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Whale Sighting Report  

In This Issue
Photo of the Day
Southern Residents
Bigg's killer whales (Transients)
Coastal & Unidentified killer whales
Humpback whales
Gray whales
Minke whales
Common dolphins
Dall's & Harbor porpoise
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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

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To learn more  

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Orcas in Our Midst, volume 3, by Howard Garrett

Orcas in Our Midst,

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

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September 1,   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.
A wide array of reports and photos makes this a long and beautiful one as we move into September and out of the hot summer days of August.

We are all still somber from last weeks announcements affecting J pod as noted in our previous report: Matriarch J14 is missing/presumed dead and J28 Polaris, mother to 7-year-old Star and tiny 7-month-old J54, is looking very unhealthy and could be in her last days. Some good news is J28 was seen as of August 30th up near the Fraser River. We are keeping hopeful and healthy thoughts for her recovery.
Resident sub-pods have been atypically mixed this year it's been difficult keeping track of who is where.  Yesterday, August 31st, a mix of some Ks & Ls came down from the north and headed southwesterly and a mix of Js, Ks, & Ls were reported further west in Juan de Fuca westbound. With no reports today, our presumption is they have all continued west towards the Pacific. We wish them all well in their quest for Chinook salmon. 

Bigg's/Transient mama T11 and her hulking son T11A have spent a fair amount of time in Juan de Fuca as regulars around Sooke and Port Angeles, while on occasion others have trailed along with them. We've received several reports from the Port Angeles area for 2-3 days, some from sightings in the harbor. A resurgence of some large gatherings further inland to the northeast this past week.

One or two humpbacks have been seen hanging around Point No Point further south in Puget Sound while the large congregations continue much further west in Juan de Fuca.

Correction to our August 18th Sightings Report: Humpback encounter report was submitted by Michael Toomey, just the photos were by Michael Spruch.

Orca Network
Photo of the Day
August 26 
J28 Polaris - Haro Strait
Got to watch J28, J46, and J54 from shore for hours. We did see J46 actively lunging and chasing salmon, so I am hopeful she shared some with her mother. I have to remain hopeful that whatever is going on with J28, she can overcome it. For her sake and the sake of the Southern Resident Killer Whale community, I have to keep up the hope.

Photo by Traci Walter, August 26, 2016 
Southern Residents
August 31 - Haro Strait 
2:08 p.m. - Calls and echolocation on Lime Kiln hydrophone.
Melissa Bakke
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1:00 p.m. -  Hearing faint intermittent calls over ship noise.
Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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12:35 pm. - The north group seems to be crossing the strait- mid channel now
12:25 p.m. - Doesn't look like they all came down- at least only about 15 here with no more in sight Seeing some more boats way north now K13s and L4s only so far I think
12:07 p.m. - K13s in lead. Crazy spread! 5 whales only so far.
Monika Wieland

L118 Jade and the nearly ten month-old L123 this afternoon at Lime Kiln State Park.
Photo by Monika Wieland, August 31, 2016 


August 31  - Juan de Fuca 
- L72 Racer -
What another Killer Day off Sooke, B.C. We headed on reports of incoming Transients coming west from Race Rocks...but 6 minutes from our docks we find some of J, K & L going west.
Photo by Paul Pudwell, August 31, 2016 


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August  30 
In the afternoon, we saw a pod of about a dozen orcas of lighthouse Park in Point Roberts. They where traveling south Stieny Klomp
-
2:21 p.m. - They're now offshore of Land Bank facing south not really going anywhere.
2:00 p.m. - They're just approaching Land Bank. Seem spread...Milling, some offshore some in shore, but still trending north at the moment.
Monika Wieland
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It was the L-121 Windsong show Tuesday morning from the shores of Grandmas Cove (American Camp, San Juan Island). He was quite energetic with multiple breaches, rolls, pec/dorsal/tail slaps. Whales came within 100' of shore.
Ariel Yseth

L94 Calypso and her son L121 Windsong off south San Juan Island.
Photo by Ariel Yseth, August 30, 2016 

18-month-old L121 Windsong launches.
Photo by Ariel Yseth, August 30, 2016 

3:29 a.m. - Very faint calls on Lime Kiln hydrophone behind the vessel noise!
Ali Barratt


