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Orca Network 

Whale Sighting Report  

In This Issue
Photo of the Day
Southern Residents
Bigg's killer whales (Transients)
Coastal killer whales
Fin whales
Humpback whales
Gray whales
Minke whales
Common dolphins
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Orca Network recommends:
Puget Sound Whales for Sale: The Fight to End Orca Hunting, by
Sandra Pollard
This important volume recounts the people whose determined efforts ultimately succeeded in ending the captures.

_______________

The Lost Whale, by
Michael Parfit and
Suzanne Chisolm
  An intensely personal story...but this person is a young orca.  

Lost Whale book...ver scaled

______________

 

To learn more  

about orcas: 

Orcas in Our Midst, volume 3, by Howard Garrett

Orcas in Our Midst,

Vol. 3: Residents and Transients, How Did That Happen?

Click here  

to order YOUR copy!

_________________

 

  David Kirby  

The bestseller about orcas in captivity

   DeathatSeaWorld


Quick Links

Click here

to learn about L pod

orca Lolita/Tokitae,

captured in Penn Cove,

Whidbey Island, WA

in 1970, somehow surviving in a small tank at the Miami Seaquarium ever since.

Tokitae looking up at us from her tank in Miami, FL in the late 1990s 

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July 20,  2016

We are watching and visiting the whales in their home~

Please observe, love and respect them from a distance.

Having trouble viewing this Sightings Report? Archived Reports can be found HERE.
We are mid week of SuperPod 5, a gathering of humans who congregate on San Juan Island annually for a week in July to network, present, think, and strategize about the southern residents and other cetaceans. Historically this would be a time for wonderful encounter opportunities while members of all three pods could be seen traveling up and down the west side of San Juan Island and places further inland, typically en route north through BC waters to the Fraser River in Vancouver.  Some combination of Js and some Ls have been around each day this past week , but they are not around in the typical form and are foraging and socializing in much smaller mixed,  loose, and spread out groups. The absence of K pod is glaring. We've not had any reports of Ks inland since they were last in on June 9th with Js. It doesn't get any clearer than there isn't enough Chinook salmon inland to sustain all three pods as in times past. NO FISH NO BLACKFISH!

As in our last report, we have another case of a resident salmon eating orca playing with a deceased harbor porpoise. On June 15th (see photo of the day and other reports under Southern Residents) L119 was observed tossing & flipping the porpoise.  Center for Whale Research staff is collecting data on this phenomenon (residents playing with porpoise to death, but not eating them), which hopefully means somewhere in the near future we'll have a better understanding as to why they engage in such business.

Since their prey is more plentiful, mammal eating Bigg's are faring much better.  Their forays inland have waned this month which is typical, but groups still show up around the inland waters.  The T65As showed up in Puget Sound the morning of the 18th after having spent time with the T37As around San Juan Island 2 days prior.

Exciting news, an adult Fin whale (the second largest whale) has been frequenting Juan de Fuca. This is the 2nd Fin whale to re-inhabit the Salish Sea in current times after being extirpated from this area during the whaling years, as were the humpbacks. Last year a juvenile Fin showed up and stayed around for a while, we hope this one does too.

Humpbacks are finding a lot to eat and making good use of Juan de Fuca Strait and waters to the east. We are still hearing about, and receiving reports, of the massive congregations of these magnificent whales lunge-feeding together.  Such a beautiful sight!

UPCOMING EVENT:
Penn Cove Orca Capture Anniversary Commemoration Saturday,  August 6th, 2016
Coupeville, Whidbey Island, WA - Orca Network's commemoration of the Penn Cove orca captures of 1970 includes an on the water ceremony  as well as a special screening of the documentary Lolita: Spirit in the Water with guest appearances by the creators of the film. 46 years ago over 100 Southern Resident orcas were herded into Penn Cove off Whidbey Island, WA.  Seven of the young whales were netted and delivered to marine parks around the world.  All but one had died by 1987. Originally named Tokitae, they now call her Lolita.  In memory of the nearly 40 Southern Resident orcas captured in Washington State, and the 13 orcas killed during the captures, and in honor of Tokitae, the sole survivor, Orca Network is sponsoring two events on Saturday August 6th to commemorate the 46th anniversary of the 1970 Penn Cove Orca Capture.

