2024
*
16:44 - They’ve been around this area between a yellow buoy and white boat [approx. 47.332140, -122.445461]. -Joe Smith
*
14:54 - T65Bs very slowly northbound. Mid channel to Maury side by yellow buoy. Out from Browns Point. -Candace Gavin
*
15:51 - Seen from Chinese Reconciliation Park in front of the red container ship. -Kyle Anderson
*
15:35 - Confirming the pod is heading into Commencement. Passing in front of Chinese Reconciliation/the military ships.
15:24 - Secondhand report from someone at Browns Point. They stated they saw orcas across from Browns Point in Commencement Bay. So dune/Chinese Reconciliation area? He said they were going into Commencement. -Mollie Segall
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sharon Allsup
Date of Sighting: October 04, 2024
Time: 2:48 PM
Species seen: orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Between tip of Maury Island and Tallequah
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed: traveling, fast
If orcas, any males?: 1
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: male well in lead, female/non-sprouter several hundred yards behind, possible 3rd calf - getting brief glimpses of dorsals through the whitecaps. Should be visible from Dash Point/Tahlequah/Owens/etc with binocs now
Photos available?:
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sharon Allsup
Date of Sighting: October 04, 2024
Time: 2:36 PM
Species seen: orca
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: East Passage, midchannel, near south end of Shore Acres on Maury (when viewed
from Federal Way side of the passage)
Direction of travel : South towards Tahlequah/Dash Point/Defiance/etc
Behaviors observed: traveling, fast
If orcas, any males?: 1
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: seeing only the 1 male dorsal, a glimpse of what might have been 1-2 female/non-sprouter much closer to the Maury shoreline. Hard to pick out amongst whitecaps and lighting, missed him surfacing a few times even knowing what his line of travel was
Photos available?:
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sharon Allsup
Date of Sighting: October 04, 2024
Time: 2:20 PM
Species seen: orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: East Passage, smidge north of north end of Gold Beach, midchannel closer to
mainland
Direction of travel : S?
Behaviors observed: brief view of 1 male dorsal + 1 female/non-sprouter; SJC is near them with
much better view
If orcas, any males?: 1
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: probably more, white-caps and easy to lose them.
Photos available?: No
*
14:25 - Orca off Gold Beach on Maury Island. Traveling south. -Burt Miller
*
14:21 - San Juan Clipper leaving this family split two and two heading southwest towards Dash Point. Mum and calf are closer to Maury, and the siblings on opposing side. -Alli Montgomery
*
14:10 - Westbound towards Browns Point Lighthouse. Midchannel Commencement Bay. Around the Tote container ship. -Candace Gavin
*
13:52 - Confirmed flip back southwest, passing Point Robinson again. Appear to be mid channel but hard to tell with the wind and sun! -Mollie Segall
*
13:40 - Direction change. Back to southbound towards Robinson.
13:21 - T65Bs northbound, east of Point Robinson, closer to mainland. -Alli Montgomery
*
13:29 - Passing in front of Des Moines pier, closer to mainland side continuing north. -Mollie Segall
*
13:15 - Approaching Point Robinson way out mid channel, only seeing blows so far, rough viewing with lots of wind/whitecaps, still northbound. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
12:50 - Long dives. Much further north now, off Redondo. Moving northwest.