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August 29 
The J22s at sunset this evening - J22 Oreo with her sons J34 Doublestuf and J38 Cookie. All three pods headed back in towards San Juan Island this evening, and word on the street is J28 was seen.
Photo by Monika Wieland, August 29, 2016 
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J31 and a couple L's came really close to the rocks at Lime Kiln, It was such a pleasant evening and beautiful.
Peggy Mauro (ID's Melisa Pinnow)
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8:06 p.m. - Yay! I would figure about 40 passed LK, including members of all 3 pods. I saw J11s, J19s, J22s, K13s, K14s, L4s  There are some Southbound from Eagle.
Monika Wieland
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7:35 p.m. - J Pod on Lime Kiln hydrophone!
Connie Bickerton
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6:30 p.m. - Pod of approx 20 orcas sighted 6:30-7:30 off Lime Kiln State Park. Feeding & traveling.
Susan Gunning
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6:10 p.m. - Nearing San Juan and potentially angling north, still many miles off Lime Kiln, but much closer than before.
Monika Wieland

Afternoon with J2 Granny's Js south of Victoria. Elwha Valley, Olympic Mountains, Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Photo by Capt. Jim Maya, August 29, 2016 

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

August 26 
It was pretty bonkers today up north! Big beautiful resting group all the way along the bank travelling about 1.5 knots. They hit the coal port and then I've never seen anything like it......It looked like the majority of Group A just started launching!! Caught a few but missed a lot of them....no idea where to point the camera. (see photos below)
Gary Sutton

J19 Shachi breach- Georgia Strait
Photo by Gary Sutton, August 26, 2016 

J37 Hy'Shqa launches too.
Photo by Gary Sutton, August 26, 2016 

Later this afternoon we saw another J-Pod group (with J2, L87, and J16s among them) way up north (south of Point Roberts). Lots of social behaviors, spyhops, tail and pec slaps, rolling around, cuddle puddles, you name it, they did it)
Photo by Astrid Heinisch, August 26, 2016 

L87 Onyx traveling with J2 Granny and another J pod whale in Georgia Strait.
Photo by Astrid Heinisch, Augsut 26, 2016 

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I've been thinking about J28 "Polaris" and her family ever since I heard the news that she wasn't doing well. When I heard whales were sighted I had to go and watch from shore. It was nice and cool by the water compared to inland near town. As bittersweet as it was, I am glad I went and spent the time at Lime Kiln. Got to watch J28, J46, and J54 from shore for hours. We did see J46 actively lunging and chasing salmon, so I am hopeful she shared some with her mother. I have to remain hopeful that whatever is going on with J28, she can overcome it. For her sake and the sake of the Southern Resident Killer Whale community, I have to keep up the hope. (see photo of the day)
Please Note: If you happen to be out on the water, please give this ailing female and her family some well-needed space. According to the Center for Whale Research, she is emaciated and may be close to dying.
Traci Walter
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When I left at 3:30 the J17s were still off Land Bank, but may have been actually moving south after hanging there for the last 4 hours. J22s looked to be off False Bay based on boat locations.
2:05 p.m. - J17s & J22s very spread and foraging from Lime Kiln to False Bay, facing south but not really moving.
Monika Wieland

Shore-based encounter with the J17 matriline off  Sand Juan County Land Bank's Westside Preserve. Everyone was there - including J28 Polaris - but she's still looking really underweight. Notice the depressions around her blowhole and eyepatches. She's clearly a fighter! Hoping by some miracle she finds a way to pull through.
Photo by Monika Wieland, Orca Behavior Institute, August 26, 2016
(For more enounter details see Orca Watcher Blog )

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With soaring temperatures, out on the water was the best place to be... Just beyond San Juan Channel we spotted a Minke whale surfacing, before continuing along the west side of San Juan where the J22's, Oreo (J22), mother of Doublestuf (J34) and Cookie (J38) were moving in a southerly direction with evidence of feeding patterns (milling) along the way. It's always a delight to see these closely bonded whales in their family groups. Our return journey took us past Whale Rocks, where a number of magnificent Steller sea-lions were holding court among the cormorants and oyster-catchers we were fortunate to get a glimpse of today.
Sandra Pollard, Author/Naturalist. Photos Richard Snowberger, Crew

Sprouter male J38 Cookie breaking the surface on the west side of San Juan Island.
Photo by Richard Snowberger, August 26, 2016
(taken w/500 mm lens and cropped) 

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Southern Residents did the West side shuffle today. Present were the Cookie clan (J22s), J28 Polaris, J17s and this little one catching some air. 
Photo by Astrid Heinisch, August 26, 2016 

