Recent Whale Sightings
December 22
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Mon, Dec 22 - Puget Sound (K Pod) - K Pod in Tacoma today. -photo by Jen Bowen, December 22, 2025
*
K37 Rainshadow - From Point Robinson. Link to more photos. -photos & ID by Marla Smith, Orca Network, December 22, 2025
*
16:18 - Now I can hear them much better without the vessel noise drowning them out.
16:09 - I think there are calls on MaST Center but the vessel noise is overwhelmingly loud. -Olivia Newton
*
15:24 - Northbound in East Passage mid channel off about Gold Beach, from Dune.
15:07 - We're not seeing them at Dune or in Commencement & we have a big grain ship parked in front of Dune. I think they are northbound in East Passage behind the ship, from Dune. -Melissa Bird
*
14:57 - Just saw a big male headed northwest in Dalco, mid channel. -Steph Parke
*
14:46 - Second group of trailers passing us westbound at the last viewpoint before Point Ruston, mid channel. Starting to rain. -Melissa Bird
*
14:42 - View of second tail-slapping session from Point Ruston. Link to FB video. -Suki Dardarian
*
14:39 - Westbound trailers coming up on Point Ruston. Everyone headed back towards Dalco Passage. -Melissa Bird
*
14:35 - From condos saw two moving west after making way through boat traffic. Larger one was tail slapping. -Suki Dardarian
*
14:28 - Single male traveling along Ruston in front of Dukes. -Mollie Segall
*
14:35 - I’m not sure where the others are, with the baby. I’ve seen the bull where I’ve described. The others were near him mid waterfront, but I can’t find them now.
14:32 - Slowly moving along close to shore right in front of the condos at Ruston, still headed west.
14:29 - Just milling around where I dropped the pin.
14:25 - West bound still [approx. 47.305230, -122.485207 (1 mi. NE of Ruston)]. -Sean Clinton
*
14:20 - I saw 1 male between Duke’s and Browns Point. -Katey Saunders Welch
*
14:18 - From Northern Fish Co. several members across from me westbound coming up on Browns Point. -Melissa Bird
*
14:17 - Viewing from Harbor Lights. Several orcas now heading out of Commencement Bay. Generally heading north. -Mollie Segall
*
14:22 - Others trailing westbound out of bay.
14:16 - Viewing from Ruston area group members approaching Browns Point lighthouse northbound. -Andrea Facer
*
14:15 - Headed back west towards Ruston, nearing the west end of the waterfront now
14:05 - Headed past the sewer plant along the waterfront, still moving east to Tacoma. My guess is they are headed to Foss Waterway. -Sean Clinton
*
14:05 - Slowly moving deeper towards the port [approx. 47.290555, -122.473128]. -Krista Baker
*
14:05 - One or two orca moving fast toward Tacoma south of Browns Point. (From Ruston way) -photos by Andrew A Cooley, December 22, 2025
*
13:56 - Two have moved past Browns Point toward the port. -Suki Dardarian
*
13:51 - Watching from Dune Peninsula as they are moving eastbound into Commencement Bay mid channel. -Connor O'Brien
*
13:51 - At least 6-7 whales committed east into Commencement Bay! -Mollie Segall
*
13:46 - They are crossing to Dash, you might be able to see them from Commencement Bay in a few. -Alyssa Somers
*
13:45 - Back into Commencement Bay! -Melissa Bird
*
13:34 - Just passed back in Point Ruston - one was heading to Dash Point but the big guy was still trending toward port direction. -Da Is
*
13:22 - View from Dune. Link to FB reel. -Alyssa Somers
*
~13:20 - Definitely saw the baby (viewing from Dune Peninsula)! Headed to old town dock now to try and find them again. So so happy to see the little one doing well! -Soarin Lykins
*
13:17 - Many members eastbound now, streaming back past us at Dune! -Melissa Bird
*
13:12 - Trending east spread out most have passed through ferry lines eastbound. -Andrea Facer
*
13:07 - They appear to have grouped back up and may have flipped directions. Aiming back towards the ferry terminal and traveling tightly grouped. -Mollie Segall
*
13:04 - Watching from Owen Beach. Spread out west of us all the way through ferry lines. No definite direction yet. -Andrea Facer
*
12:52 - Still streaming past us at Dune, westbound, main group spread out throughout Dalco Passage, mostly north of mid channel. No clear direction of north or south yet. -Melissa Bird
*
12:47 - Watching from Tahlequah ferry terminal seeing leaders pass ferry lanes toward Owens Beach. Spread out. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
12:41 - Many members steaming past Dune, westbound, spread out, leaders passing ferry terminal.
12:33 - At least 2 bulls westbound off east end of Vashon towards ferry terminal, others at entrance to Commencement Bay mid channel foraging behavior. -Melissa Bird
*
12:33 - Currently watching from Ruston by the big boat heading in all directions. It seems like they're playing or hunting, but they are really spread out -Da Is
*
12:28 - At least one male dorsal north of the cargo ship off of Dune, heading west. Closer to Dune side of the channel. -Mollie Segall
*
12:23 - From my perspective at Browns Point it looks like they’re about here [approx. 47.309978, -122.480264 (1 mi. ENE of Ruston)]. -Ashley Fry
*
12:12 - Browns Point group into Commencement Bay.
12:05 - Some coming up on Browns Point close to shore.
12:02 - Really tough viewing conditions with wind from Dune. Breaching near southern channel marker buoy. Seeing blows, I think, having rounded Maury trending towards Quartermaster area. -Melissa Bird
*
12:00 - Viewing from Dune, 2 spotted around yellow buoy headed east. -Joe Smith
*
11:50 - Another group just passed Dash Point east side southbound.
11:27 - Trailers passing Dash Point southbound. -Mandy Michelle
*
11:34 - At Browns Point right now and seeing them towards the Vashon side. -Angela Weidemann Zimmerly
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Katlyn Bullock
Date of Sighting: December 22, 2025
Time: 11:30 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Vashon Tahlequah ferry
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed: Splashing
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
11:25 - A few trailers still north of Browns Point in the wake of the Evergreen ship and slightly to the east of the wake. Still southbound. Very spread out. -Ashley S Whitman
*
11:08 - Seeing some Vashon side of mid, approaching Gold Beach, others a bit further south of there, still southbound, very spread. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
11:06 - Point Robinson cottages. -Tina Lee
*
11:00 - Almost at the south tip of Maury. Spread out. Directional changes. -Ali Saccone
*
10:53 - 3 orcas trailing passing the Point Robinson cottages. -Kelly Burns Keenan
*
10:45 - You can see straight out from Dash by Gold Beach and Marine Park. Tracey Carrillo
*
10.36 - Past Des Moines, headed south. -Bridget Gallagher
*
10:32 - Seem to have stalled a bit south of Point Robinson mid channel but still southbound approaching Maury Island Marine Park. -Jennifer Nichols Giron
*
10:29 - Ks southbound very spread out, trailers now passing Point Robinson, Vashon side of channel. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Katlyn Bullock
Date of Sighting: December 22, 2025
Time: 10:27 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Point Robinson lighthouse
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
10:26 - Very chatty on MaST… lots of " mews" in there. Could this be the kitty " K's". -Kathe Bradley
*
10:26 - Second group approaching Point Robinson. Vashon side. Viewing from Saltwater. Southbound.