11-2:30 pm - Coupeville Wharf educational displays and waterside ceremony. 
A limited number of tickets for a ceremonial boat trip in Penn Cove will be available.
To RESERVE your space on one of the sailing vessels please contact Cindy Hansen at [email protected]

3:30 to 5:30 pm we will meet at the Nordic Lodge in Coupeville for food, drink, a silent auction, and a special screening of the 1998 film Lolita: Spirit in the Water featuring the late Kathi Goertzen from KOMO 4 news.

Kathi's husband and photographer Rick Jewett, photographer/editor Mike Rosen, and the film's producer Sharon Howard will be present to introduce the film and for a Q&A following the screening. Tickets to the event are $20 (includes appetizers and wine). 

Registration for the afternoon event at Nordic Lodge is available  HERE.

Orca Network
Photo of the Day
July 15 
Southern resident (salmon eating type) youngster L119 Joy with a deceased Harbor porpoise in her mouth. She was observed off Salmon Bank (south end of San Juan Island) pushing , flipping, and playing around with the porpoise for quite a while.
Photo by Janine Harles, July 15, 2016 
Southern Residents
July 20 
10:00 a.m. - 2 adult male orcas at Eagle Point, San Juan Island.
Ariel Yseth

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July 19 
9:00 p.m. - Just left L41 Mega or L89 Solstice and unidentified female heading East past Grandmas Cove. (American Camp, San Juan Island) It was either Mega or Solstice. Hard to tell as didn't get a great look at the saddle
Ariel Yseth
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3:28 p.m. - We found J36, J52 with L94's, saw J17, J44, J28, J53, J54, L41 w/ L25, L85. These whales were 2 miles offshore aiming at Hein. Spread in loose groups.
Barbara Bender
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We saw J19s, J17s, J16s, J31, and at least some of the L4s go south past the lighthouse.
Sara Hysong-Shimazu
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Nova J51, Scarlet J50, and Sonic J52 playing together in the morning. Taken from shore, west side San Juan Island.
Photo by Melisa Pinnow, July 19, 2016 

Suttles J40, Se-Yi'-Chn J45, Samish J14, Spirit L22, and Solstice L89 in a resting line.
Photo by Melisa Pinnow, July 19, 2016
(Taken aboard the Odyssey of San Juan Excursions)
 

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10:11 a.m. - seeing orcas heading south on the Lime Kiln web cam.
Kim Merriman
Couldn't post sooner, saw a large group of Orcas heading west between Neil Bay and Spieden around 9:30am. My family later saw J and L pods of the shore of Lime Klin park. It was a lucky day for all of us.
Hazel Foster
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9:43 a.m. - Back off the point again... L89 & L22! 
8:48 a.m. - For all my Blackfish and Superpod 5 buddies chillin' on SJI... Orcas moving up island from Eagle Point! Hope you see some fins today!
Erin Corra

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July 18 
1:35PM - Maia of WSF relayed a report from the ferry Chelan of 1/2 dozen orcas off Danger Shoal, about midway between Battleship Island and Spieden Bluff in Haro Strait.
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I got an ID shot of both J26 and J2 heading north around 11am off Sunset Point, a ways off shore. (no photos sent)
Jessica Alexandra Doyle
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10:13 a.m. - Lots of orcas off of Land Bank headed north towards Lime Kiln.
Joe Snyder.
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10:06 a.m. - Just watched what looked like L pod going north past County Park, San Juan Island. All J boys and Onyx present. Multiple Ls including Marina and Moonlight.
Ariel Yseth
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Saw groups from J and L pods come through including at least 3 calves and granny! Headed north past Lime Kiln! Awesome!
Photo by Katie Snyder, July 18, 2016 

Watching Js and Ls pass from the rocks at Lime Kiln State Park.
Photo by Katie Snyder, July 18, 2016 

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9:49 a.m. - More whales approaching Lime Kiln from the south. Passing Land Bank looks like, I can see them from the lighthouse. L4s are here.
Sara Hysong-Shimazu
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9:41 a.m. - Two orca on the way to Whale Research Center! Passing Sunset Point now.
Jana Offner Wiggins

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July 17 
11:54 a.m. - We just saw an orca-male and looked to be alone-south of Eagle Point ( about 3/4 mile). We didn't get any pics, sadly, and I can't find my ID guide...
Sharon Ann Clark
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8:45 a.m. -  Don Davich reports seeing at least 4 orcas off Eagle Point, west side of San Juan Island.

