Members of the Southern Residents (including Js, Ks & L87) in a lovely line cruising  Saratoga Passage this afternoon, as viewed from the beautiful seaside town of Langley, Whidbey Island, home of the  whale bell and Orca Network's Langley Whale Center. Photo by Bonnie Gretz, October 11, 2016

  

Some of the Residents headed north by Pender Island (Oak Bluffs) at around 1:30 - 2:00pm today. Fairly spread out but looked like they were catching some salmon.
Madison Duffin
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I saw J34 and J26 off Land Bank at 2 pm.
Monika Wieland Shields
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11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Turned on Lime Kiln hydrophone at 11:30, few minutes later start hearing faint J pod calls. Around noon loud calls. 12:20 even louder calls, single call repeated S38? Same time watching orcas on the webcam. At 12:38 start hearing echolocation along with the S3 call. this continued and at 1:00 some very loud calls. 1:33 more S3 calls, 1:36 loud clackity clack of a boat. 1:40pm S4 calls. Tuned out at 2:00pm they were still vocalizing.
Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network.
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1:30 p.m. - - Still many calls (very loud) on the Lime Kiln hydro. I have been listening off and on for about an hour. Very little traffic other than the calls of the wild. Simply lovely.
Kim Merriman
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1300 - One group milling Land Bank, West Side San Juan Island... trending south, sounds like granny's group well north going north.
Monika Wieland Shields
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I saw about 8 of them off Lime Kiln today around 12:30 PST with at least 2 babies. They seemed to be foraging around staying put. Nice to see they're surviving.
Shelly Greyback

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6:59 p.m. - Still very loud vocals
6:42 p.m. - still great vocals on the hydrophone. Probably 10+ whales in a line right off the rocks, I feel like I haven't seen that all season. (seen on Webcam)
6:24 p.m. - I see a few on the webcam now going north. Wow ,HUGE line of them off the rocks
5:58 p.m. - Also apparently L54s at Lime Kiln half an hour ago? Still on hydros now at Lime Kiln, great vocals. sounds like maybe Ks and Ls.
Monika Wieland Shields
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5:30 p.m. - Hunting for salmon Lime Kiln hydrophone.  L54 group and definitely Ks too.
Erin Cora

K33 competing with the purse seiners off Eagle Point, San Juan Island. Photo by Mark Malleson, October 11, 2016

1736 from Haines wharf N Edmonds. Multiple breaches and foraging type behavior in Possession Sound. They seemed to be trending southward but haven't seen them since I got to sunset Ave (1806).
Ariel Yseth
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6:20 p.m.-  From further south in Edmonds search for past 30+ minutes, but could not pick up those southbound whales. We should have been able to see them if they continued south.
5:30 p.m. - Moved to Haines Wharf, north Edmonds. Pods have rounded Possession Point and are just south of Cultus Bay now spread out...some breaches and tail lobs. Initially we spotted many heading northwest towards Admiralty  hugging Whidbey. Soon we (Ariel Yseth, Linda Aitkens and I) started seeing many more spread out whales to the south, (2+ miles south of Cultus Bay) with several who looked clearly to be continuing towards Edmonds/Kingston as if keeping to Puget Sound. Watched from this location for approximately 15 minutes before heading a bit south towards downtown Edmonds to try and pick up those heading south.
Alisa Lemire Brooks
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5:36 p.m. - My dad just said he saw them heading west towards Point No Point. (viewed from above Picnic Point, Lynnwood) at least he thought they looked to be headed that way?
Toby Black
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5:05 p.m. - Looks like they are heading around the tip of Whidbey. They just cut straight west.
Nicole Woltersdorf
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This was the tightly grouped leading bunch. A huge spyhop! Not sure who the little calf is -- someone said J16's in this group so maybe J50 or J52? (see photo below) We saw two big spyhops, a breach as they got to the end of the point and lots of tail slapping. They had been heavily foraging spread out with lots of directional changes and as soon as they got even with Possession Beach, they grouped up tightly with one large group in front and smaller group in rear and started moving southerly with purpose. It took about 15 minutes for the pass by.
Debbie Stewart