J28 Polaris and her son J54. Polaris was actively foraging today.
Photo by Astrid Heinisch, August 26, 2016 

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11:06 a.m. - Distant calls on Lime Kiln hydrophone.
Jack Collins

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

August 25 
Followed a group of whales from mosquito pass to Turn point where a couple waved at the people at the Lighthouse!!! It was about 5:00 pm. (Thanks to Sara Hysong-Shimazu for help/confirmation with ID's in photos below)
Noelle Morris

J42 northbound heading towards the Fraser River with her family the J16s.
Photo by Noelle Morris, August 25, 2016 

J41 Eclipse, her son J51 Nova, and J40 Suttles heading north with other J pod members.
Photo by Noelle Morris, August 25, 2016
(ID by Sara Hysong-Shimazu) 

Pec slap at Turn Point lighthouse.
Photo by Noelle Morris, August 25, 2016 

J19 Shachi (R) draped in kelp.
Photo by Noelle Morris, August 25, 2016 

J16 Slick.
Photo by Noelle Morris, August 25, 2016 

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7:45 - 8:10p.m. - . - Down to South Beach around sunset. Approx  6 orcas spread out in 2's off Salmon Bank and just to the west. Calf breach but otherwise very lazy and long dives.
Alisa Lemire Brooks

J26 powering up Haro Strait.
Photo by Gary Sutton, August 25, 2016 

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...I definitely saw J28. We didn't' know it was her until we looked at photos. She was logging and J54 was rubbing on her.
Cindy Hansen
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4:22 p.m. - Group of 7+ one ahead of them,  then tight northbound group close in shore who would have gone right on rocks at Lime Kiln,  but some boat right off shore off the lighthouse, so they turned out as they went past the park. 2 flipped, showed up off Land Bank heading south now. Others are coming from south. All spread
About 3:00 p.m. - 2 group meet-up middle Land Bank coming from north and south. Just before contact SB group porpoised towards NB group, both groups went down for 4-5 minute dive. Surfaced in two groups again in same general area, now all southbound, lead in a line side by side...beautiful.
2:35 p.m. - So many babes! Many have flipped and are now southbound. Currently spread off south Land Bank and Hannah Heights.
Shortly after 1:00 pm went out to the rocks to see leaders coming from the south. In the hour or so following watched lots o milling & foraging. Middle Offshore Land Bank.
Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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2:00 p.m. - foraging as they still slowly go north. I only positively identified Js but didn't see all of them, some were maybe still south and there may have been more than Js present, tough lighting.
1:40 p.m. - I know J2, J19s, J14s, J16s were in lead group that went north, but wasn't sure who all was in that next big group with all the babies from the initial pass. J28 was in that big foraging group of moms and juveniles off Land Bank at 1:40. Lots of lunging, rolling, surface activity, and vocalizing at that time from the whole tight group.
12:50 p.m.  - leaders at Edwards Pt, west side San Juan Island.
Monika Wieland

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

August 24 
 - J28 Polaris and her 7-month-old son J54, Juan de Fuca -
Southern Residents Killer Whales were feeding well off Jordan River in the "Traffic Lanes" with 20+ Humpbacks in the area.

Photo by Paul Pudwell, August 24, 2016 

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

August 20

 
Members of all three pods (J, K, & L) mostly traveling & foraging (with some sweet surface activity & calf activity at the end) while making their way through Haro Strait. Filmed from shore at Land Bank, west side San Juan Island.
Video by Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
August 20, 2016 


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

August 12 
4:00 p.m. - East Point, Saturna Island: K20, part of a relatively large resident pod heading east.
Photo by James McLarnon, August 12, 2016 
 
Bigg's killer whales (Transients)
August 31  
WOW! Transient Killer Whales (T11`s & T37`s) in Sooke Harbour & Basin for almost 3 hours TODAY! At least 3 seal kills and some great energy and playful action.
Paul Pudwell

August 31  
The T-60's made several trips around Race Rocks this afternoon.
Jim Cosgrove
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10:45-  4 orcas - 2 small and 2 larger, swimming west along the coastline Enterprise Channel/Trial Island/McNeil Bay South tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria, BC .
Photo by Lehna Pickledbeats, August 31, 2016 

Photo by Lehna Pickledbeats, August 31, 2016 

Three orcas passed through Ross Bay heading west towards Victoria approx. 10:30 this morning. Appeared to be two adults and a smaller one. There were three whale watching groups nearby. Didn't see them again after they had passed Clover Point.
Jeanette Jeffrey