10:15 - Viewing from Saltwater State Park seeing surface active orcas approaching Point Robinson. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
10:14 - Calls on the MaST Center Aquarium! -Shari Tarantino, Orca Conservancy
*
10:07 - Two porpoising south, very Vashon side approaching Point Robinson. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
10:05 - At Point Robinson. -Tracey Carrillo
*
09:59 - Seeing spread out groups, at least 2-3 out from KVI these were eastbound, and many more others Vashon side of mid out from Portage, look to be southbound. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
09.30 - Spread out southbound in line with Three Tree Point.
09.23 - Spread out right by the yellow channel marker. Southbound. -Mark McGough
*
09:18 - On cam southbound mid channel off KVI. Cam is scanning again but they had them for a moment. -Beriah SoOrio
*
09:11 - Still on [Orca Conservancy] cams looks like 10 or more. -Tracey Carrillo
*
08:55 - Seeing at least 8+ very spread out, mostly Vashon side of mid, 2 males (I think) at least, southbound now past Glen Acres. Suspect these are residents but can’t confirm 100% just yet. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
08:46 - Watched the replay and I count 4 orcas. it looks like they’re headed south. -Jct Guarnes
*
08:45 - Seeing orcas from the Arroyos. Between Vashon and WS [West Seattle]. 4 maybe? Moving south slowly. -Cheri Haby
*
08:25 - Caught a glimpse on Orca Conservancy live cam. -Beriah SoOrio
*
08:25 - Visible on Orca Conservancy livestream now. -Olivia Newton
*
08:20 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: KITTITAS reporting [seeing K Pod].
*
07:50 - Southbound, mid channel passing between Fauntleroy and Vashon Island. I know number in group but multiple orcas. -Keith Brian
*
GRAY WHALES -
Mon, Dec 22 - Saratoga Passage (CRC531 Gretchen)
15:15 - Still here. I just [saw her] from Hidden Beach. -Missy Main
*
CRC531 Gretchen -ID by Rachel Haight, Orca Network
13:30 - [S]He was feeding and doing circles in the cove. Then [s]he moved out to take some deep breaths and I lost him [her]. Link to more photos.
12:37 - Little Patch [edit, corrected ID to CRC531 Gretchen!] is feeding in the cove just north of Hidden Beach parking lot on Whidbey. -photo by Sarah Geist, December 22, 2025
*
Mon, Dec 22 - Holmes Harbor
14.00 - Grey whale southbound deep in Holmes Harbor under golf course. -Sandy Pollard
December 21
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sun, Dec 21 - San Juans
10:47 - Approaching Cattle Pass from the north, seeing 2 blows. -Stephanie Reiss [WSSJI]
*
08:56 - Biggs per the recording clips flagged by listeners! Thanks for posting! -Orca Behavior Institute
*
08:46 - Very faint calls still audible -Nikol Damato, Orca Network
*
08:28 - Hearing calls VERY faintly on the North San Juan Hydrophone. -Robyn Dally
*
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES -
Sun, Dec 21 - South Strait of Georgia
09:07 - Charles McDonald called to report 4 orcas, including one male, near Sandy Point marina [Ferndale] traveling south towards Lummi Island.
*
GRAY WHALES -
Sun, Dec 21 - Holmes Harbor
15:30 - It was very close to shore in Honeymoon Bay northbound.
14:17 - Feeding in Honeymoon Bay at the south end near the point.
14:10 - At Honeymoon Bay now southbound close to shore. -Michele Tosh Brodsky
*
12:10 - Looks like at least one gray whale about 100 feet off our shoreline in Greenbank (about one mile south of Greenbank Beach), slowly heading south into Holmes Harbor. -Martha Poppy Sinclair
*
UNIDENTIFIED SPECIES -
Sun, Dec 21 - South Strait of Georgia
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: David Johnson
Date of Sighting: December 21, 2025
Time: 11:35 AM
Species seen: Orcas
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: 48°57'09.1"N 122°50'27.5"W
Direction of travel : North to Semiahmoo
Behaviors observed: 3-4 babies milling around, very small ones
If orcas, any males?: Didn't see parents
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Right off shore from our house, baby orcas. I've lived here 12 yrs, no they were not porpoises. Couldn't snap a pick before they cruised north. First I saw the tail go down, then they were milling around in a ball together and spouted a couple times
Photos available?: No
December 20
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sat, Dec 20 - Haro Strait
23:45 - Louder calls now on Lime Kiln.
23:33 - Still hearing faint calls on Lime Kiln. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
23:18 - Just stopped listening and you can still hear them pretty well if you wait a few seconds to a minute. -Leeann Petrozzi
*
23:04 - Still audible. -Taylor Paquette
*
22:54 - I can hear them way better on Andrew Bay. -Breezie Gibbens
*
22:51 - I can hear them clearly on Andrews Bay now. -Katie Saul
*
22:48 - 22:56 - Impressive sequence of percussives on both the Orcasound Lab and Andrews Bay hydrophones within a very long bout of calls, whistles, and echolocation. If you miss live event, review preliminary Orcasound Lab bout here – Link to audio recording. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
*
22:48 - Calls still audible. -Amy FowIer
*
22:26 - Orca activity on the Lime Kiln Hydrophone. Very loud calls! -Katharine Anne Morales
*
22:08 - I am hearing calls on the Orcasound lab hydrophone. -Hannah Marie Munro
December 19
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Fri, Dec 19 - Powell River, BC (L Pod) - We had the Endangered Southern Residents Lpod off Powell River today. -Michelle Pennell [PRMB]
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Fri, Dec 19 - Haro Strait (T19s) - T19B Galiano - T19C Spouter & T19 Nootka
13:25 - 14:20 - We watched the T19s southbound in Haro Strait. Link to more photos. -photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, PSE, December 19, 2025
*
T19B Galiano - T19C Spouter - The T19s were powering through a hefty chop that had us clutching the rails. Throw in icy winds and pelting sleet to the mix, and I can say were struggling! The little humpback is CRC 22919 (IDed by Kyla Bivens). The rainbow was certainly cheery! Link to more photos. -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, December 19, 2025
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Olivia N
Date of Sighting: December 19, 2025
Time: 2:17 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: On Lime Kiln livestream
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed: milling
If orcas, any males?: dorsal looked male
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: The Whale Museum Live Stream
Photos available?: No
*
13:53:42 - Orcas were first visible on camera. -Olivia Newton
*
12:08 - Three orcas heading west in Spieden Channel! Moving quickly! -Cari Larsen Scheef [WSSJI]
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Fri, Dec 19 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (CRC-22919)
15:00 - 15:10 - Found CRC-22919 on the north end of Hein Bank. Link to more photos. -photos & ID by Kyla Bivens, PSE, December 19, 2025
*
The little humpback is CRC 22919 (ID’ed by Kyla Bivens). The rainbow was certainly cheery! Link to more photos. -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, December 19, 2025
December 18
December 17
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Wed, Dec 17 - San Juans
08:05 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, at 08:24 to report: 0805hrs: SALISH Vessel reports they are at all stop for an adult and calf orca milling about in Cayou Channel.