5:05 p.m. - Beautiful pass by Possession Point. HUGE spy hops and tail slaps. Right before they approached they grouped up tight and picked up the pace. Just saw big breach as they rounded the point. Life is good! Photo by Debbie Stewart, October 11, 2016

4:52 p.m. - We've (Dori Dace and I) got them at Possession Point mid channel heavily foraging.
Debbie Stewart

Southern Residents passing Possession Point, Whidbey Island back-dropped by Shipwreck in Lynnwwod on the mainland side. Photo by Dori Dace, October 11, 2106

Tail lob under Mount Rainier, from Possession Point. Photo by Dori Dace, October 11, 2016

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4:45 p.m. - They are still heading south. I counted more than 10. I was up to about 16. Possession Point would be an excellent view spot right now. They are trending more mid channel now but still closer to Whidbey.
Danielle Pennington
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1637 - 13 + orcas heading south between Clinton and Possession Pt. Will send photos when I am off the boat.
Brian McLaughlin WDFW
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Sunlit exhalations of Js, Ks, & L87 - Possession Sound between Clinton and Possession Point, south Whidbey Island. Filmed across the Sound from shore at Mukilteo Lighthouse Beach. Video by Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network October 11, 2016

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4:20 p.m. -  Pods still steady resting course southbound Possession Sound closer to Whidbey currently between Clinton and Possession Point. Large group of leaders sometimes grouped tight, then loosens up a bit, with few still hanging behind. Stunning illuminated blows backdropped by the dark shadows of south Whidbey greenbelt.
Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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3:53 p.m. - Heard that the orcas were coming down Whidbey so I decided to walk on the 3:30 sailing from Mukilteo to Clinton. The orcas passed about 900' or so directly in front of Clinton ferry dock just as we pulled in.  J11s in the foreground. Photo by Ariel Yseth, October 11, 2016

Photo by Ariel Yseth, aboard WS Ferry, October 11, 2016

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3:52 p.m - Looks like all of J pod is in the group in Possession Sound, along with the K14s. Definitley saw J2, L87, the J17s, J22s, J162, and J27 among others. Polaris J28, is present with her calf, J54.
Bart Rulon -
3:46 p.m. -Tons of blows Whidbey side, off Clinton, seen from Mukilteo lighthouse.
Brandon Anderson
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3:45PM - Orca sighting. Just starboard of ferry Tokitae we see about six orcas showing off.
Marty Butt
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2:35-3:25 p.m. - From Mukilteo Lighthouse Beach looking north and west, watching illuminated blows steadily making their way south between Sandy Point and Clinton spread along west of mid channel in a few groups, loosely spread. Currently (3:25) they are about 1  mile north of Clinton ferry terminal.  Lead group has now bunched up, and consists of a lot of whales, probably at least 12- 15,  with 2nd group trailing behind just back a little. Steady slow-medium pace southbound.
2:35 p.m. - from Mukilteo (with some elevation) just caught a breach just southeast of Sandy Point, Whidbey. Then could see some blows and a spyhop! Here they come!
Alisa Lemire Brooks
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2:15 p.m. - A pod of 8 (or perhaps more) orcas (traveling in a group) in Saratoga Passage, headed toward Clinton. Someone with a camera thought they were from J pod.
Trilby Coolidge
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2:15 p.m. - just passed Langley southbound towards mid channel, moving towards this side. At least 12, two or three males, two calves. Yeah whales! Photo by Bonnie Gretz, October 11, 2016

A blessing to see J28 Polaris & her son J54 from the shores of Langley, Whidbey Island. Photo by Bonnie Gretz, October 11, 2016

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2:10 p.m. - A pod of orca (about 10, including 3 males) traveling, heading south from Langley this afternoon. We were drifting, putting up our sails when they came amazingly close. Photo by Curt Johnson, October 11, 2016 (orca on ports side (left) and ahead of bow)

