Humpback Big Mama BCY0324 (L) and her airborne newest alf (no. 7). Photo by Simon Pidcock, April 30, 2016

 

This evening from 5:30 to 6:30 we were on scene with the J16s in San Juan Channel. First they were heading south, but then they did a big arc around, aiming momentarily for President's Channel before finally heading north past Flattop towards Boundary Pass. They were all traveling in a tight, slow-moving group.
Monika Wieland

J26 Mike. Photo by Monika Wieland, May 3, 2016

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The J16's had been found off the west side of San Juan Island in the morning. By 1305, the J16's had moved slowly north past CWR about a quarter mile off the reef. Ken and Dave left a while later to see the T's in Boundary Pass (Encounter 38-1). We ended that encounter at 1613 and decided to briefly check out the J16's who were reported to be heading east in Spieden Channel at that time. We arrived on scene at 1634 about a mile east of Battleship Rock. The J16's milled some and went on a long dive before coming up on the north side of Spieden Channel just a little east of Sentinel Island. We left the J16's soon afterward at 1652 as they moved closer to the Spieden Island shoreline and headed slowly east in a tight group.  Center for Whale Research Encounter 39

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Half day sail with enthusiastic friends. Met the J16's in Spieden Channel. Close to shore swimming against a strong ebb. Steller sea lions grouped together and the J16's were acting like transients... silent underwater with a 180 degree direction change. Beautiful crisp blows and reflections in placid waters of Minke Pond. Clearing north of Flattop we headed home in the evening light.
Barbara Bender/David Howitt, All Aboard Sailing

J26 Mike, Spieden Channel with Spieden Island. Photo by Barbara Bender, May 3, 2016

J16 and J50. Photo by Barbara Bender, May 3, 2016

The J16s. Photo by Barbara Bender, May 3, 2016

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3:35 p.m. - We are out on a boat and spotted the pod north of Lime Kiln! Including at least one baby.
Kim Sharpe Jones
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1:05 p.m. - S4 calls & echolocation on OrcaSound hydrophone
11:55 a.m. - just tuned in to Lime Kiln and hearing J pod, loud vocalizations and echolocation.
Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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Spent some time with the J16's on the west side. J26 and J42 were bringing up the rear, south of Lime Kiln, while J16, J50, J36 and J52 lead the way, being very active and social, were heading north past Lime Kiln. Photo by Renee Beitzel, May 3, 2016

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After the J16's were found in Boundary Pass, Dave left Snug Harbor in Orcinus at 1345 and arrived on scene off Bedwell Harbor at 1415. J36 and J52 were heading southwest toward Turn Point about a mile south of Tully Point on South Pender Island. J26 was another three quarters of a mile to the east of J36 and J52 also heading slowly toward Turn Point. The other three J16's were reported to be much closer in to Bedwell Harbor...
See CWR staff photos and read full report at Center for Whale Research Encounter 37.

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From today during our sail with the J16's. One of J36 breaching in front of the Center for Whale Research. They traveled rather quickly southbound with the ebb tide with occasional stops for fishing. Barbara & David Howitt, All Aboard Sailing   Photo by Barbara Bender, May 2, 2016

J26 passing Lovers Leap on Stuart Island. Photo by Barbara Bender, May 2, 2016

5:30 p.m. - We left the J16's off Pile Pt - heading for home. We had the hydro in many times throughout the day. Very little talking - a few faint squeaks and echo.
4:04 p..m. - Passing Lime Kiln.
3:30 p.m. - J16's heading fast toward Kellet spread - we're on scene!
Barbara Bender

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I have been waiting fourteen years to have J Pod come through Sansum Narrows which divides Maple Bay and Cowichan Bay. This is a historic travel route for the Southern Resident Killer Whales. Since the downfall of the Cowichan River Chinook Salmon run in the 1980's the southern residents rarely come into Cowichan Bay. I was lucky enough to find them just entering Sansum Narrows resting but as soon as they got to the mouth of Cowichan Bay the fireworks started. This encounter made my year!
Simon Pidcock

J pod in Sansum channel. Photo by Simon Pidcock, April 28, 2016

J2 Granny. Photo by Simon Pidcock, April 28, 2016

Photo by Simon Pidcock, April 28, 2016

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Hard Core. We used the moderate to strong winds and the big ebb and flood to cover serious ground and watch serious whales. Sidney Channel - J34, Doublestuf, continual breaches and cartwheels expressed the power of the day. His mom, J22, similarly cartwheeled and even the kids were having fun. Vocalizing while fishing and exuberant with the exciting whitecaps. A thrill and an honor to sail in their presence. We broke away to meet the breakaway group, the J16's, in the white caps of Blunden Island, Canada. They surprised us by turning towards San Juan Channel with us as we plowed a beam reach homeward through sunset.
Barbara Bender, All Aboard Sailing