*
Wed, Dec 17 - South Puget Sound (T34s & T37s) - T34 Grace -IDs by Orca Behavior Institute
12:26 - Resuming fast travel southbound, tight grouping. They’re on the Joemma side of the channel and look to be aiming for Nisqually Reach.
12:15 - Still north of Joemma. Definitely more than 4, maybe 6-7 total. Hunting and milling east of mid with slow progress south.
11:52 - Milling just north of the Joemma dock, this side of the channel. Some surface activity with spyhops.
11:41 - Seeing at least four orcas, possibly one male dorsal. Southbound in Case approaching Joemma. -photos by Mollie Segall, December 17, 2025
*
As they passed Joemma Beach… wind was brutal. -photos by Tina McKail, December 17, 2025
*
11:18 - South of Herron Island traveling south. -Cara P. Martin
*
10:23 - Watching from Vaughn: seeing plumes between McMicken and Herron. Have been watching as they passed Stretch Island and headed south. -Astrid Diviney
*
09:02 - Three orcas in North Bay north of Allyn Pier. Now heading south. [Photo in comments] -photo by Jeffrey Cizek, December 17, 2025
*
GRAY WHALES -
Wed, Dec 17 - Saratoga Passage
10:56 - [Likely gray] Midchannel between Hidden Beach and Baby Island, appears northbound.
10:49 - Line of sight from Hidden Beach, [likely gray whale] is halfway between Baby Island and Fox Spit, probably mid channel, I can only see his blows but super prominent with the sun. -Em
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Wed, Dec 17 - Haro Strait
22:28 - So loud and clear on Andrews Bay too right now. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
22:25 - Also further north at Orcasound Lab binaural array (but with a bit more surface wave noise). -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
*
22:25 - You can hear them on Lime Kiln’s live stream. Super loud! -Jourdan Rae
*
22:24 - Also audible on Orcasound Lab hydrophone
22:23 - Calls continuing! So fun to listen to.
22:13 - Loud & clear in quiet seas, very cool!
22:12 - Humpback calls on Andrews Bay hydrophone. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
December 16
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Tue, Dec 16 - Haro Strait (J Pod, K Pod, & L Pod)
23:24 - Loud calls on Orcasound Lab hydrophone as well. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
23:21 - Loud calls and clicks on Andrews Bay. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
23:13 - Can hear on Andrews Bay - super chatty! Calls going down at the end. And faintly on Orcasound lab too. -Flo Hardy
*
22:55 - Nice clear calls still on Lime Kiln. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
22:52 - They’re so loud on Andrews Bay!! So cool!!! -Kimberly Douglas
*
22:37 - Beautiful loud symphony of calls on Lime Kiln. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
22:29 - Very " chatty" vocalization Andrews Bay, whistling calls. -Kathe Bradley
*
22:28 - Lots of calls on Lime Kiln! -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
22:27 - Wow! I've listened before but never heard any distinct noises, but they are very very vocal right now. -Laura Walsh Stewart
*
22:25 - Pretty clear now on Andrews Bay! -Mary Morrison
*
22:23 - Louder calls on Andrews Bay again -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
22:22 - On Lime Kiln hearing calls from all three pods. -Orca Behavior Institute
*
22:22 - They were very faint and then louder than they were on Orcasound. Definitely louder on Lime Kiln now.
22:05 - Calls audible on all 3 hydrophones, Lime Kiln, Andrews Bay, Orcasound Lab. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
22:05 - Calls on Orcasound lab. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
22:32 - Also hearing some whistles, along with squealing.
21:55 - Hearing faint orca squeals on Andrews Bay hydrophone. -Jct Guarnes
*
22:00 - And others sounds like too.
21:55 - K-Pod calls! -Orca Behavior Institute
*
21:50 - Still hearing calls on Andrews Bay & Lime Kiln, possible faint calls on Orcasound Lab as well.
21:45 - Calls also on Lime Kiln. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
21:41 - Very vocal on Andrew Bay right now. -Breezie Gibbens
*
Tue, Dec 16 - Haro Strait (J Pod) - Here's the preliminary bout -- link to audio recording. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
*
15:07 - Hearing now on Andrews. -Patricia Prochaska
*
14:38 - SRKW on Andrews. -Tracey Carrillo
*
13:54 - I just heard them on Andrews Bay hydrophone. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
13:33 - Calls first reported by Bambi in WSSJIs on the Lime Kiln hydrophone at 13:33. Per Orca Behavior Institute this is J pod.
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Tue, Dec 16 - Puget Sound
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Chris Edwards
Date of Sighting: December 16, 2025
Time: 3:08 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: South end of Shilshole close to shore
Direction of travel : South across Shilshole Bay.
Behaviors observed: Moving fast
If orcas, any males?: Not seen
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
10:52- I didn’t see very much but a friend that was there just said they’re south of Point No Point midchannel southbound.
10:20 - Orcas visible southbound on the Skunk Bay webcam [Hansville] -Jami Cantrell
*
GRAY WHALES -
Tue, Dec 16 - Saratoga Passage
09:51- Gray whale headed south about 75 yards out Madrona Beach area. -Dave Cassera [CWW]
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Tue, Dec 16 - San Juans
14:46 - Video right off Barren Rock at east entrance to Roche Harbor. Not sure if it was 2 or 3. Lovely to cross paths with them. Multiple humpbacks near Roche Harbor. -Nate Rooks
*
UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALES -
Tue, Dec 16 - Admiralty Inlet
09:50 - Seeing one large blow, viewing from Shore Meadow looking towards Foulweather Bluff, about midchannel. Likely a baleen whale, but couldn't confirm species. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
December 15
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Mon, Dec 15 - Puget Sound (J Pod)
21:36 - We had a report that Js were heard on the MAST hydro. -Shari Tarantino, Orca Conservancy
*
20:39 - hearing faint calls on MaST hydrophone -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
16:51 - 3 fins right by yellow buoy off West Point. Some activity. They were having dinner around yellow buoy can’t confirm directions. -Duangjai Vasantana-Berntsen
*
16:50 - With fading light I finally spotted them (thanks to surface activity!) just approaching the traffic lanes yellow buoy off West Point. Viewing from Sunset Hill, Seattle. -Lynn Asbeck
*
16:00 - Spotted half + mile off Fay Bainbridge southbound. Seen from Skiff Point. -Henry X Shepherd
*
16:00 - Moving quickly now more mid-east channel toward West Point.