12:17 - Three plus orcas in outer Commencement Bay around the midpoint between Dune Peninsula, Maury Island, and Dash Point. Still eastbound. -Charlie Wright
*
11:00 - Orcas eastbound in Dalco Passage approaching [Point Defiance/Tahlequah] ferry lanes. Visibility is poor. -David Michael

October 3
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Thu, Oct 3 - Ketchikan, AK (T36As) - T36A5 & T36A1A - T36A1 Tierna, T36A2 Kailas, T36A3 Storm - Link to more photos. - photos by James Lewis, October 3, 2024
*
T36A1 Tierna, T36A2 Kailas, T36A1A, T36A Leland, T36A5, T36A3 Storm - T36A3 Storm & T36A2 Kailas - T036As in Ketchikan. Link to more photos. -photos by Court Grace, October 3, 2024
*
Thu, Oct 3 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T19s, T46B1s, T63, T65, T109As) - T19B Galiano - T63 Chainsaw - Today felt like a national geographic special. Unbelievable day with the T018s, T046B1s, T063, T065 and T109As! From Sooke to Race Rocks! Link to more photos. -Paul Pudwell -photos by Pacific Imagery, October 3, 2024
*
Thu, Oct 3 - San Juans (T49C) - I came from Iowa for a PNW girls trip this past week. The Puget Sound Express whale watching tour was my most anticipated planned activity! It was so much colder than I anticipated with the wind and I had higher expectations to see the orcas. Obviously, whales do their own thing but we were fortunate to find T49C (the lone whale known as Neilson or Janet). Absolutely majestic! -photo by Jami Touney, October 3, 2024
*
13:37 - Aiming west offshore of Lime Kiln.
13:19 - Just passed Lime Kiln Lighthouse. -Kelsey Scott [WSSJI]
*
12:24 - He is at Pile Point now.
11:52 - Very large male. Up into the rocks at shoreline. North of Eagle Point. Heading up island.  -Jenny Stands Wilson [WSSJI]
*
11:20 - Report of T49C off South Beach heading west. -Cindy Hansen, Orca Network [WSSJI]
*
Thu, Oct 3 - Port Susan/Saratoga Passage/Penn Cove (T65A5 & T137s) - T65A5 Indy - T137D Wright & T137B Tempest - Got some beautiful looks at the T137s plus their little escort T65A5 Indy today. What an exciting way for me to hop back into Camano Island shore based whale watching. Taken from shore at Camano Island State Park. Link to more photos. -photos by Kat Martin, October 3, 2024 
*
T137B Tempest on right - T137B Tempest, T137A Jack, T137 Loon - It was a lovely day. I watched them from offshore. -photos by Jan Hansen, October 3, 2024 
*
Fin tip of T137B Tempest, T65A5 Indy, T137 Loon - T137’s in Port Susan. Link to more photos. -photos by Susan John, October 3, 2024 
*
T137 Loon & T137D Wright - T137D Wright & T65A5 Indy - T65A5 Indy the wandering wonder, and the T137s, Penn Cove, Whidbey Island. Link to more photos. -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, October 3, 2024 
*
T65A5 Indy - T137A Jack - And then along came JACK! What a beautiful family – the T137s – northbound in Saratoga Passage and into Penn Cove, around the mussel rafts, a close pass by the Coupeville wharf and very close pass at Long Point as they exited Penn Cove. Indy – T065A5 was also with the group, he seems to like playing with crab-pots!  -photos by Jill Hein, October 3, 2024 
*
T137 Loon, T137A Jack, T137D Wright - T65A5 Indy - T137's and the nomadic T65A5 Indy (b. 2014) into Penn Cove in the late afternoon. So happy when they come here! Followed them down to the mussel docks but they didn't come too close… missed the close pass at the wharf (no parking available!), but caught up with them just south of there, then very close at Long Point as they headed out and southbound again. T137 Loon (matriarch b. approx. 1984), the infamous and well loved T137A Jack (b. 2002), and daughters T137B Tempest (b. 2006) and T137D Wright (b. 2012). -photos by Bonnie Gretz, October 3, 2024 
*
T137A Jack - T65A5 & T137s off Whidbey Island. Link to more photos. -photo by Rachel Haight, October 3, 2024 
*
A few videos of the orcas who passed the Coupeville Wharf, then Long Point, this evening. Link to FB videos. -Sarah Geist
*
Link to FB video as they passed by Long Point. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
18:35 - Four to five orcas southbound along Whidbey shoreline, just south of Race Lagoon. -Kramer Smith
*
18:08 - Pod of four to five orcas in Saratoga Passage close to Whidbey Island heading south towards Race Lagoon. Moving slowly. -Randy Zimmerman Furnas
*
17:57 - Still off Harrington Lagoon, appear to be almost stationary and resting.