J34 with multiple breaches. Photo by Barbara Bender, April 28, 2016

J-22 Oreo Photo by Barbara Bender, April 28, 2016

J-28 Polaris and her two offspring J46 Star and J54. Photo by Barbara Bender, April 28, 2016

The J-17s. Photo by Barbara Bender, April 28, 2016

17 Biggs killer whales being incredibly social. Started off with tons of tail lobbing and breaching from the kids, then they all got together in a big group and were almost stationary at the surface, rolling around on one another. We shut down and watched for a while and after a long dive they popped up right beside us! We got a really good look at T86A's overbite on her lower jaw and got to see one of the newest calves, T86A4. Won't forget that one anytime soon!
Gary Sutton

Check out the overbite on T86A! Her mouth is always open. Photo by Gary Sutton, May 3, 2016

T86A4 breaching behind T124A2 and T124A1 about to tail lob. Photo by Gary Sutton, May 3, 2016

Photo by Gary Sutton, May 3, 2016

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There was a T-party out in the Strait of Georgia today---and it included T86A4, the newest kiddo of T86A. Photo by Sara Hysong-Shimazu, May 3, 2016

8:00 p.m. - Orcas in Hood Canal? I just saw from the shore what looked to be about 4 Orcas just out from Potlatch (Hood Canal), feeding.
Travis Hultquist

7:10 a.m. - I saw two just North of Hoodsport. Absolutely amazing!!! The first I have seen in the wild!
Chelsea Sendzik

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1:15 p.m. - T18 and 19B's in Haro today going north. Transients, aka "Bigg's Killer whales" (marine mammal eating ecotype)... Two humpbacks were feeding the area but the T's ignored them entirely.

41 year-old, T018 She travels with the T019's. We were with them today as they traveled north in Haro Strait. Photo by Renee Beitzel, May 2, 2016

T19B with humpback 1/4 mile (if that) in background! Photo by Renee Beitzel, May 2, 2016

Brothers, T019B and T019C. Photo by Renee Beitzel, May 2, 2016

I took this on Monday from my Kayak:) I think there are 4 of them 2 big ones and two smaller ones. They were eating a seal, so I am assuming they are transient whales. They are so incredible!! They were at the mouth of the Duckabush river between 2:30-3:30 on Monday. They headed up the canal toward Union about 3:40.
Jennifer Nehr

Orcas hunting seals near the mouth of Duckabush river. Photo by Jennifer Nehr, May 2, 2016

Photo by Jennifer Nehr, May 2, 2016

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9:40 a.m. - There are actually four. Saw them northbound off Ayock point. Gradual movement north then chased a seal.
Mitch Bogrand
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3 orcas at Ayock Point (between Lilliwaup & Eldon) at 9:40 am. Feeding on seals. They were heading north, cannot see them now (10:10 a.m.) but I hope the hang out for the summer.
Teresa Bogrand

8:15 p.m. - 4 orcas. I was out paddle boarding on Bellingham Bay last night (May 1) and was surprised by a pod of whales. They appeared to be casually traveling. I was paddle boarding, they surfaced near me (about 15-20 yards away). There was a young whale, 2 medium sized, and 1 large female. They seemed curious of me and were surfacing nearby. A powerboat approached approximately 200 yards away and they headed south. I then observed them approach a slow moving sailboat and surface near it. It appeared as if they were showing instructing the small whale.
Sam Stoner
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Bellingham Herald article on the pod who entered Bellingham Bay.

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8:00 p.m. - 5-7 orcas (including 1 adult male) spotted in Hood Canal off Triton Head, maybe feeding.
Jim Messmer
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4:00 p.m. - Pod (4 confirmed w/ at least 2 males) sighted in Hood Canal south of Brinnonn, just south of Stavis Bay heading south, Sunday May 1 at 1600. Traveling slowly.
Joy Jarvis

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T065B1 at close range yesterday in Haro Strait. The T065A's and B's had been submerged on a deep dive and surfaced right next to us. This 5 yr old's dorsal fin is already sprouting. I think he's going to be a big boy. Photo by James Gresham, April 30, 2016

T065A (R) & offspring in Haro Strait. The T065A's and B's were less than a mile from Humpback Big Mama and her calf and were headed towards each other, but the transients didn't bother the humpbacks. Photo by James Gresham, April 30, 2016

 

Just saw two killer whales at 46 15.33 and 124 06.75. (just SW of Ilwaco) Appeared to be one male and one female. May 2, 2016. 20:38. Thought I'd let you know.
Paul Kujala

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A friend who was off Neah Bay had a surprise visit of a single large male orca. This is the only photo I know of, no identify marks and he was all alone. Photo courtesy of Sandy Thompson Watne, May 1, 2016

   

1:16 p.m. - 723 heading toward Gedney Island.
Michael Colahan
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Captain announced a couple Grays off the starboard bow side of the 12:30 ferry out of Mukilteo. Couldn't see them as they had submerged.
Ginger Miller, Possession Shores