15:39 - 5-6 orcas southbound west of midchannel Fay Bainbridge to Golden Gardens sightline. Surfing the waves! -Sue Surowiec Larkin
*
12:30 - Southbound mid channel between Kingston and Point Wells. -Samiksha Gulrajani
*
12:21 - Passed between the ferries about 10 minutes ago or so, still southbound grouped up. -Ashley S Whitman
*
12:10 - 4-6 orcas spotted off the Kingston to Edmonds ferry… mid-west of midchannel, quickly southbound. Photo taken from 11:55 Kingston ferry this morning. -photo by Sue Surowiec Larkin, December 15, 2025
*
11:50 - From Sunset [Ave] I can see 2 mid channel very spread long down times. Still southbound. -April Basham
*
10:35 - Very difficult viewing conditions but orcas appear to be southbound mid channel out from Stamm Overlook. -miksha Gulrajani
*
08:50 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 09:11 to report: 0850hrs: SPOKANE Vessel reports via 800MHz they've spotted a dozen orcas, located mid-channel and heading northbound.
December 14
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Sun, Dec 14 - Admiralty Inlet/Puget Sound (J Pod) - As Jpod passed Point No Point this morning. Link to more photos. -photos by Jami Cantrell, December 14, 2025
*
J62 & J41 Eclipse - J19 Shachi - From Point No Point. Link to more photos. -photos by Hongming Zheng, December 14, 2025
*
Pass at Point No Point as well as one clip from the Edmonds to Kingston ferry. Link to FB videos. -Steve Czerniak
*
20:13 - Clear calls [MAST hydrophone]. -Patti Trosper
*
19:57 - Faint calls MaSt Center Hydrophone. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
19:46 - Hearing faint orca calls on MAST Center hydrophone. -Jct Guarnes
*
19:46 - Hearing loud calls on MaST hydrophone.
19:43 - I think I am hearing faint calls on MAST hydrophone. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
17:02 - From Bremerton Seattle ferry using my binoculars, catching a few distant blows off the back of the boat using the Sunset to light them up, with a background of Christmas lights glowing. -Melissa Bird
*
16:39 - Just left Sunset Point, beautiful spread out pass, safe travels Jpod. -Zsuzsa Ne
*
16:31 - Leader group passed West Point. Following group is passing West Point. -Duangjai Vasantana-Berntsen
*
15:57 - Still viewing from Sunset, leaders approaching West Point. Spread out traveling southbound. Safe travels Jpod. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Bailey Weiland
Date of Sighting: December 14, 2025
Time: 3:39 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Golden Gardens
Direction of travel : Southbound
Behaviors observed: Breaking the water now and then
If orcas, any males?: Unknown
Any unusual markings?: Unknown
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
15:37 - From Sunset Hill Park. Very spread out. Some surface active. Travel southbound. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
15:25 - Seeing some along line of sight between Fay Bainbridge and Shilshole Marina, others north of there. -Amy FowIer
*
15:30 - Several are making directional changes off Golden Gardens, appear to be foraging.
15:22 - Orcas beginning to stream by from out from Golden Gardens across the channel. Continue southbound travels. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
15:12 - From Fay Bainbridge, seeing fins spread all along southernmost set of parked rail cars on Seattle side. Caught one breach but otherwise just in travel mode still southbound. -Amy FowIer
*
14:50 - 15:06 - From sea level at Golden Gardens been seeing spread out orcas northwest of Meadow Point traveling steady southbound. Several east of mid channel. Leaders approaching out from north end of park. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
15:01 - Viewing from Golden Gardens, just saw two surfacing near research boats, west side near Jefferson Head. -Lesley Denise
*
14:59 - Straight out from Fay Bainbridge. Still southbound at this time. Research boat with them. Slightly west of mid. -Ashley S Whitman
*
14:48 - Viewing from Carkeek. Jpod is spread out. West to mid. Southbound. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
14:40 - Seeing blows from Carkeek, west of channel. -Kaitlin Mohler
*
13:56 - Correction to last update, more continuing streaming past mid channel buoy off Kayu Kayu/President Point area. Orcas now spread to south of Richmond Beach to at least back to that buoy and well east and west in the channel and in between. Steady southbound. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
13:55 - Pod continues southbound. Spread out as Alisa mentioned. Research boat out with what could be the leaders. Viewing from Richmond Beach. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
13:42 - Spread from on approach to Jefferson Head (transect from Richmond Beach Saltwater Park) to back about 3/4 of the distance to mid channel buoy off Kayu Kayu/President Point. All steady southbound spread mid channel to either side of (most mid to west of). -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
13:42 - Just got off the 12:40 Edmonds to Kingston ferry. Saw a beautiful show of 2 and a baby and at least 1 more a little further down. That was so special. I think its been like 20 years since we saw them on the ferry. Here's a very choppy video: link to FB video. -Hanna Reynolds
*
13:36 - Spread west to mid channel. Still viewing from Richmond Beach. Southbound quick. Baby is adorable. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
13:18 - Nice spread out group in this general area on either side of the tug (blue ship icon) mid channel to west of. Moving with purpose south [approx. 47.768351, -122.455592]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
13:18 - Seeing a couple mid channel playing in the wake of the Tug Boat. Viewing from same spot. Southbound. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
13:12 - Leaders at pin [approx. 47.777173, -122.433712] quickly southbound midchannel. Trailers much further back so still quite spread. -Beriah SoOrio
*
13:05 - Just passed us on the Kingston ferry going south bound still. -Steve Czerniak
*
13:03 - Hubby on ferry to Kingston says J pod is very close to the ferry. -Susan John
*
13:01 - Absolutely stupendous. Edmonds-Kingston Washington state ferries. -photos by David B. Clark, December 14, 2025
*
13:02 - Viewing from Richmond seeing fins west of mid. Ferry has stopped. J pod continues traveling southbound.
12:59 - Viewing with binos from Richmond Beach. Ferry to Kingston has slowed to let J pod pass. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
13:00 - Southbound west of stopped westbound Kingston ferry. -Beriah SoOrio
*
12:55 - Hubby is on the ferry to Kingston and says captain announced they are slowing for J pod. -Susan John
*
12:33 - Seeing a tiny baby with the group that is closest to Kitsap side, southbound, long downtime.