17:51 - Long down times. Still close to Whidbey side.
17:49 - Whales east of Harrington Lagoon heading southeast. T137s in a tight bundle. Indy a little farther out just played with a crab pot buoy. -Florian Graner
*
16:50 - Very close pass at Long Point. Cut the corner and pushed out, south bound… so lovely! -Bonnie Gretz
*
16:50 - Super close pass at Long Point! They remain close to Whidbey headed south. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
16:50 - Beautiful pass at Long Point, headed southeast along Whidbey. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
16:40 - Approaching Long Point south side. Beautiful backlit blows east bound. -Bonnie Gretz
*
16:30 - They are west of Long Point, approaching it eastbound. Nice backlit blows.
16:14 - Still grouped just of east of boat launch very much along south shore. Slow eastbound.
16:05 - Beautiful looks at the five grouped up as they passed close to wharf eastbound, so many people got to see! -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
16:07 - Approaching the three white boats eastbound. -Nerell Edwards
*
As the group was passing the Coupeville Wharf! Jack and Wright side by side. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
15:57 - Approaching Coupeville wharf eastbound.
15:50 - Slow eastbound along mussel rafts. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
15:53 - At least two heading east by mussel docks.
15:44 - Coming into the mussel docks. -Bonnie Gretz
*
15:32 - Three near Captain Whidbey southbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
15:27 - Mid Penn Cove out from the mussel docks. Only saw Jack at the moment. West bound. -Bonnie Gretz
*
15:19 - Northside of Penn Cove near Three Sisters/Penn Cove Pottery west bound. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
15:14 - Continuing west along north shore deeper into cove west of Monroe Landing.
14:59 - Close to north shore passing Penn Cove Park steady west. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
14:57 - In Penn Cove north side. Long down times. -Bonnie Gretz
*
14:52 - All are in Penn cove. Closer to north shore.
14:35 - Look pointed right at Penn Cove. Viewing from Long Point. -Sarah Geist
*
14:00 - All five grouped up to eat a seal and now they are swimming in a westerly direction together from my map spot [approx. 48.265203, -122.574630]. During the seal hunt Indy (T65A5) spent some time playing with the crab pot lines again. Silly orca. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
13:47 - San Juan Clipper leaving the T137s and 65A5 grouped together, surface active around the crab pots south of Polnell Point! -Alli Montgomery
*
13:15 - Location for T137A northbound direction [approx. 48.226065, -122.559805].
12:55 - T65A5, and the T137 girls are spread out northbound at my map spot [approx. 48.216187, -122.539950]. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
12:40 - Almost to Madrona, hugging Camano shoreline. Long downtimes. Still northbound. -Jill Hein
*
12:30 - T137, T137B and T137D are northbound near shore at my map spot [approx. 48.189906, -122.539431]. T137A is lagging behind by almost a mile mid channel (with the Clipper). -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
12:30 - Seeing them almost to Rockaway Beach - very close to Camano, northbound.
12:20 - Swiftsure is with them, close to Camano, Onamac Point, northbound. -Jill Hein
*
12:15 - T137A trailing behind. Viewed from Hidden Beach. Northbound closer to Camano side. -Elizabeth Skinner
*
12:20 - Onamac Point close to Camano. -Matt Henning
*
12:18 - Still heading north Camano side. Just before Onamac Point. -Marie Heil
*
12:05 - South of Madrona. One mid channel and two close to Camano now. Still northbound. Research vessel following.
11:36 - Northbound straight out from Cama. Research boat with them. They’re split right now. Moved out to more mid channel.
11:46 - Much further north of Cama now. They’re haulin’! Definitely mid channel now, still going northbound. -Kat Martin
*
11:25 - Northbound see pinned location on map [approx. 48.120280, -122.510246]. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
11:18 - Confirmed T65A5 with the T137s, last saw them close to shore at the south end of Camano Island State Park heading northwest, long downtimes. Last update from me.