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July 16 
J17s traveling at Hein Bank this evening.
Photo by James Gresham, July 16, 2016 

L89 Solstice making a close pass as we drifted with engines off - Hein Bank.
Photo by James Gresham, July 16, 2016 

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11:05 a..m  - Several orcas in the mouth of False Bay off west coast of San Juan. Great day! Saw at least 6 orcas...they got really close to us and other boats. The wildlife wardens were protecting them and ticketing boats getting too close.
Brandon Michaels

J42 glides through the glassy waters past an idle boat off False Bay, San Juan Island.
Photo by Brandon Michaels, July 16, 2016 

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Onyx (L87) catching a fish off False Bay. You can see the fish in his mouth.
Photo by Valerie Shore, July 16, 2016 

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10:44 a.m. - Faint calls and echolocation on Lime Kiln hydrophone right now.
Ariel Yseth

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July 15 
We encountered L119 playing with a dead harbor porpoise at 7:30pm 2 miles W of Salmon Bank marker. She was all by herself flinging it, holding it in her mouth by her teeth, and draping it over her rostrum. We first heard radio reports of an L pod whale playing with a dead harbor porpoise about 3:30/4pm. I included some photos for reference - fully zoomed and cropped to show as much detail as possible.
Cheers, Barbara and David, All Aboard Sailing

L119 playing with a dead harbor porpoise.
Photo by Barbara Bender, July 15, 2016 

Four-year-old L119 Joy.
Photo by Barbara Bender, July 15, 2016 

L119 Joy with Harbor porpoise draped over her rostrum.
Photo by Barbara Bender, July 15, 2016 

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L119 and Harbor porpoise.
Photo by Janine Harles, July 15, 2016 


Here is a picture (see below) from the afternoon of July 15, 2016, from the Island Explorer 3.  We watched L119 play with this harbor porpoise for about an hour.  She lifted it out of the water on many occasions, she swatted it with her pectoral fins, and she pushed it up into the air by balancing it on her rostrum too!  It was a very entertaining experience!  When we finally left the scene she had finally caught up with her mom, L77, and she was still playing with her new toy!
Bart Rulon

Another image of L119 with the Harbor porpoise draped atop her rostrum.
Photo by Bart Rulon, July 16, 2016 

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It was a Magical Day aboard the Mystic Sea with THREE kinds of whales! With reports of members of L-pod (Southern Resident orcas) out by Hein Bank, we headed out, spotting many seals on Colville Island en route. The first whale we found was L-85 Mystery (born 1991) with his 6' dorsal fin, a beautiful sight. Fairly close by we found a group of L-pod whales - L-77, L-94 and calf L-121, and several other members of their family. We had wonderful views as they interacted on the surface, in very calm sea conditions. Then we learned of Humpback whales - in the path of our homebound trip! We headed eastbound - and saw three Minke whales on the way to viewing at least TEN Humpback whales - WOW. A couple of these whales appeared to be quite friendly as they approached the boat - we were all in awe at the close looks and size of these whales. Along with harbor porpoise, turkey vultures, bald eagles and a newborn seal pup, it was truly a magical day!
Jill Hein, volunteer naturalist.