12:25 - One [male] and female closer in west shipping lanes. Breach further out maybe midchannel. Conditions are lousy. Approaching the Edmonds/Kingston ferry. Fast travel, long downs. Baby with the group.
12:15 - Passing Apple Tree Point, Kingston. Spread. Southbound. Some breaches out in the triangle area. Some west side closer to shore. Fast southbound. -Sara Frey
*
Sun, Dec 14 - Puget Sound (J Pod)
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: PJ 2E
Date of Sighting: December 14, 2025
Time: 12:30 PM
Species seen: Orcas
Number of animals seen: 7
Where seen: Kingston ferry crossing
Direction of travel : Southbound
Behaviors observed: Travel g
If orcas, any males?: 1
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
12:07 - Approaching Apple Tree Point midchannel-west of mid southbound. -Jami Cantrell
*
12:05 - Have passed Eglon west of mid southbound. -Vanessa Franz
*
11:22 - Group just north Eglon, still southbound. Appear to be west side of mid-channel. Some surface activity but mostly travel. -Ashley S Whitman
*
10:48 - Absolutely incredible pass from Point No Point very close to Kitsap side southbound. -Jami Cantrell
*
10:41 - Point No Point Lighthouse. Here is the full 5 minute experience. They were just off the shallows of the beach. Love them. Thank you to Orca Network for continuing to connect us with this beautiful family. Link to FB video. -Michelle Goll
*
10:30 - From Hansville mid channel from my spotting scope. Southbound. Link to FB video. -Jared Leffner
*
10:20 - Looking at the Skunk Bay live cam, it appears as though the whales are headed into Possession triangle. They’re right around the tip of Whidbey Island now. A bit longer downtimes. -Kat Martin
*
10:19 - Lots of dorsal fins and surfacing on cam. -Jct Guarnes
*
10:15 - See blows through binoculars from Point No Point County Park looking northwest. Seem to be close to this side. Still southbound. -Michelle Goll
*
10:03 - Close pass… [on Skunk Bay webcam] surface active.
10:00 - Breaches.
09:52 - Dorsal fin on Skunk Bay [webcam]. -Olivia Newton
*
09:41 - Whales are mid to Whidbey, southbound approaching Foulweather. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
09:29 - Saw some breaching and splashing. -Jct Guarnes
*
09:23 - Seeing surface activity now.
09:22 - [visible on] Skunk Bay cam.
09:03 - Pretty sure I actually saw the first breach at 9:03 or so. -Olivia Newton
*
09:08 - Viewing from Shore Meadows. We are seeing fins mid to Whidbey spread north south, still southbound! -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
09:03 - Male dorsal fins headed south 1.5 miles south of Bush Point. Victoria Clipper passing them. -Howard Garrett, Orca Network
*
08:48 - From Bush Point, I’m seeing a group of 4-6 inside the yellow buoy, so Whidbey side. Viewing is rough in the wind. Still southbound.
08:34 - Viewing from Bush Point, I have fins mid to Whidbey, southbound. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
08:36 - The small group I am watching should be approaching Bush Point. Tough to see with the wind.
08:19 - Dorsal fins mid channel mid Marrowstone southbound [from East Beach County Park]. -Susan John
*
08:12 - It’s J pod calls (at least). -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
08:02 - Orcas on Bush Point hydrophone. -Bernadette Ireland
*
08:01 - Calls on Bush Point. -Orca Network
*
08:00 - Lots of orca vocals on Bush Point Orcasound. -Olivia Newton
*
07:32 - Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 07:33 to report: KENNEWICK Captain reports 3 Orca NB of the ferry lanes heading SB en route to Port Townsend.
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sun, Dec 14 - Admiralty Inlet
18:56 - Have gone from faint to very loud! -Kathleen Cage
*
18:27 - Started whistles… squeaks. -Tracey Carrillo
*
18:35 - Calls on Bush Point hydrophone! Per Monika Wieland Shields, OBI, these were Bigg's. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
GRAY WHALES -
Sun, Dec 14 - Holmes Harbor
11:50 - Neighbor reports possibly two gray whales in Holmes Harbor, short stay. No further details. -Sandy Pollard
*
Sun, Dec 14 - Holmes Harbor
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Bill Schafer
Date of Sighting: December 14, 2025
Time: First seen about 12:30 and he stayed until almost 2:00 PM, working the north end of Honeymoon Bay.
Species seen: Gray Whale
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Honeymoon Bay 48.054085° N -122.548264° E
Direction of travel : Circular
Behaviors observed: Feeding in shallow area at high tide for ghost shrimp
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
UNIDENTIFIED SPECIES -
Sun, Dec 14 - Admiralty Inlet/Mutiny Bay
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Kristin Berg
Species seen: [baleen or possible Bigg’s]
Number of animals seen:
Where seen: Puget Sound, south of Sandy Point and north of Mutiny Bay
Direction of travel : very slow, slight drift northward
Behaviors observed: speculate that it was a group hunting
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: we observed several series of spouting - each series included 6-8 spouts in roughly the same place, close together, all in a row, and quickly one right after the other..... that repeated a dozen or more times....the spouting seemed to stay all in one place over the course of what we observed. We were on the beach north of Mutiny Bay, looking northward toward Sandy Point. the spouting was several hundred yards away, so we could not see more detail. We were on the beach stairs at the end of Windmill Drive in Freeland, looking north towards Sandy Point. The spouts seemed to be about where Vista Road comes close to the shore, maybe a bit closer to Sandy Point than that. We couldn’t see anything like fins, but the spouts were distinct.