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8:30 a.m. - Two Grays seen between Camano and Sandy Point heading west, slowly, about the middle of the channel. Playing or traveling very slowly.
Mary Ann Mansfield

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8:06 a.m. - Gray whale blows visible from 8am Clinton ferry on this beautiful sunny morning. N of ferry, SE of Hat Island.
Rachel Haight

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Midnight - Whales are still off of Hat and Clinton. I could hear them very clear tonight while I was photographing the Northern Lights.
Holly Davison
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7:30 p.m. - Spotted some type of spray from whale in Mukilteo where ferry crosses to Whidbey.
Julie Schaefer Bridwell
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Gray whale #723 south of Hat Island. Lots of ferry passengers saw him today. Photo by Jill Hein, May 1, 2016 (photo zoomed & cropped)

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1:00 p.m. - We saw 723 in Saratoga Passage south of Hat Island, and 44 and 49 together just west of Possession Bar. Everyone doing a good job of being whalewise.
Steve Smith
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11:55 a.m. - Waiting to catch the ferry in Mukilteo seeing blows right in the ferry lane. Gray whale - we see Mystic Seas on scene.
Dori Dace

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Today out on the Island Whaler with # 49 patch and # 383 in Elger Bay moving south.
Terica Ginther

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...We were promised rain but were lucky - we headed out to find gray whales and right off Camano, directly opposite Langley, we found #44 Dubknuck feeding along Camano's shoreline, heading slowly north. After watching him feed on his side with one pectoral fin and half of his tail visible, he then come out to deeper water and we saw his tail fluke several times. We then headed south towards Hat/Gedney Island and found #723 Lucyfer feeding along the southern shallow banks. He was very visible near the surface, we could see his entire body in the shallow water. Heading back to port, #44 had turned south and we saw him again!
Jill Hein, volunteer naturalist.

#44 Dubknuck feeding along Camano Island shoreline. Photo by Jill Hein, April 29, 2016

#44 Dubknuck's impressive Fluke. Photo by Jill Hein, April 29, 2016

#723 Lucyfer. Photo by Jill Hein, April 29, 2016

#723 Lucyfer. Photo by Jill Hein, April 29, 2016

 

Big Mama and her calf were at it (breaching) again today between East Bank and Smith Island, backdropped by the Olympic Mountains in background! Photo by Renee Beitzel, May 1, 2016

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Hey we found Big Mama and her calf (humpbacks) off of Smith Island on board the Red Head and Chilkat Express. Spectacularly beautiful and calm.
Peter Hanke

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Big Mama, a pioneer, one of the first humpbacks to return after a 100 years of absence to the Salish Sea. We are excited and smoking a cigar because she is back with a new calf! We believe it to be the 7th. Both Big Mama and her calf were breaching when we sailed to Beaumont Shoals today.
Barbara Bender, All Aboard Sailing

Big Mama breaching near Beaumont Shoals. Photo by Barbara Bender, April 30, 2016

Big Mama's calf breaching. Photo by Barbara Bender, April 30, 2016

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Big Mama BCY0324 & her newest calf. Photo by Simon Pidcock, April 30, 2016

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Breaching humpback calf. This is the 2016 calf of the much loved humpback Big Mama. Photographed today in Haro Strait southwest of Lime Kiln. As we (Island Adventures Whale Watching) slowly moved into position both Big Mama and the calf began breaching repeatedly. They breached together at one point but I didn't get shots. The calf breached at least 10 times while Big Mama repeatedly lobbed her flukes. We sat at stand off distance with engines off and watched in amazement. After awhile the acrobatics stopped as quickly as they started and Big Mama moved north up Haro with her calf. The T065A and T065B transient orca were less than a mile away at the time and were headed south but the marine mammal eating orca ignored the humpbacks. Great to see an apparently strong and energetic calf for Big Mama this yr. Shot at 500mm and cropped.
James Gresham

Breaching humpback calf. This is the 2016 calf of the much loved humpback Big Mama. Photographed today in Haro Strait southwest of Lime Kiln. Photo by James Gresham, April 30, 2016

Humpback BCY0324 Big Mama with her new calf. After the wild breach fest this afternoon in Haro Strait. Photo by James Gresham, April 30, 2016

Youthful exuberance. Big Mama's calf practices it's cartwheeling technique. Photo by James Gresham, April 30, 2016

The 2016 calf of humpback BCY0324 Big Mama chin slapping in Haro Strait today.  Photo by James Gresham, April 30, 2016

8:25 a.m. - Elsa Leavitt of Bush Pt, SW Whidbey Island, reported a single whale: I think a minke, heading south at a fairly good clip. It's about halfway out in the sound. Long and slim. One smallish dorsal fin. I see no white on it. Observed at 8:25 am.
(could possibly have been a humpback as well? - SB)