L77 Matia with her daughter L119 Joy - Hein Bank
Photo by Jill Hein, July 15, 2016 

L85 Mystery (born 1991)
Photo by Jill Hein, July 15, 2016 

Lot's of the L11s.
Photo by Jill Hein, July 15, 2016 

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Small group of Orcas just passed Point Roberts heading south. Some breaching. At least two large males. 6 to 8 whales travelling quickly and fairly close together. Between 9:30 and 9:50 PM.
Sandra Scott


July 15 - Juan de Fuca 
...near Race Rocks this morning and our Local Southern Resident Killer Whales in the afternoon feeding around Sooke, B.C. Some Grey and & Fin Whales seen in the area...WOW THE SEA IS COMING ALIVE IN THE JUAN DE FUCA!
Paul Pudwell, Sooke Coastal WW


L103 and her 8-month-old offspring L123 - Sooke, BC
Photo by Paul Pudwell, July 15, 2016 


L86 - Sooke, BC
Photo by Paul Pudwell, July 15, 2016 

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July 14 
...We saw our first group of whales at 1002 heading north inshore of us between Eagle Point and False Bay. This group included the L55's along with L105 and J31 and they got by us with just a few proof of presence photos taken. We kept moving south in hopes of finding members of the L12's (the L11's, L22's, L85, and L25-L87 is also a L12 but he was up north with the rest of J pod).
We saw a male and a female inshore at Eagle Point and this turned out to be L22 and L89. These two milled briefly at the point before heading slowly south. Another boat reported that they had J27 a ways offshore of us. The J11's had not been with the rest of J pod when they had been inside the past week so it was interesting that they came in with the L's.... See photos and full report at CWR Encounter 71.
Center for Whale Research
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Absolutely beautiful, sunny, calm day on the Salish Sea! We had early reports of Southern Resident orcas "all over"....We slowed down to take a brief look at some chubby harbor seals and their pups, including one reddish one, which is unusual. We first caught up with the big male, L41 Mega, who is 39 years old, as he surfaced within great viewing distance. As all the whales were spread out, hunting for salmon, we saw brief glimpses of others, but enjoyed Mega's presence for a while. We then moved closer to San Juan Island, around False Bay and Eagle Point, to delight in the antics of L121 Windsong, who is now about 16 months old, with his mom L94 Calypso. Also seen with this group were the female L22 Spirit, who is estimated to be 45 years old, and the male, Mystery, L85, who is 25 years old. (final I.D.'s to be confirmed) With reports of multiple humpbacks out by the Romeo Alpha buoy, we motored out and had a wonderful encounter with two of these majestic baleen whales, who stuck very close together. We saw at least 5 others in the distance, and there were perhaps 15-20 to the west. We are so lucky to have these beautiful giants increasing their presence in Puget Sound. On the way home, two bald eagles were spotted and a harbor seal surround by gulls, enjoyed a fish feast.
Bonnie Gretz, volunteer naturalist

L22  - Haro Strait - off west side San Juan Island near FalseBay/Eagle Point.
Photo by Bonnie Gretz, July 14, 2016
(all photos taken w/300mm zopm lens & cropped) 

L22's 23-year-old son L89.
Photo by Bonnie Gretz, July 14, 2016 

L94 Calypso and her 17-month-old son L121 Windsong.
Photo by Bonnie Gretz, July 14, 2016 

*********************

July 13 
1:20 p.m. - Just one of the images I shot while watching the orcas (J pod members I think?) from Lime Kiln. They take my breath away every time!
Photo by Alison Smiley, July 13, 2016 
Bigg's killer whales (Transients)
July 19 
5:10 p.m. - Watched them pass around Lagoon Point for an hour. The whales went quite a way north, then turned around, went back South of the LPCA jetty, then turned back again, passed northbound close to beach and then kept on going. (T65As)
Patricia Prochaska

One of the T65As breaches off Lagoon Point, Whidbey Island.
Photo by Patricia Prochaska, July 19, 2016 

T65A2 (R) passing Lagoon Point, Whidbey Island.
Photo by Patricia Prochaska, July 19, 2016 

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4:17 p.m. - T65A's Lagoon Point swimming north against big flood.
Christopher Hanke
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- T65As -
Had a small pod headed north in front of house today - Lagoon Point, Whidbey Island.
Photo by Paul Kukuk, July 19, 2016 

Photo by Paul Kukuk, July 19, 2016 

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Earlier today watched a small pod of Orcas in north Sound (don't know if same as yesterday's group) .. Long hunting pattern. Active !
Stu Davidson, Edmonds