Photos available?: No
December 13
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sat, Dec 13 - San Juans (T34s, T37, T37Bs, T65A5, T75Bs, T75Cs) - Just 24 hours after seeing the 15 members of K-Pod as they exited Puget Sound, we were lucky enough to get on the water with 15 Bigg's killer whales in a T-Party in the San Juan Islands! Present were the T34s, T37, and T37Bs (who have been around a lot less this year than anticipated), the T75Bs and T75Cs, and of course, T65A5 Indy. Right when we were getting on scene, we had also spotted the T19s, but they were making their exit, meaning that for most of our encounter there were no adult males present. The tallest fin in the group was T37B1 Lance, who now has a taller fin than his grandmother T37 Rocky (aka Pizza Fin), who is known for her large triangular dorsal. At 13 years of age, we expect Lance will be growing quickly over the next couple of years! Filmed and edited by Jason Shields. Link to Youtube video. -Orca Behavior Institute
*
Sat, Dec 13 - San Juans (T34s, T37s, T65A5, T75Bs, T75Cs) - T37B1 Lance on the left, T75B2 Jasper spyhopping - T34A Pachamama, T34A2 Amaru, T75C Bam-Bam
13:35 - 14:15 - We watched the T-party off of Sucia. 15 orcas were present- 4 T34s, 4 T37s, 4 T75Bs, 2 T75Cs, and T65A5. T65A5 and T37B1 were trailing in the back of the group socializing with each other the entire time we were there. T75B's new rake marks on her body are still very apparent as is the injury on the rostrum of T75B2. Most notable is T34 Grace, she threw [us] through a loop for a good two hours. She obviously has a much larger notch in her dorsal fin now but it looks like she may have scarred up her left eyepatch so the shape doesn't exactly match that in the ID guide any more. Link to more photos. -photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, PSE, December 13, 2025
*
When we encountered the T34s as part of the T-Party in the San Juan Islands, last weekend, we noticed that T34 Grace was looking a little different! What used to be a small notch in the middle of the trailing edge of her dorsal fin has now widened into a larger tear, altering her overall fin shape in profile. Orcas aren't born with notches in their fins, but can acquire them throughout the course of their lifetime. We rarely, if ever, know what causes one specific injury, but possible causes include interactions with other killer whales, scuffles with prey, or coming into contact with other objects in their environment such as rocks, boats, or fishing gear. We can only imagine what this 50+ year old orca great-grandmother might have been up to! -MWS -Orca Behavior Institute -photo & ID by Monika Wieland Shields, December 13, 2025
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Sat, Dec 13 - Strait of Juan de Fuca
10:57 - Seen leaving Victoria on the Blackball ferry. Link to FB video. -photos by Heidi Slyman, December 13, 2025
*
Sat, Dec 13 - North Puget Sound - Absolute feeding frenzy at Point No Point! Residents said the humpback has been there two days in a row. Link to FB videos. -Sara Bowen
*
GRAY WHALES -
Sat, Dec 13 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch)
15:30 - CRC53 close to Whidbey shore passing Sandy Point southbound. -April Basham
*
15:06 - Actually closer to Whidbey and heading straight for Sandy Point.
15:00 - Out from Sandy Point Whidbey side of mid southeast bound. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
CRC53 Little Patch
14:55 - About 300 yards from Langley Marina. Looks to have stopped and started eating. -photos by Jaime Shields, December 13, 2025
*
14:40 - Committing southbound, seemingly out of Saratoga Passage.
14:21 - About where that red dot is [approx. 48.048765, -122.408016]. -Jourdan Rae
*
14:19 - Passing by Seawall Park about 200 yards out. -Jaime Shields
*
14:12 - He seems to be trending south a bit. Whidbey side of mid -Jourdan Rae
*
13:42 - Has moved towards mid channel and is traveling towards Camano Head [approx. 48.052279, -122.407491]. -Florian Graner
*
13:00 - He’s feeding in the area noted on the map. Viewing from below the Dog House at the Langley waterfront (Seawall Park) [approx. 48.060009, -122.448098]. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
12:43 - Confirmed going north towards Bells Beach. -Connor Corr
*
12:16 - More spouts north of Langley. Between here and Bells Beach. Can’t tell if there is any direction of travel though. -Jourdan Rae
*
12:00 - Grey in between Bells Beach and Langley close to Whidbey. Saw 2 huge spouts. Too far to tell if feeding or direction [approx. 48.065806, -122.454144]. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
09:52 - Heading west/offshore now.
09:38 - Milling just south of the boat launch, Camano side of midchannel.
09:28 - Gray whale off Mabana [Camano Island] boat launch. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
December 12
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Fri, Dec 12 - Puget Sound (K Pod) - KPod - Admiralty Inlet. Link to more photos. -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, December 12, 2025
*
K pod today from Lagoon Point and Fort Casey. Link to more photos. -photos by Kim Parry, December 12, 2025
*
I got down to Lagoon Point in time to see them ALL go by, we think we saw the calf! Whidbey side though not super close… active with breaches, pec and tail slaps, just lovely! -photo by Bonnie Gretz, December 12, 2025
*
Every Southern Resident killer whale calf is a gift, but a K-Pod baby hits differently. The smallest of the three pods, K-Pod recently went 11 years between births, from K44 in 2011 to 2022, when K45 was born. When I first started getting to know the Southern Residents 25 years ago, K-Pod had no adult males. It's amazing how that has changed; there's 5 males age 17+ now! The concern instead is the small handful of reproductive females. I've been feeling all of the emotions after hearing word of this little one, and I bet I'm not alone in that! Among them was the keen anticipation of hoping to meet the calf before K-Pod departs for the winter. After December, nowadays it wouldn't be unheard of for Ks to be outside of the Salish Sea until mid-summer. The weather (rain, fog, wind) and ferry chaos were not helping, but after three tries, today we finally made it off San Juan Island and were able to see K-Pod from shore at Fort Casey as they departed Admiralty Inlet heading north. K-Pod was all grouped up and it was absolutely lovely to see 15 fins coming up side by side, the new calf amongst them. Our obligatory "dot shot" of the newest K-Pod member is in the middle of this collage! They were traveling alongside K36 Yoda with K43 Saturna in close attendance as well. We've only barely glimpsed you, but we love you already little one. -MWS -photos by Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute, December 12, 2025
*
Welcome K47! The Center for Whale Research announced the official designation for the new K-Pod calf today, with the mother still to be officially confirmed based on future encounters. It’s been most strongly associating with K36 thus far but other reproductive females have also been in close attendance. Here’s a short video clip of Ks exiting Puget Sound, filmed by Jason Shields - link to FB video. Can you spot the tiny dorsal fin of the calf? It surfaces three times in this clip! Vocalizations are of K-Pod heard over the Orcasound Sunset Bay hydrophone a few days earlier. -MWS -Orca Behavior Institute
*
14:50 - I can see them far out at Libby Beach Park. I have to go to my map to add more information. -Talina Kaverra
*
14:50 - They have passed Fort Ebey, moving quickly. Still northwest bound.
14:37 - Seeing them from the bluff trail of Fort Ebey, northwest bound -Ashton Mead
*
14:08 - They just passed Fort Casey lighthouse. No breaching here. Moving pretty fast. -Talina Kaverra
*
13:50 - Approaching Fort Casey mid channel northbound. Whidbey side though not super close. -Bonnie Gretz
*
13:39 - Visual from Fort Casey, still well south of here but line of sight with Lagoon Point, grouped up and northbound. -Orca Behavior Institute
*
13:22 - Viewing from the point of Fort Flagler. Due east from here, Whidbey side. Lots of breaching. -Susan John
*
13:00 - Beautiful views of K pod from south and north Lagoon Point! -Bonnie Gretz
*
12:35 - They have passed Bush Point. Whidbey side. Moving fast northbound. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
12:29 - They are moving pretty quickly north.