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

August 30 
T11A skulking around east of the mouth of the Elwah River.
Photo by Mark Malleson, August 30, 2016 

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2:00 p.m. - Whale Sighting. 4 orcas traveling. My Son-inlaw sent this picture to me off the spit in Port Angeles today. He said there were 4 of them 2 babies and 2 adults. The dorsal fin of one of them was about 5 feet high. He also heard from someone that they traveled into the Port Angeles bay by the coast guard station.
Thank you, Doris Williamson

Transients in Port Angeles Harbor.
Photo by Josiah Thompson, August 30, 2016
(report above by Doris Williamson) 

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

August 29 
11:30 a.m. - Orca inside Port Angeles, WA. Harbor. 5 total (2 small and 1 large juvenile, a female and possible male). They were here late morning today. Feeding at first, then casually left the harbor. There was one on the outside of the harbor all by itself. Wonderful morning watching the Orca in our harbor in Port Angeles, WA . I know it happens, but I have lived here 36 years and never seen them in our harbor before. So exciting!
Merri McDonald

A few of the 5 Transients who spent some of the morning inside Port Angeles Harbor.
Photo by Merri McDonald, August 29, 2016 

Photo by Merilee McDonald, August 29, 2016 


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Monday evening while out with Maya's Legacy Whale Watching. The group of passengers was awesome, the weather perfect, and the whales stunning! Plus I was finally able to "meet" the T18s near Patos Island.
Photo by Sara Hysong-Shimazu, August 29, 2016 

Brothers T19B and T19C near Patos Island.
Photo by Sara Hysong-Shimazu, August 29, 2016 

T36, T19, and T18.
Photo by Sara Hysong-Shimazu, August 29, 2016 

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...we resumed course towards Patos Island in search of Bigg's Killer Whales (Transient Orcas)! We had quite the encounter today, with upwards of 30 whales displaying feeding behavior. Whale groups identified included the T- 18s, 19s, 34s, 36s, 37s, 65As, and 99s! This extraordinary meetup of whales gave a great insight onto how they feed -- slapping their tails and spyhopping...
Amy W., Mystic Sea

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

August 28 - Juan de Fuca 
T011 and T011A this afternoon south east bound off of Pillar Point, Clallam Bay, WA - Juan de Fuca Strait.
Photo by Mark Malleson, August 28, 2016 

August 28 - San Juans 
7:00 p.m. - Orca Sighting -  Wasp Passage and Harney Channel. Saw a group of at least 4 orca whales heading east past Crane and Bell Island toward the Orcas Ferry Terminal from my deck on the east side of Crane Island.
Bethany Shimasaki

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15:00 - Bigg's killer whales.  I saw three killer whales head south, pass Brown Island (San Juan Channel). I was watching from Observation Park. Thank you to the Whale Museum letting me know they got notice that Transients will passing in front of Friday Harbor.
Page Smith
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Lunch with Transients! Sunday morning was sunny and bright as we departed Anacortes. Captain Monte cruised Mystic Sea inter-island on our way towards reported transient orcas. We traveled through Harney Channel, past Pole Pass looking at spectacular scenery along the way. We found two groups of 6-7 transients between Spieden and Sentinel Islands. One group was lunching on a seal when we arrived on scene. Mystic Sea stayed with this group as they traveled towards Green Point, stopping for food several times along the way. While feeding, passengers were able to watch as these orcas spyhopped, breached, and slapped their tails - preparing their prey for consumption. After seeing nature demonstrate just how the local food chain works, we began our return trip home.
Amy W., Mystic Sea
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Playful Transients off Spieden Island this morning.
Photo by Monika Wieland, August 28, 2016 

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10:40 a.m. - Transients in Spieden Channel hugging the south side of Spieden shoreline-westbound north of Sentinel. Looks like 2 groups total of 8-10 orcas, surfacing and long dives. Several boats including a huge yacht that thought they were a whale watching boat.
Peggy Mauro

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August 27 - Juan de Fuca  
We had a great group today that braved the excitement of nautical seas and had the pleasure of visiting 4 Humpbacks and some regular Transient / Biggs Whales T011 & T011A arund Sooke waters today...Good Times!
Paul Pudwell, Sooke Coastal WW

Big guy T11A while off Sooke today with his mom, T11.
Photo by Paul Pudwell, August 27, 2016 