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1:49 p.m. - Pod in Saratoga Passage heading toward Langley! With babies!
Rachel Kellogg Franklin
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1:34 p.m. - Spotted them from my stance Camano at Pebble Beach. They are almost out of my view very close to Whidbey. Folks at Langley are going to get a close encounter soon!
Sarah Malmstead
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Around 1pm today, Oct 11th, we were hugely blessed with numerous resident orca sightings from Bells Beach heading south through Saratoga Passage about midway across the passage. There were about 10-12 in the 1st group and the next two groups which were traveling close behind had 3-5 in each of them. Most were just traveling along with a spyhop and tail lob or two along the way. We were out in our kayaks about 200 or more yards away and still they were incredibly majestic to watch. Still shaking from the excitement of it all. Sorry no photos. Up to 20 total, at least 5-7 large males, many females and at least 1 baby. Traveling.
Kristin Carlson
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1300 hrs - Spotted a Pod of Orca Whales swimming south in Saratoga Passage toward Langley. Location: Saratoga Passage 3 miles north of Langley.
Paul Joseph Wolcott
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12:26 p.m. - they are passing south Fox Spit and heading towards Bells Beach. They are out of my range from Camano now.
12:20 p.m. - they are still in front of Fox Spit traveling slowly southbound. Lots of spouts and slaps.
12:04 p.m. - they are approaching Fox Spit (Whidbey), I'm viewing from Camano State Park. Lots of spouts, 6 -8 clustered together with a few trailing further back.
Krista Paulino
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...Watched from Baby Island (Whidbey) there are two groups the main group which is the furthest south has approximately 5 including one little one and a big male. There are two additional that were quite a ways back and we're very near the beach at the state park (Camano Island). The folks on the Chilkat got a great show when the main group came right up to the boat (which was stationary) before continuing south.
Dan Gulden
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11:32 a.m. - Confirmed sightings of J, K and L pods (just L87) heading south in Saratoga Passage.
Wendi Robinson
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10:45-11:25 a.m. - Just saw a pod of at least 8 orcas, likely 10 - 12, moving south in Saratoga Passage, closer to Whidbey than Camano. Surfaced dozens of times. Sighted a baby between 2 adults. At least 1 male. Some traveling 1/2 mile apart. I'm on Camano looking through binoculars so difficult to assess if more males and babies. Now 30 min later (11:25 a.m. ) I'm still seeing them off Cama Beach area 1 mile south, so they appear to be lingering/feeding in the area.
Ruth Westra
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11:10 a.m. - Group still heading south, past Cama Beach State Park.
Scott Price
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Whales in our front yard today, Southern Resident whales in Saratoga Passage, what an amazing treat! There were members of the J11s, 14s, 16s, 19s and 22s, including J2 Granny and L87 Onyx!! AND the K14s .... and others we could barely see in the distance - WOW. Fall is here ....
Jill Hein Photos

Some members of Jpod and Kpod heading south past Holmes Harbor (Saratoga Passage) today, such a beautiful sight. Photo by Jill Hein, October 11, 2016

Always a beautiful day when J2 Granny is present. Saratoga Passage. Photo by Jill Hein, October 11, 2016

Wow, Resident's in Saratoga Passage today! Js and Ks for sure. Here's a photo of K14 Lea, her son K26 Lobo (not in this photo), and lots of Jpod whales. After traveling north to roughly Race Lagoon, they stalled for some time, foraging, then turned south. Photo by Jill Hein, October 11, 2016

11:08 a.m. - Jill Hein is on scene. Pod is south of Shangri La Shores Whidbey side, now southbound. Per report relayed by Renee Beitzell this is RESIDENTS, at least the J16s & J22s!
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11am sighting off of North Bluff, Saratoga Passage today, aboard the Persistence, Captain John Brownlow at the helm and behind the camera. Report by Shelley Schwinn. Photo by John Brownlow, October 11, 2016