12:25 - Straight out from the old restaurant now, though I don't hear them on the hydrophone.
12:20 - They are straight out from the Bush Point Lighthouse now, appear to be heading north. -Camille Hartley
*
12:13 - Swiftsure is >0.7 mile west of the westernmost male, rest are inshore of him [approx. 48.009494, -122.627766 (2 mi. SW of Bush Pt.)]. -Amy FowIer
*
Fri, Dec 12 - North Puget Sound (K Pod) - K33 Tika
12:05 - 12:20 - We skirted around K-pod as they headed northbound towards Admiralty. K33 Tika was closest to us at 0.7 miles with the rest a good distance farther. Link to more photos. -photos & ID by Kyla Bivens, PSE, December 12, 2025
*
12:02 - Seeing surface active whales south of Bush Point northbound.
11:56 - Fins northbound in Admiralty. Viewing from Shore Meadow.- Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
10:21 - Hard to decipher but I think I am hearing louder calls along with vessel noise. [To be determined].
09:36 - Faint calls on Sunset -Hannah Marie Munro
*
09:03 - Calls [on Sunset Bay]. -Joe Dreimiller
*
08:45 - Calls continuing [on Sunset Bay]. -T.L. Stokes
*
08:39 - Hearing faint calls. -Jct Guarnes
*
08:20 - Loud calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Fri, Dec 12 - Haro Strait
01:10 - Humpback singing on Lime Kiln hydrophone -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
*
Fri, Dec 12 - North Puget Sound (CRC-22919)
16:10 - Point No Point lighthouse.
15:54 - Whale watching boat and humpback in one frame of camera, fog rolled in.
14:58 - Moving off shore northbound between Norwegian Park and Point No Point lighthouse. Milling in between.
14:54 - Whale watching boat on scene. Trending northbound now close to shore.
14:48 - Right off shore on the point.
14:31 - Directional change southbound now breaching by Point No Point lighthouse, feeding. Wide open mouth surface activity. -Kathe Bradley
*
15:11 - Humpback CRC-22919 is milling at my map spot [approx. 47.913505, -122.531688 (1000’ NW of Point No Point)]. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
Fri, Dec 12 - North Puget Sound (CRC-22919)
14:55 - 15:35 - Watched the new young humpback CRC-22919 off of Point No Point lighthouse. - Link to more photos. -photos & ID by Kyla Bivens, PSE, December 12, 2025
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Cindi Brown
Date of Sighting: December 12, 2025
Time: 2:20 PM
Species seen: Humpback maybe
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: From Point No Point towards Hansville.
Direction of travel : Feeding maybe not traveling. Lots of surface splashes.
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?:
*
14:21 - Sorry, only one.
14:20 - Confirming two humpback foraging now off Norwegian Park and Point No Point parking lot. Trending northbound close to shore.
14:09 - Looks like a larger humpback and smaller one. Point No Point near parking lot
14:06 - Watching a small whale, breaching at Point No Point. Possibly two whales. Humpback whale. -Kathe Bradley
*
12:00 - Relaying a report from “Puget Sound Whale Sightings”: humpback southbound from Point No Point. -Kyla Bivens, PSE
*
GRAY WHALES -
Fri, Dec 12 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch)
11:40 - Still hanging out south of Mabana. -Linda Aitkins
*
11:00 - I saw him briefly after my last update facing south, south of the houses at Mabana. Nothing since then, seems like he has continued south.
10:54 - We just heard him from the bluff at Mabana, sounds like he's a bit south of here. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
10:06 - Just passed the boat launch at Mabana southbound. -Linda Aitkins
*
09:58 - Still southbound, between the point and Mabana. Mabana bluff should have a good view now and he could come in to feed at the boat launch soon.
09:32 - He's been milling in the same area, currently trending south. Regular sequence of 3-4 surfacings followed by a long dive (last one was just under 5 minutes).
09:02 - Finally found him again, off the point between Elger Bay and Mabana.
08:28 - Gray whale between Mabana and Camano Island State Park, I think facing east. Moving up to the bluff to get a better idea of location and direction. -back of camera photo by Serena Tierra, Orca Network, December 12, 2025
December 11
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Thu, Dec 11 - Puget Sound (K Pod) - K33 Tika - Nothing spectacularly close this afternoon, but we got to see whales nonetheless. We sprung out of bed around 9am to go see K Pod, as they have a baby with them. We met up with them at Alki initially and then followed them up to Edmonds. Super far away and hard to get sight on them with every pod member being so far away from one another. Still have not seen the baby, sadly. Perhaps another time. Taken from shore with a telephoto lens. -photos by Kat Martin, December 11, 2025
*
17:24 - Link to audio recording at Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
16:15 - Losing the light of day, still trending northbound toward Maxwelton. Across from Point No Point east side, hugging the shoreline. Observing lots of breaching, surface activity. Tightly grouped. One larger fin was the leader further ahead of group.
15:56 - Scatchet Head area. Northbound east shoreline. Lots of breaching, tightly together.
15:49 - Appear to be going west now toward Point No Point. -Kathe Bradley
*
15:45 - Still seeing very intermittent fins midchannel at Stamm. Only maybe one or two? Hard to track. -Sarah Crumb
*
15:39 - Hearing vocalization. Meows on Sunset hydro. Watching from Eglon northbound trending east side of Possession. -Kathe Bradley
*
15:30 - I saw and heard the residents from Haine, west of mid. I watched them until they approached the tip of Whidbey before leaving and they were heading northbound toward Mukilteo. I saw about 8-10 orcas that I could see in the short amount of time I was there. They were traveling fast and steady! -Emily Horton
*
15:29 - Faint mews on Sunset Bay hydrophone amidst the vessel noise (very weirdly squeaky vessel??) -Amy FowIer
*
15:15 - Fin spotted from Stamm Overlook. Heading north. -Sarah Crumb
*
15:12 - Hearing on Orcasound [Sunset Bay hydrophone]. -Shelly Bergman
*
15:09 - They are very chatty! This is my first time hearing them on the hydrophones. -Victoria Burke
*
14:53 - Viewing from the Edmonds fishing pier the pod has continued northbound into the triangle. Research boats still nearby. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
14:49 - Calls on Sunset Bay. -Orca Network
*
14:29 - Stragglers approaching Edmonds dock with OBS [observation] boat flashing light. All trending northbound. Spread out. Leaders further northbound past ferry dock.
14:17 - Sneaky orcas. Counted 7 breaching right out from Edmonds ferry, a bit south trending northbound, some spy hopping.
14:16 - Big boy out front near barge and vessel way north of OBS [observation] boats. Leader.