August 27 - Patos Island area 
We found a humpback whale at at Patos Island and watched closely for around 45 minutes as it swam and showed us its fluke. We then continued on to East Point where we observed a group of transient orcas for a bit before starting our return venture home.
Amy W.. Mystic Sea

August 27 - Puget Sound 
2:35 p.m. - I think the group may have split while we were watching them from Mutiny Sands at 11:15 am. After spotting 'the tight group of 8-10 powering north', it looked as though some pulled off west while 2-3 slowed up and seemed to be moving towards Whidbey Island, but then headed north again. We went on to Bush Point and continued to watch this group as they approached Marrowstone. Now sounds as if the group that may have pulled off west have made a later appearance off Bush Point and have become 'the trailers'.
Sandra Pollard

Long shot from Shoremeadows Road, Whidbey, looking across to Foul Weather Bluff.
Photo by Richard Snowberger, August 27, 2016
(report above by Sandra Pollard) 

Photo by Richard Snoweberger, August 27, 2016
(report above by Sandra Pollard) 

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Now nodule Pt Marrowstone side still north bound but only 4 animals, 2 males and 2 females, T18 and T19s.
Christopher Hanke
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12:45 p.m. - Orca sighting just off Marrowstone Island. my girlfriend and I were sailing in the Admiralty inlet heading south east  toward Port Ludlow and we happened upon two Male orcas that were travelling northwest toward port Townsend. We were just off Liplip Point Marrowstone island. We captured a short video which is attached to this email. We suppose they were two males because the fins were extremely large! We first noticed them due to the breathing and then saw the fins. We turned north and could see them surfacing for another 20 min or so.
Cheers, Chris Rosenthal and Casey Herron
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2:36 p.m. - Watching them right now from Fort Casey. They're pretty close to shore on the Whidbey side headed North. We could see them from Frank Robinson beach, but they were pretty far out from the bay.
Melissa Gail Banks
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At 2 pm, Greg Davis called to report four or more orcas off the north end of Marrowstone, continuing NW out of Admiralty Inlet. This is probably the first group...
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Pat Scott called at 1:50 pm to report a pod of 6 orcas, no males, passing Bush Pt. heading NW.
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12:57 p.m. - Just now, seeing blows and fins from Lagoon Point but far on other side. Still a little south of Lagoon Point.
Patricia Prochaska
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12:14 p.m. - Just now approaching Bush Pt, watched them pass here, south of Bush Pt, close to the Whidbey side. Saw 2 males, a female and juvenile for sure. Traveling NW up Admiralty Inlet at a pretty good pace, looked like maybe a stop for a kill or hunt.
Susan Berta, Orca Network
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11:42 a.m. - Off Mutiny Bay. Going North. Slowly.
Helen Shamek

11:12 a.m. -  Tight group of 8-10 powering north off Mutiny Bay, Whidbey Island.
Howard Garrett, Orca Network
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10:00 a.m. - About ten orcas were reported by Gary Stubbs from Maxwelton Beach, Whidbey Island, heading north roughly mid-channel but more on the Whidbey side.

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

August 26- Juan de Fuca 
...The afternoon brought reports of T11 & T11a off Port Angeles...so off we went on glass calm waters to visit these regulars to the Sooke Harbour. On our way back to -SURPRISE- We found the incoming Resident Killer Whales coming east from Sooke!
What another amazing day!
Paul Pudwell


August 26 - Puget Sound 
Spotted at least 8 Orcas this evening at dusk in South Sound just off Three Tree Point. Might have been more.
JoAnn Carlson Crow
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Transient Orcas out in front of our house in Burien across from northern end of Vashon from 7 p.m. in the middle of the Sound until sunset tonight.
Photo by Elston Hill, August 26, 2016 

Photo by Elston Hill, August 26, 2016 

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6:20 p.m. - About 4 orca headed south between Vashon and Fauntleroy in West Seattle.
Burt Miller, WSF
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5:23 p.m. - Currently due west of Alki, west side of the channel.
Matthew Powell
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4:59 p.m. - Pod of orcas (8+) mid sound. Spotted from Bainbridge Ferry headed south.
Ben Evans
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3:40 p.m. - orca appear to be off Shilshole Marina, still heading south, east side of channel.
Connie Bickerton
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2:00 p.m. - YAY! My husband & I saw at least 4 Orcas from the ferry coming back from Kingston about 2:00 heading South! So exciting and so beautiful! I am so grateful to see them in my own backyard! and theirs!
Joni Barnes Pollino
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1:42 p.m. -  pod of whales headed south across from Edmonds on other side.
AnaLisa Gerbig
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12:43 p.m.  - Very much on a kill. Lots of tail waving, breaching, rolls etc. Staying inplace. South of green buoy east of yellow in useless bay
12:25 p.m. - orcas just east of yellow buoy south of Useless Bay, beaching etc... very active. Seem to be trending north more into Useless Bay. As seen from north Edmonds shoreline
Stu Davidson