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July 18 
7:54 p.m. - I'm seeing them south of Point Robinson, a red & white sailboat is right on them.
Michelle Leann
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7:51 p.m. - Caught a glimpse as they cleared Point Robinson. Moving really fast.
Charles Vendley
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7:41 p.m. - They just passed Pt Robinson. Mid channel moving at a good clip now.
7:28 p.m. - Halfway between 3 Tree Point and Point Robinson right now. Still look to be headed south.
Ian Bernhardt
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5:55 p.m. - Just saw a post they are by Three Tree Point (Burien) and moving South. I have a buddy that lives near the point and saw them. He said 2 for sure...
Krissie Carl
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5:52 p.m. - Just saw them pass the Fauntleroy Ferry dock, heading south.
Hillary Shaw
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5:04 p.m. - Transient orcas just South of Alki heading southeast, made a kill, now a research boat is with them.
4:06 p.m. - heading south past Alki, one male 3 female and a baby. T065A's
Janine Harles
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3:00 p.m. -  Spotted one lone male orca approx 300 yards from shore off Rolling Bay. Traveling slow. Believe he may have been trailing rest,  steady southernly direction
Susan Marie Andersson
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2:30 p.m. - Just spotted them across from FB Park.  Headed South.  Boat following. (possibly Research)
Cindy Campbell Russell
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2:10 p.m. -  from Richmond Beach Saltwater park seeing blows a bit west of mid channel sightline Faye Bainbridge park. Im heading home.
Approx 1pm I relocated to Kayu Kayu park, north Richmond Beach and they were directly out from me much closer to this side. Sadly a boat was pursuing them much to close. The pod picked up speed dove and disappeared. Have not relocated them. A reminder to keep required 200 yards and do not approach them.
Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

 
Bigg's T65As in Puget Sound.
Filmed from shore at Edmonds Marina Beach and Kayu Kayu Ac park in Richmond Beach.
Video by Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
July 18, 2016 


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1:04 p.m. - Orcas just passed Point Wells / Richmond Beach heading south, east of mid-channel not far from the shore.
Kimberly Mains
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12:45 p.m. - picked up speed and moving steadily southbound now.
12:38 p.m. -  still making a lot of directional changes while progressively moving south. Still bit east if mid channel, south now of Edmonds Marina Beach/Kingston transected.
Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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12:12 p.m. - On the ferry from Kingston to Edmonds, seeing them straight ahead!
Aleks Prosken
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12:10 p.m. - I moved to Edmonds Marina Beach. Caught the last of some surface activity, breaches, lunging and a nice spyhop. They've bunched up and are making lots of directional changes between my location and Kingston ferry dock. East of mid channel.
11:40 a.m. -Few minutes ago spotted the male east of mid channel, approaching Point Wells (tank farm) in Woodway, steadily southbound, but now lots of breaching still north of there. Probably on a kill between Edmonds marina Beach and pt wells. Fave spot.
Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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10:45 a.m. - They are just off Rose Point (just south of Eglon) now, slowly heading south. I am seeing 4, looks like one is a calf sticking right next to another and sometimes nestled right between two adults.
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10:22 a.m. - There are orcas mid-channel between Eglon Beach and the south end of Whidbey. We are watching from the beach and don't have a great view, but there are at least 3 individuals including one male.
Andrea Ogg

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July 16 
T037A southwest of San Juan Island, Saturday evening.
Photo by James Gresham, July 16, 2016 

T37A's. Saturday evening near Iceberg Point, Lopes Island.
Photo by James Gresham, July 16, 2016 

T37A's. Saturday evening near Iceberg Point.
Photo by James Gresham, July 16, 2016 
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San Juan Channel with the T65A's and T37A's. A beautiful group of whales on a gorgeous day!
Photo by Barbara Bender, July 16, 2016 
 
Coastal killer whales
July 17 
5:00 p.m. - unidentified caller reports seeing 5 orcas from the Pt. Arena Lighthouse, Point Arena, Californina. 