11:12 - Westbound out of Elger Bay.
11:00 - Northbound close to Camano shore south of Elger Bay. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
10:46 - Viewing from Whidbey East Point. LOOOOONG downs. They are maintaining their presence on the Camano side of mid. Continuing northbound. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
10:33 - Went on a long dive and surfaced midchannel north of Mabana, moving faster now.
10:25 - South of Mabana, trending north with lots of directional changes. T137A is trailing midchannel. Trying to get a better picture to confirm, but it looks like T65A5 is still with them.
10:13 - Still north of Pebble Beach on Camano side facing northwest. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
10:07 - They stopped for second breakfast on the Camano side. Viewing from Saratoga Road. Still appear northbound. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
09:43 - Starting to spread out as they continue north/northwest, pushed a tiny bit off Camano shore but still that side of mid.
09:40 - Moving fast, about five to six minute down times, very much Camano side, approaching Pebble Beach area.
09:34 - T137s off Camano Head, appear northbound up Saratoga Passage hugging Camano side. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
09:34 - Actually, there are three. Traveling on Camano side heading north.
09:31 - Spotted two orcas traveling south of Camano Head. -Rachael Kvig
*
[videos from Port Susan in FB comments]. -Thomas McKane
*
09:04 - It’s the T137s. They have continued southbound past Tyee now. -Charvet Drucker
*
08:20 - Sounds like they are still southbound just south of Bretland now.
07:45 - There are orcas in Port Susan this morning. Saw them heading southbound between CC1 and CC2. Mid channel but closer to the Camano side. Saw at least two but it was hard to get a count because they were in line with the sun [CC = Country Club]. -Charvet Drucker 
*
Wed, Jul 3 - Puget Sound
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Heather Weir
Date of Sighting: July 03, 2024
Time: 7:10 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Agate Point, Bainbridge Island, Washington
Direction of travel : Toward Agate Pass bridge
Behaviors observed: See emailed video
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: On the news the most recent report was older than when I saw them, so I thought I would report the sighting.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
Thu, Oct 3 - Puget Sound (T65Bs)
19:10 - Southbound tight group in line with Southworth dock mid channel view from Constellation Park in West Seattle. -Mary Hartmann
*
19:00 - South of Bainbridge, still southbound, slightly further east of mid channel (easy naked eye) as viewed from Constellation Park.
19:06 - Nearing north end of Blake Island.
18:47 - Almost to Eagle Harbor southbound as viewed from 64th Alki. East of mid. -Steve Rice
*
17:20 - Three to four fins off West Point. Heading south. -Deb Cronheim
*
15:22 - While San Juan Clipper was traveling back to our pier, we have come across the T65Bs currently southbound midchannel between Point Jefferson (Jeff Head) and Richmond Beach! -Alli Montgomery

October 2
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Wed, Oct 2 - Haro Strait (T60D & T60E)
14:48 - Further out now, they have now flipped, heading north. Looks like two males.