 
Pod of about ten Orcas came into Puget Sound today. The video starts where the group was just south of Useless Bay (South Whidbey) hunting. After a successful hunt the Orcas started heading southerly passing Edmonds and continuing further into central south. Long distance videoing from North Edmonds waterfront.
Video by Stu Davidson, August 26, 2016 

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11:05 a.m. - 10 to 12 orcas mid channel southbound between Point No Point and Indian head (Whidbey Island, south end)
Christopher Lewman
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At 8:15 a.m. on the west shore of Whidbey Island we counted at least six orcas (with two young?) tight into the Lagoon Point beach and headed south - fantastic!
Dianne Dianne Br�tz
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At least 4 orca seen going south at Lagoon Point about 8:15 a.m. Traveling slowly, very close to inshore.
Kit Turner

7:38 a.m. - 4+ Orca heading south now at southern edge of Marrowstone Island. I'm across at Hancock Lake for Pigeon Guillemot survey watching them. They are close to Marrowstone bluffs.
Mary Hulbert

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

August 25 
8:50 p.m. - heard them before I saw them, a group of 4 Orca (including 1 adult male) coming up from Discovery Bay, north along the shores of Cape George. They were blowing loudly and slapping their tails on the water...playing as they traveled lazily along the shore. What a sight to behold! ... I lost sight of them in the darkness as they head north to the straits. Feeding, playing, traveling, avoiding whale watching boats, breaching, slapping tails on the surface, flapping fins on the surface.
Terri Brown
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8:20 p.m. - A small pod of orcas (4-7) swam into Discovery Bay twice on Thursday August 25th - once in the morning, and then again in the early evening. On the second visit they were followed by some whale watching boats and then disappeared - but after the boats left, on their way back out, they gave an amazing show breaching multiple times out of the water!
Lisa Chick
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I am 7, and we saw about 6 orcas (including adult male)  in Discovery Bay about 7:30 tonight. That was cool and amazing. Feeding and traveling.
Braedon Bibb
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6:06 p.m. - They headed south past Smith island to the channel marker thing then they went west. Three boats were with them
Melinda Killian
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3:24 p.m. - Orcas heading south along Whidbey. Seen from West Beach RD.
Hazel Foster
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3:08 p.m. - Orcas just passed Rocky Point Beach at Whidbey heading south. Maybe 4. Just by Smith Island.
Mary Janowiecki
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2:00 p.m. - live on the west side of Whidbey Island, a little north of Ft. Bey State Park. This afternoon I saw three Orca whales, one large and two smaller ( one adult male I think), about two miles offshore, heading south. There were three whale watching boats in the vicinity in no time! I watched them for about 45 minutes. It's my first sighting since moving to the island in May!!
Shirlie White
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2:00 p.m. - Anna Stevens reported a Big pod near Deception Pass.
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We didn't have to go far on this sunny, warm day in Washington. On many days, Mystic Sea leaves Anacortes and travels through Rosario Straits, today was not an exception. Today, however, we were greeted by 12 to 15 transient orcas right there near Blakely island! We stayed with this bunch as they headed towards Bird Rocks. Upon arrival at Bird Rocks we were also able to see harbor seals and steller sea lions as we continued watching the black and whites. ...we ventured back towards the transients who were now at Lawson's Reef. During this 30-45 minute stint with them we watched closely as they ate, porpoised, slapped their tails and even did a couple of breaches!...
Amy W., Mystic Sea

August 25 - Sooke 
Some great shot this morning from Cpt. Dan with The T60's off Sooke, BC.
Photo courtesy of Paul Pudwell, August 25, 2016 




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

August 22 
Just before sunset tonight two Orca's cruised by Echo Bay on Sucia Island, while we were anchored at Ewing Cove, Matia. We followed them around as they swam by Fossil bay then it got too dark too follow them.
Photo by Noelle Morris, August 22, 2016 
 