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10:35 a.m. - the group is across from Sandy Beach, Camano Island still southbound. Mid-channel or closer to whidbey. Whale watching boat is north of the group I see.
10:05 a.m. - We can see the group from Camano, slightly south of Woodland Beach, Mid-channel or closer to whidbey. Much splashing, lobbing, spyhopping. Seem to be going southbound. Approximately 4 are hanging back, milling, diving, tail splashing. Assume they are feeding.
Krista Paulino
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9:40 a.m. - there are at least 8 orca northbound in Saratoga Passage, mid channel, too far away to ID. Currently between Race Lagoon, Whidbey and Onamac, Camano.
Jill Hein
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9:13 a.m. - Heading north almost to Onamac! At least 3!
Desi Tracy
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Saw Orca North of Baby Island heading North in Saratoga Passage at 8:30am on 10/11/16
Jane Alexander


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1:50 pm - Lone male orca southbound off Marrowstone light, towards mid channel, we only saw him once! Probably J26. We were with J16, J50 and J42 (no J26, J36 or J52) off Dungeness Spit around 1:00 pm as they seemed to be heading toward Puget Sound. Keep your eyes peeled! ...Couldn't stop and was far away.
(Unconfirmed J26, but J26 along with J pod, and some Ks did show up in Puget Sound the next morning- see October 11)
Renee Beitzel


Here a few "Thankful" pictures of our Southern Resident Killer Whales today off Sooke this afternoon! Heading Westbound.

Left to Right : dorsal tip unknown, L91 Muncher (born 1995), L90 Ballena (born 1993) and her probable nephew L92 Crewser (born 1995) behind, & L47 Marina (born 1974) mom to L91. Photo by Paul Pudwell, October 10, 2016

K25 Scoter gliding westbound in Juan de Fuca. Photo by Paul Pudwell, October 10, 2016

15-year-old K34 Cali (K25's younger brother) Photo by Paul Pudwell, October 10, 2016

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Taken around 6-7:00pm -  I watched Js and Ks come down from the north. Lots of foraging behavior seen as well as several social groups. Hydrophone recording from the same night, just after these passes at Lime Kiln. Video by Traci Walter, October 7, 2016

7:00 p.m. -  tuned in, still hearing distant cavernous calls.
Alisa Lemire Brooks
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6:56 p..m  - sounds like they're gathered around the hydrophone at Lime Kiln! Squeals, whistles, clicks, and maybe some honks too.
Jennifer Hammer
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6:53 p.m. - Lime Kiln. Squeaks, clicks and oooooohs. Makes me happy.
Julie Penezic
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Late this afternoon we had our 60th research encounter of the season as J and K Pods made their way south down Haro Strait. For most of the time we were out there, we were the only boat in sight; we also spent most of our time with the engine off, just making a few adjustments as we recorded for nearly an hour with our hydrophone. The vocalizations were incredible in the quiet seas, and we heard nearly every call type these two pods will make! Here's a nine minute clip of what it sounded like tonight.
Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute

Catching J and K pods this evening in Haro Strait was a pleasant surprise! As great as it was to see them, the vocals were even more amazing. Here's a spyhop. Photo by Monika Wieland Shields, October 7, 2016