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July 15 
On July 15th at roughly 9am I saw two orcas a few hundred yards off Carmet beach in Sonoma County CA. They were heading north, moving relatively slowly and sticking around a disturbance in the water, most likely some kind of feeding behavior as I saw sea birds in the area as well. It was a bit too far out to note any specific distinguishing features of individuals, but I thought I'd let you know as it is the first time I'd seen an orca in the area.
Skylar deWitte 
Fin whales
July 18 
Fin whale on July 18th near Dungeness.
I came across this same individual  on July 9th off of Jordan River and it was first re-sighted on July 15th.  It seems to have found a great feeding ground with the many humpbacks in the area.
Photo by Mark Malleson, July 18, 2016 
 


We spotted this Fin Whale among 20 Humpbacks yesterday afternoon during our 2pm tour. We were a few miles north of Dungeness Spit when this enormous Fin Whale popped up between 5 Humpbacks.
Photo by Andrew Lees, Five Star WW, July 18,, 2016 
 
Humpback whales
July 18 - Juan de Fuca 
...among 20 Humpbacks yesterday afternoon during our 2pm tour on Five Star Whale Watching's vessel Supercat. We were a few miles north of Dungeness Spit when this enormous Fin Whale popped up between 5 Humpbacks.
Andrew Lees 


July 18 - Puget Sound 
11:00 a.m. - Humpback sighting, Posssesion Bar, South End of Whidbey Island. Humpback was breaching, tail slapping, and sounded after about three surfacings.
Photo by John Vraspir, July 18, 2016 

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July 16 - east Juan de Fuca 
Saturday evening we (Island Adventures) were with 9-10 or more humpbacks southwest of San Juan Island. The whales were mainly in pairs but also came together in pods of up to 5 animals. It has truly been spectacular out on the water. One of the large group of humpbacks that have been on the banks southwest of San Juan Island for the past few days.
James Gresham

This humpback was seen southwest of San Juan Island Saturday evening. It has a severe parasite infestation which is indicative of poor health. It seemed to be behaving normally but this whale is not in good shape.
Photo by James Gresham, July 16, 2016 

Fluke if the infested whale (see above photo)
Photo by James Gresham, July 16, 2016 

Fluke! Unidentified humpback - east Juan de Fuca.
Photo by James Gresham, July 16, 2016 

Photo by James Gresham, July 16, 2016 


July 16 - Puget Sound 
3:29 p.m. - There is a humpback whale just off the south end of Possession Bar. (south Whidbey Island)
Wendy Brock

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July 15 - east Juan de Fuca 
...Then we learned of Humpback whales - in the path of our homebound trip!  We headed eastbound (from Hein Bank) - and saw three Minke whales on the way to viewing at least TEN Humpback whales - WOW. (north of Eastern Bank) A couple of these whales appeared to be quite friendly as they approached the boat - we were all in awe at the close looks and size of these whales....
Jill Hein

Mugged by a humpback, north of Eastern Bank.
Photo by Jill Hein, July 15, 2016 

Humpback fluke waterfall.
Photo by Jill Hein, July 15, 2016 

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Just one of the many humpbacks near Eastern Bank....this one has a crazy cool tail with rake marks, but check out the lower Jaw!
Photo by Janine Harles, July 15, 2016 


July 15 - Puget Sound 
10:11 a.m. -  humpback slightly south east of Point No Point.
Stu Davidson

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July 14 
Steve Smith reports seeing a humpback in the vicinity south east of Point No Point around 7:00 PM.

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July 9 
Humpback whale seen from the beach at President's Point, Kitsap Peninsula.
She/he  swam past once in the morning heading northbound towards Whidbey and heading South in the evening.
Photo by Judy Kimelman, July 9, 2016 
Gray whales
July 13  
Gray whale sighting off of Chambers Bay Golf Course (south Puget Sound) at 7am and 8am. Headed North into the Narrows as the tide turned from low to high. (Unconfirmed gray, there was a humpback in this area at this time - ALB)
Raphael Barry
Minke whales
July 17 
1730 - Minke whale. 1/2 mile N of Lime Kiln, traveling north, feeding, 10-20 yards off shore. Small. Scimitar shaped dorsal, no tail on dives.
Eric E. Jolley