*******************

August 14 
10:00 a.m. - from cliffside near East Point, Saturna Island : only 3 orca in transient (?) group with 2 whales motoring very close to rocks.
Photo by James McLarnon, August 14, 2016 
 
Photo by James McLarnon, August 14, 2016 
Coastal & Unidentified killer whales
August 29 
11:00 a.m. - Several (5) orca seen today about 5 miles off Cox Bay, west coast BC. Moving southbound.
Amy Schneider McElfresh

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August 25 
Very early aug 25 (about 2 am) I was awakened by a solo whale (presumably orca) heading west towards Monarch Head (property is near E Point,Saturna). About 20 min later this same orca (?) came by again now heading east in opposite direction. Behavior is rare since it seemed it was a single whale and reversing direction in the middle of the night.
James McLarnon

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August 22
I watched a small group of orcas approach from the east end of Bullman Beach; they moved steadily westward near the edge of the kelp beds then lost them as they neared Sail and Seal Rock. Soon, one of three gray whales I had been watching for quite some time and closely after seeing the orcas, who was feeding between those rocks and the shore, suddenly leapt far out of the water.  The orcas appeared, leaping and diving about in the same place. They continued for a half of an hour according to my camera footage clock before I had to leave home. I could not see thru my video viewer well enough and later found I kept panning back and forth past them. Ohh *%*# heartbreaking.  I did not see any of the grays for some hours, they were immediately silent and unseen for the rest of the evening.
I went out on the water early this afternoon (August 23), seeing three grays about. I was able to view two closely but not the third, who is staying very close to shore west of Sail and Seal Rock and Sail River. I will try again Wednesday to view her. I know there were a number of people watching from a viewpoint above Snow Creek so we may find some good video if someone mentions it on line...our location is just east of Neah Bay. Been here for >35 years.
Maureen

Coastal orcas seen believed to be attacking a gray whale, east of Neah Bay.
Photo by Maureen, August 22, 2016 

Photo by Maureen, August 22, 2016 
Humpback whales
August 31 
10:15 a.m. -  watching a humpback at Point no Point now.
Elyse Sollito

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August 30 
At one point about 50 yards off shore at Point No Point. We watched from about 7:50 until 8:20 as it was feeding between Norwegian Point and Point No Point, just meandering.
Marilyn DeRoy
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7:06 p.m. - Seeing a humpback off of Norwegian Point Park in Hansville. Surfaced several time. Spectacular with the sun reflecting off its body and dorsal fin.
Mike and Jenn Szerlog

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August 29 
8:00 p.m. - Humpback at Point No Point.
Mimi Bleeker
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7:10 p.m. - Humpback right off the beach in front of a point No Point lighthouse right now.
Janine Harles
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This afternoon between approximately 1:45 pm and 2:15 pm we sighted a whale just north of Point No Point heading south towards Seattle. While it did not breach, we could see it surface and breathe several times and also saw the whale's flukes as it dove.
Bob Williams
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1:40 p.m. - Humpback by Point No Point. Going north. Spouts and flukes.
Benjamin Obee

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August 28 
6:19 p.m. - Humpback at Point No Point harassing boater? The humpback is following a boat, going under, tail slapping and seemingly pushing the boat.  Boater appears to be trying to back away but whale is staying with them.  Seems like the boat either pissed the whale off or it is in love :).  Looks like the whale has moved on. Wish these boaters would keep their distance better. (some "friendly"  humpbacks are curious enough to approach boaters and interact, we call this a mugging, it is benign - ALB)
Patty Michak
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5:41 p.m. - One or two whales going north in front of Point No Point right now. Probably humpbacks. At one point we saw a tail coming straight out of the water.
Judy Anderson Soupe
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Humpback in Skunk Bay around 10am. 1 milling around a boat and kayaks, then headed south.
Lisa Cheever

August 28 - Juan de Fuca 
Another great day on the water ...20+ Humpbacks just west of Sooke, BC.
Photo by Paul Pudwell, August 28, 2016 

Photo by Paul Pudwell, August 28, 2016 


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August 27 
It was a tough day today with no orcas in the general area and weather and high seas prohibiting access to other areas. While searching for transient orcas around seal haul-outs, we found a 10-year-old humpback whale known as "Split Fin" BCZ0298, born in 2006 to "Big Mama" BCY0324, near Patos Island. Split Fin was on 7-8 minute dive intervals searching for krill and small fish.
Brendon Bissonnette
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We found a humpback whale at at Patos Island and watched closely for around 45 minutes as it swam and showed us its fluke. We then continued on to East Point where we observed a group of transient orcas for a bit before starting our return venture home.
Amy W., Mystic Sea