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7:02 p.m. -  I have a female and calf here, 50 yards off maybe. Too dark, Baby rolling, mom spyhops next to her/him. More coming by, too dark to see.
Cher Renke
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The pass by at LK was spectacular. The last group we saw were the J 17s and they were having a grand old time. So fun to watch them and they were pretty close. I think the Cookies were out further mid channel. We could see them too
6:51 p.m. -  Js and Ks, some still coming.
6:42 p.m. - 5 or so approaching Lime Kiln  close.
Peggy Mauro
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6:23 p.m. - There are a few offshore at Lime Kiln.
Cindy Hansen
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6:27 p.m. - Far out male headed in a little, and is fishing now. These first 4 at first looked like they were aiming out west, but they are headed down island at this point.
6:13 p.m. -  Breach off Lime Kiln. Two males out from Land Bank, One way far out. One in middle. The closer male did a little fishing.
6:04 p.m. - I have 2 females in front of Land Bank, but far out. Back and forth, foraging hopefully.
These two are now traveling, South. I got a couple shots, but they may be too far.
Cher Renke
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5:55 p.m. - Southern Residents on both Lime Kiln and OrcaSound hydrophones. Possibly heading south along west San Juan Island. 6:47 p.m. - Some were J calls...I've never heard what they were just doing before - it sounded like they were laughing, snorting, and having a good time - I hope they are celebrating finding some big fat salmon!!
Susan Berta

5:35 p.m. -  More whales passing Kellet Bluff now, vocals are off the hook.
Monika Wieland Shields
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5:25 p.m. -  Calls on Orca Sound hydrophone.
Cindy Hansen
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As we cruised out of the marina, there were no whale reports, and the water was fairly choppy. Due to worse conditions south west, we headed inter-island north, and soon heard the humpback Big Mama and her calf, Poptart, were across the border at Java Rocks, just west of Waldron Island. After catching a quick look at some Steller Sea Lions and harbor seals, we had a nice look at one of our favorite females and her youngster. The water was still fairly rough, and they were skimming the surface, with long down times and no tail fluking. We then got word of Southern Residents heading south around Swansons Channel, and we caught up with them for a wonderful encounter with members of J and K pods, including the very handsome males, K21 Cappuccino (30 years old), Blackberry J27 (28), and a younger male, Tika K33 (15). Also spotted were Notch (J47), Alki J36 (25) and her calf Sonic J42 (19 months),as well as another J pod mother and calf. Reports were that almost all of J and Ks were spread out, heading south. They reached Lime Kiln Park on San Juan Island in the early evening. A wonderful day and a fitting finale of the 2016 Mystic Sea whale adventures!
Bonnie Gretz, volunteer naturalist

J27 Blackberry (born 1991) Photo by Bonnie Gretz, October 7, 2016 (All photos taken with a 300mm lens and cropped)

Six-year-old J47 Notch (behind) and ? Photo by Bonnie Gretz, October 7, 2016

 

J42 Echo, 9-year-old daughter of J16. Photo by Bonnie Gretz, October 7, 2016 (ID by Sara Hysong-Shimazu)

We had a fun trip today with amazing whales and an awesome group of passengers. We headed north to meet up with the T36As and T65Bs, in Swanson Channel near the entrance to Navy Channel, off of the North Pender shoreline, who definitely had harbor seals on the menu!
Sara Hysong-Shimazu

T36A aerial scan. Photo by Sara Hysong-Shimazu, October 9, 2016

T36A1 tail throw beside T65B. Photo by Sara Hysong-Shimazu, October 9, 2016

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Great day on the saltwater today! This AM: My son and I flew to the San Juans on a Kenmore Air floatplane to Lopez Island. The trip up was to pickup our boat following it's three week stay for its annual service. On the way home my son and I saw two humpback whales (south of Lopez heading south), a Pod of 15-20 Dall's porpoises (thanks to Sara Hysong-Shimazu for later Id'ing) - The porpoises came at us fast from 1/8 mile away then to our amazement played around right next to our boat for 10-15 minutes (crazy fast chasing each other, leaps, and dives -- unbelievable fun to see). Then, as we approached the north end of Camano Island we (my son actually) spotted large dorsals coming at us. We stopped for a few minutes and watched a good size Pod of Transient Orcas milling about as though on a kill (likely a sea lion). Great day! (although 3-4 foot swells with the wind picking up gets tiring out on open water!) - was great to make it safely back to our home port at Edmonds Marina! (ID notes: Thanks again to Sara Hysong-Shimazu for subsequently Id'ing the Orcas - "Thes are the T137s. The big male with the two notches is T137A. They were probably with the T100Bs (they were last night when I saw them near Port Angeles) so the little one with them is T100B2 who was born earlier this year. ")
Stu Davidson