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July 15 
Then we learned of Humpback whales - in the path of our homebound trip!  We headed eastbound (from Hein Bank) - and saw three Minke whales on the way to viewing at least TEN Humpback whales - WOW. A couple of these whales appeared to be quite friendly as they approached the boat - we were all in awe at the close looks and size of these whales....
Jill Hein

Minke whale encountered on the way home to Anacortes -  east Juan de Fuca.
Photo by Jill Hein, July 15, 2016 

***********************

July 11 
- Minke whale and J pod member -
Today's encounter with J pod. Approximately 2 miles north of Hein Bank...at least 2 minke whales right alongside of them.
Photo by Barbara Bender, July 11, 2016 
 
Common dolphins
July 19 
2:00 p.m. - group of dolphins, 10-12 or so, seem to be feeding off 1900 block of Alki Ave. 1/3 the way across the Sound. Changed direction, headed north, but were going south.
Dan Ciske
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I heard the mid-June report of short-beaked dolphins near PA. (were long-beaked) I'm pretty sure I just saw some in Elliott Bay this morning around 0830.  They were milling about, with a couple full breaches.  Definitely not porpoise.
Kyle Antonelis

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July 18 
Common dolphins spotted on the west Seattle water taxi at 5:25 pm - no clear direction just jumping around playing in the wake!
Amy Burnham

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July 16 - south Puget Sound 
Common Dolphins seen in Case Inlet off of Northeast Harstine Island. I saw them at around 5:00 heading south very quickly in a group of at least five.
Connor O'Brien
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3:50 - South Puget Sound & Olympia area. The common dolphins are currently heading north (then south) right at the mouth of Budd Inlet and Boston Harbor Marina. Very active. I can see them jumping from clear across the water - even without binoculars.
Kim Merriman

July 16 - central Puget Sound 
10:15 a.m. - While on the 10 am crossing of the Seattle to Bremerton ferry we saw the Common dolphins...3-4 were traveling off the north side of the ferry heading due east towards Seattle at lightening speed.
Charlotte Hier & Jennifer Lemire

**********************

July 15 
This evening the Kingston Edmonds ferry had the pod crossing in the opposite direction (heading towards Kingston) around 8pm?
Shannon Mitchell
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5:30 p.m. - I think, we saw them today from Bainbridge island ferry! They are bigger than harbor porpoise, dark gray with lighter belly, with more prominent beak and dorsal fin. It was about 5:30 pm in the Elliott bay, very close to the ferry terminal. They were moving north.
Olya Dmitrieva

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West Seattle Blog REPORT on the Common dolphins who were seen hanging around Elliot Bay off West Seattle again this morning. 
ABOUT ORCA NETWORK  

Orca Network is a 501 c3 nonprofit organization, dedicated to raising awareness about the whales of the Pacific Northwest, and the importance of providing them healthy and safe habitats.

Orca Network's Whale Sighting Network involves citizens in helping researchers track the movement of whales, and encourages people to observe whales from their homes, businesses, ferries, and beaches.
Whale reports are sent in to our Sighting Network and emailed out to researchers, agencies, and citizens on our network, and posted on our website (MAP of sightings also on website). Whale reports and observations are sent in by a variety of sources, and Orca Network does not guarantee the accuracy of any report or whale identification.

 

TO REPORT WHALES, CALL: 1-866-ORCANET (1-866-672-2638), email [email protected], or post sightings on our Orca Network Facebook page.

 

*BE WHALE WISE! BOATERS - NEW FEDERAL REGULATIONS IN EFFECT AS OF MAY 16, 2011:

 "The new rules prohibit vessels from approaching any killer whale closer than 200 yards and forbid vessels from intercepting a whale or positioning the vessel in its path. This doubles the current approach distance of 100 yards. The rules go into effect May 16 and apply to all types of boats, including motor boats, sail boats and kayaks, in Washington"

 

For more information on the new Federal Regulations, visit the NOAA Fisheries website

 

 
To report harassment of whales in US waters
, call NOAA Enforcement: 1-800-853-1964;

In Canadian waters, call DFO's Observe Record and Report (ORR) Violations Hotline: 1-800- 465-4336

Report the boat name &/or a description of the boat, & get photos if at all possible.