August 27 - Puget Sound 
9:26 p.m.  - Just heard whale blows at Point No Point, 4 distinct blows so maybe a small group traveling past. (Humpbacks seen next morning)
Patty Michak

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August 26- Juan de Fuca 
...off Botanical Beach in Port Renfrew the day before...found 10+ Humbacks Whales...
Paul Pudwell

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August 17 
South of Constance Bank Strait of Juan de Fuca. Still no ID on this humpback. It was travelling at a fast pace with a companion. T046's were nearby at Constance Bank.
Photo by Janine Harles, August 17, 2016 
Gray whales
August 25 - Juan de Fuca

Just west of Chito Beach Resort, near Shipwreck point. They hung around for 4 evenings and one morning in one week. They quite often will show up for days, leave and return.
Video by Amy Harmon Cramer,
August 25, 2016
 


August 25 - Rosario Strait 
I went out to Washington Park, overlooking Burrows Pass (SW Anacortes), to do a Harbor Porpoise survey. Only saw 4 Harbor Porpoise but at 4:30 pm I heard blows that were not from any porpoise. A Gray Whale had just entered the east end of the pass, blew a couple times, dove and resurfaced at the west end of the pass. Love field work, you just never know what you'll see. Thanks
Pattie Hutchins

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August 22 
See Coastal orca report by Maureen.   
Minke whales
August 25 
Hi Howie, Took a comp day and spent several hour scoping from various West beach locations. While looking at some harbor porpoises, a shape appeared behind them, disturbing some gulls and auklets on the water. I continued watching and saw a form rise and clearly saw the scimitar shape dorsal fin come up a couple more times. It scattered seabirds each time it rose. This was just south and a bit west of Smith Island at about 3:15 pm. This is my 2nd ever Minke sighting with the 1st being years ago when one crossed the bow of the ferry coming from Port Townsend. Not long after a pod of at least 4 orcas came through between the island and the beach- very close with lots of splashing! They were followed by a whale watching boat. We're going to try for the dolphins in Bellingham Bay this Saturday. I saw the announcement about the dolphins from Ebey's Landing and raced over there but can't confirm what I saw. Thanks for all your help and interest. Whales rock!!
Steve Ellis  

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August 20

6:40 a.m. - First watched Minke 'Nick Jagger' surface and forage off middle Land Bank, San Juan Island. After several minutes he continued northbound out of sight. He returned within view southbound around 7:00 a.m. , stalled and continued to zig-zag further and further off shore.
Video by Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
August 20, 2016 
 
 
Common dolphins
August 30 
14:37 -  Off Meadow Point (Golden Gardens, north Seattle),  400 yards out: I'm either looking at harbor porpoises on crack, or those are (un)common dolphins tearing it up! Slowly undulating south, jumping completely out of the water and making my task of doing the dishes slightly less mundane.
Ben Blankenship
Dall's & Harbor porpoise
August 28 
Spotted four harbour porpoise swimming past East Point, Saturna island around 8.00pm today plus plenty of seals.
Sandra Arthur
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12:00 Noon - I saw at least 3 harbour porpoises while I was surfing at Hobuck Beach in Neah Bay. They were swimming together close to the surfers, for at least an hour. Closest the came to me was about 20 feet. It was about high tide, around 12 pm on Sunday 8-28-16
Jeanne Cavenaugh

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August 26 
8:00 p.m. - 3-4 Dall's Porpoises feeding off of Whidbey Island Fox Spit in Saratoga Passage throughout the evening. They were black and white and looked like a smaller version of Orcas.  They could possibly have been Orcas, and I might have been confused by the distance between us.  We've had them pass through here before.N 48 degrees 5'30.1632 W 122 degrees 29'34.044 Fox Spit Whidbey Island.
Jim Lovvorn

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August 25 
I went out to Washington Park, overlooking Burrows Pass (SW Anacortes), to do a Harbor Porpoise survey. Only saw 4 Harbor Porpoise but at 4:30 pm I heard blows that were not from any porpoise... (see Gray whale report)
Pattie Hutchins 
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.

 

 

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  BE WHALE WISE! ALL WATERCRAFT  
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 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/video if at all possible.