Members of the T137s (and possibley T100Bs) - Just north of Camano Island around 5:00 pm today - looked to be heading north to Deception Pass. Photo by Stu Davidson, October 6, 2016 (ID's by Sara Hysong-Shimazu, see encounter notes above)

Photo by Stu Davidson, October 6, 2016

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3:40 p.m. -  Orca in Saratoga Passage spotted from Woodland Beach, Camano. Mid-channel, tracking northbound. Can't tell numbers yet. We're high bluff.
Krista Paulino
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12:08 p.m.  - Orcas off Brighton Beach, heading north from the Clinton ferry, close to Hat Island now. 1 male and either 2 females or female & juvenile.
 Vivian and Fritz Hull
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I thought I saw a few orcas heading north from Possession beach around 10:30, but I figured I was seeing things. Good to know I'm not totally losing it! (comment after 12:08 Hull sighting)
Nicole Woltersdorf

10:58 a.m. - Spotted orca East of Smith Rock. (Smith Island?)
Adnrea Savage

One adult male and two females, headed north at 6-7 knots, at 46 43 x 125 16 (just north of the mouth of the Columbia, close to shore) in 648 fathoms, one breach observed.
Thayer Hillis

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Two female orcas, side by side, headed west, at 42 39 x 128 05 (on Jackson Seamount) in 1650 fathoms. Water temp 63.9 degrees water.
Thayer Hillis

Around noon there was a single humpback cruising and feeding on Possession bar! (south Whidbey Island) Failed to get a good shot as I only had my phone today.
Toby Black

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We got to see 4 different Humpback whales and two different groups of bow riding Dall's Porpoise! It was a truly gorgeous day on the Salish Sea! This is an image of 3 Humpback whales in front of Turn Point Lighthouse. (1 whale is underwater) Photo by Traci Walter, October 9, 2016

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1:30 p.m. - A lone humpback travelling west to east off Flint Beach at the south end of Lopez Island.
Tom Reeve, Lopez Island
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...On the way home my son and I saw two humpback whales (south of Lopez heading south)
Stu Davidson


10:30 a.m. - Just spotted a humpback whale from the ferry headed to Sydney, BC. It was in the Spieden channel heading southeast.
Julie Vehorn

2:15 p.m. - 2 minke whales traveling 1 mile south of Lime Kiln park.
Matthew Grodzins

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Minke whale "Nick Jagger" Greetings! For the past few weeks, a lone minke has been enjoying lolling around Eagle Cove. Photo by Alex Shapiro, October 6, 2016

"Nick Jagger" Photo by Alex Shapiro, October 6, 2016

 

10:20 a.m. - 2 Whales passing Alki Beach towards DT (downtown) Seattle! Not sure (type), dorsal fins only.
Lori McCallister

Dall's porpoise! These mammals are only found in the North Pacific, they often love to "bow-ride". Enroute from Haro Strait to San Juan Channel. Photo by Jill Hein, October 9, 2016

Close up of a Dall's porpoise breaking the surface. Photo by Traci Walter, October 9, 2016

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...On the way home my son and I saw two humpback whales (south of Lopez heading south), a Pod of 15-20 Dall's porpoises - The porpoises came at us fast from 1/8 mile away then to our amazement played around right next to our boat for 10-15 minutes (crazy fast chasing each other, leaps, and dives -- unbelievable fun to see).
Stu Davdison

Dall's porpoise doing about 60 (it seemed!) - moving (fast) from right to left - it's head (on left) is diving and tail (on right) is on a power thrust downward causing the water surge. West side of San Juan Island near Lime Kiln. Photo by Stu Davidson, October 6, 2016

12:01 p.m. - Finned animals in Henderson Bay. Harbor porpoises most likely.
Kayleigh Bee