14:36 - Just saw two killer whales on Lime Kiln webcam, southbound, close in.  -Bambi Miller [WSSJI]
*
Wed, Oct 2 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T35As, T63, T65) - T63 Chainsaw - T35A3 Garnet & T35A Lester - There were no whale reports, but sharp-eyed naturalist Sam Murphy FOUND us some amazing whales out near Hein Bank. In very choppy waters, and interesting lighting conditions, we had T063 Chainsaw and his current travel companions, the T35As!! We believe we had seven whales total - T065 Whidbey b.1968 (Chainsaw’s mom), T063 Chainsaw b.1978, T35A Lester b.1998, T035A1 Opal b.2010, T35A2 Topaz b.2013, T035A3 Garnet b.2018, and T035A4 (no name yet) b. 2022. They made a few close passes much to our delight. -photos by Jill Hein, October 2, 2024
*
T35A Lester - T63 Chainsaw & T35A2 Topaz - Thanks to Naturalist Sam's great spotting, Capt. Carl's excellence at keeping the boat steady in rocky water, and Lauren taking very good care of us with hot drinks, we had a splendid day out near Hein Bank with the infamous T63 Chainsaw (b. 1978), his mom T65 Whidbey II (b. 1968) and the T35As: Matriarch T35A Lester (b. 1998), and her daughter T35A1 Opal (b. 2010) and other kids T35A2 Topaz (b. 2013), T35A3 Garnet (b. 2018), and calf T35A4 (b. 2022). (note in my catalog says grandma T35 Ruby Roo (1970) usually travels with the T38s). They were generally headed west, but were zig zagging all over, with some wonderful very close passes to us! -photos by Bonnie Gretz, October 2, 2024
*
Wed, Oct 2 - Admiralty Inlet (T65A5 & T137s)
13:40 - Leaving Shore Meadow now… last seen headed southbound west side of channel deep dives. -Missy Main
*
13:15 - Passed us by Bush Point under water, long downs, pushed offshore but still Whidbey side. Southbound.
13:05 - Orcas approaching Bush Point close to Whidbey southbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
13:00 - Between Lagoon Point and Bush Point southbound. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
12:48 - Several orca off Lagoon Point. Southbound fast, 500 yards from shore. -photos by Bill Setter, October 2, 2024
*
13:04 - One other [with the T137s], possibly 65A5.
12:40 - T137s southbound off of Lagoon Point. -Brian McGinn
*
MINKE WHALES -
Wed, Oct 2 - Hood Canal
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: John Bartol
Date of Sighting: October 02, 2024
Time: 1:36 PM
Species seen: Minke whale
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Ayock Point, Hood Canal
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No

October 1
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Tue, Oct 1 - Strait of Juan de Fuca/Haro Strait (J Pod) - October kicked off in the best possible way as we got word of J-Pod inbound off Victoria. The fishing seemed to be good as we saw whales nailing salmon left and right in Haro Strait all afternoon. Shortly before sunset they made their way north, and I snapped a picture of this "cuddle puddle" off the Lime Kiln Lighthouse. -Orca Behavior Institute -photo by Monika Wieland Shields, October 1, 2024
*
17:32 - Can hear them now. -Heidi Bruns Shank
*
17:15 - Hearing them on Orcasound hydrophone, with a lot of background noise. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
17:14 - At least one whale still visible directly out from Lime Kiln lighthouse, northbound. EDIT: one male visible. -Nikol Damato, Orca Network
*
17:12 - Again.
17:11 - One visible in middle of screen. -Gerald Graham
*
16:44 - A few loud calls again on Lime Kiln and some echolocation clicks. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
16:44 - Still visible on webcam; most are north of Lime Kiln, but a few whales trailing still south of Lime Kiln lighthouse. Just saw a breach!
16:33 - Northbound, surface active on Lime Kiln webcam, vocalizations audible on hydrophone. -Nikol Damato, Orca Network
*
16:15 - SRKW calls on Lime Kiln hydrophone. Per WSSJI, this is J pod. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
15:50 - Orcas heading up island from False Bay. Some have already gone around Pile Point.
13:10 - More orcas slowly heading down island from False Bay/Eagle Point. Heading towards American Camp. Some are closer to shore. Several are quite far.
12:38 - At least two orca have come down island near Eagle Point.
12:25 - Quite a few quietly milling at False Bay and Pile Point.
11:41 - I can see them coming in. Several miles off of Pile Point. Heading either towards False Bay or up island. Yay! Viewing from north of Eagle Point. -Jenny Stands Wilson [WSSJI]
*
09:45 - Report of Southern Residents inbound from Victoria. -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Tue, Oct 1 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T49C)
12:46 - Orca off of Point Wilson. Traveling west. [report shared with us by Rebecca Berger]. -Port Townsend Marine Science Center
*
T49C Nielson
09:05 - Single male orca sighted from the American Constellation cruise ship just north of Point Wilson Lighthouse, Port Townsend. Moving from north to south. -photos by Sara Ellis, October 1, 2024
*
Tue, Oct 1 - Puget Sound (T65Bs) - T65B1 Birdsall - T65Bs. Link to more photos. -photos by April Janice Basham, October 1, 2024
*
18:15 - Just south of Discovery Lighthouse Point close to shore I was viewing from Sunset Park above Shilshole. They rounded the lighthouse point northbound pretty quickly and I think they managed a kill based on the breaching and splashing. Hope you get to see them next time! -Jon Rosati
*
They’re [orcas] in front of the breakwater at Shilshole Bay Marina. -Donna Ban Buren
Text-em-all reply
*
17:28 - Spotted off a Magnolia bluff with cruise ship heading straight into them. Mid channel, northbound near Discovery. Hoping to beat them to Golden Gardens. -Kyle Hove
*
16:13 - Meandering northbound, just finishing a kill. -David Scott
*
16:15 - They was hunting just now still at the same spot.
16.07 - [approx. 47.590861, -122.431998 (1 mi. NW of Alki Pt.)]. -Leo Leo
*
15:49 - They moved north, no longer able to see them without binoculars from Alki. -Aubree Mae Renfro
*
T65B1 Birdsall
15:34 - Between Alki and Magnolia moving northwest near tourist sailboat view from 64th and Alki.
15:19 - T65B1 rounding Alki Point. -photo by Mary Hartmann, October 1, 2024
*
15:18 - Two maybe three passing Alki Lighthouse. Headed north. Long down times. -Patti Waterfall
*
15:14 - They just popped up around the corner, viewing from Alki now. -Aubree Mae Renfro
*
14:55 - Last I saw them, 20 minutes ago, they were off South Beach on Bainbridge side of channel heading north, the little white boat following behind them. -Jodi Winterton
*
14:40 - They are approaching Constellation Park northbound SLOW. -April Janice Basham
*
14:37 - From Emma Schmitz, they are northbound almost to the north end of Blake Island, in northbound traffic lanes or maybe a little east of the lanes. -Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network
*
14:09 - Changed direction. South end of Bainbridge. Headed north now.  -Jodi Winterton
*
14:04 - After lingering south of ferry dock they committed northbound moving northeast from north tip of Vashon. -Mary Hartmann
*
13:48 - North end of Blake Island heading south. Can see from Lincoln.  -Jodi Winterton
*
13:40 - T65Bs approximate location southbound [47.544060, -122.427084]. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
13:13 - [T65Bs heading] towards Bake [Blake] Island. -Shabnam Razmpour
*
13:15 - Currently heading east.
13:08 - Near Vashon. Can see with binoculars off of Constellation Park. -Nancy Kerns Cambron
*
13:00 - Visible without binoculars from Emma Schmitz Park in West Seattle southbound tight group of three to four in line with south Bainbridge small white boat following One big male. Three smaller orcas, four total. -Mary Hartmann
*
13:00 - T65Bs southbound east side of channel just pass Alki Point headed towards Emma Schmitz Memorial Park. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
11:53 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 12:15 to report: 1153hrs: Vessel WALLA WALLA reports via 800MHz they've spotted 3-4 orcas heading southbound, located just north of Alki Point. 
*
09:16 - Report of four orcas between Golden Gardens & West Point, Discovery Park. No direction given [47.68080, -122.43043].  -[WA app]
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Tue, Oct 1 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (CRC-18712 Zillion & CRC-19340 Hammer)  - Zillion CRC-18712 and Hammer CRC-19340 up at Race Rocks Lighthouse near Victoria BC. Link to more photos. -photos by Janine Harles, October 1, 2024
*
MINKE WHALES -
Tue, Oct 1 - Strait of Juan de Fuca - A lunge feeding minke just north of Port Townsend. Another minke in the same area that I did not get shots of. Link to more photos.  -photo by Janine Harles, October 1, 2024