14:12 - Still with OBS [observation] boats. Trending faster now northbound, just passed oil refinery and coming up to Edmonds. Far east side. Seeing some surface activity with binoculars from Kingston. -Kathe Bradley
*
14:11 - Leaders approaching Edmonds - Kingston ferry lanes directly out from Marina Beach. Mid channel northbound.
13:58 - Seeing distant blows to the south of Edmonds Dog Park/Marina Beach - east of mid. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
13:57 - Far east of ferry lanes, far south of oil refinery.
13:47 - Appear to be milling around the OBS [observation] boat, no lights most south boat, lots of surface activity and some directional north to south changes. -Kathe Bradley
*
13:56 - K12s, K38, and others + calf are very much on the east side of the channel now. Approaching Kayu Kayu.
13:36 - There is a single trailing male, from a distance. Looks like it could be K42 or K35, who’s on the east side of the channel. Bigger group still up ahead everyone still northbound. (From Richmond). -Tamara Kelley, Orca Conservancy
*
13:28 - East of yellow buoy. Look for flashing light OBS [observation] boat.
13:24 - Viewing from Kingston ferry terminal with binoculars. OBS [observation] boats have them in between. Trending northbound far east closer to Richmond Beach. Big cargo vessel coming up on them now. -Kathe Bradley
*
13:17 - Viewing from Carkeek mid channel northbound with research boat. -Sirius Sebastian Etchison
*
13:06 - Directly out from Richmond Saltwater Beach. Mid channel with research boat. Still northbound. -Tamara Kelley, Orca Conservancy
*
13:00 - One large male northbound, mid to east channel passing Golden Gardens viewing from south Fay Bainbridge Park. -Sue Surowiec Larkin
*
12:19 - Passing West Point lighthouse moving northbound very fast. -Liz Mitchell
*
11:43 - They are spread out, one group in front of the (stopped) Wenatchee ferry, another by the research vessel [headed] north.
11:38 - A few are in the wake of the Walla Walla ferry, mid channel. -Summer Staley
*
11:35 - Taken from 64th and Alki. -photo by Mary Hartmann, December 11, 2025
*
11:31 - I see them a couple hundred meters northwest of the Alki lighthouse. -Jamin King
*
11:29 - Still northbound really fast one breach so far viewing from Manchester by scope, passed the needle. Research boat close by with flashing light! -Noelle Morris
*
11:16 - Ok! Just BARELY saw a blow and a big splash viewing from Rockaway Beach towards the yellow/orange buoy. Definitely closer to the Alki side. -Rita Hlavacek
*
11:11 - From south end of Constellation Park, they are just coming north along the south end of Restoration Point following research/enforcement boat. -Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network
*
11:07 - Viewing from Constellation. Group with research boat. -Jenny Olszowy
*
10:51 - Viewing from Manchester northbound very fast closer to Seattle side should be coming up on Alki lighthouse soon! -Noelle Morris
*
10:46 - I am on the Fauntleroy to Vashon ferry I only see one so far… headed back toward Constellation and Alki Lighthouse. East of mid. Northbound. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
10:40 - From friend, Laura: I see fins & blows heading north mid channel. Well north of our Vashon ferry lanes and almost to Alki. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
10:21 - Committed northbound, seeing some in front of Blake Island, viewing from Shorewood on the Sound. -Shari Tarantino, Orca Conservancy
*
10:20 - Directional changes with surface activity. Viewing from Fauntleroy ferry terminal.
10:18 - I am seeing a couple southbound passing the Fauntleroy ferry terminal. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
10:16 - Seeing fins in line with Dolphin Point, west of mid channel, can’t tell direction yet. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
10:12 - They appear to have flipped northbound. Seeing them in front of Vashon ferry dock
10:04 - Lots of foraging behavior, directional changes, still committed southbound. -Shari Tarantino, Orca Conservancy
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Scott Denhart
Date of Sighting: December 11, 2025
Time: 9:50 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Blake Island
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: 1 male
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: In the lanes
Photos available?: No
*
09:40 - K are feeding big breaches in East Passage. -Tracey Carrillo
*
09:40 - Between Blake Island and Vashon Island, southbound... thinking SRKWs. Viewing from Shorewood on the Sound. -Shari Tarantino, Orca Conservancy
*
09:39 - They confirmed SRKW on Orca Conservancy livestream. -Olivia Newton
*
09:19 - K pod southbound live on the cam. -Leo Vert
*
09:19 - I can see them on Orca Conservancy livestream now. -Olivia Newton
*
09:18 - Steady southbound spread between Vashon and Blake mid channel. View from Emma Schmitz.
09:05 - Visible from Emma Schmitz. Vashon passenger ferry stopped by Restoration Point. -Mary Hartmann
*
09:03 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 09:17 to relay report: [Orcas approx. 47.526983, -122.451137].
*
09:00 - On the Kitsap Fast ferry heading from Southworth to Seattle. The ferry veered off its normal path and knew it was either a boat or a whale, I glanced toward our prior direction of travel saw a male orca mid channel, heading south. Due west of Alki Point, in southbound shipping lanes closer to east shore. -Chris Wilke
*
08:45 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 09:01 to relay report: [Orcas approx. 47.664661, -122.461104].
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Maci Macpherson
Date of Sighting: December 11, 2025
Time: 8:21 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Close to Bainbridge Island, viewed from the Bainbridge Island ferry headed west. Three orcas headed south west in the channel
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: 1
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Amazing!
Photos available?: No
*
08:20 - We saw two on the WSF to Bainbridge! They were headed south. It was amazing! -Maci Nosrehpcam
*
07:32 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 08:00 to relay report: [Orcas approx. 47.622558, -122.447583 (2 mi. W of Magnolia)].
*
05:18 - Lots of calls on Sunset Bay right now. -Olivia Newton
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Thu, Dec 11 - Puget Sound
08:08 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 0836 to relay report: [Orcas approx. 47.810144, -122.425656 (2 mi. W of Edmonds)].
*
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES -
Thu, Dec 11 - Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca
14:50 - 3-4 orcas with one spunky baby milling north of Point Wilson trending in a south direction. -Ryan Bauer
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Jen Shore
Date of Sighting: December 11, 2025
Time: 2:40 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: From Victoria Clipper 5 off the coast of Marrowstone Point [note, reported location is a bit off. Clipper's location was just north of Point Wilson at that time, Clipper also confirmed orcas at that location, see map in comments]
Direction of travel : SE
Behaviors observed: Travel
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: No other data to report
Photos available?: No
*
GRAY WHALES -
Thu, Dec 11 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch)
15:48 - Northbound off the south end of Summerland now, still Whidbey side of midchannel. Long downtimes
15:23 - Northbound Whidbey side of midchannel.
15:18 - Just saw a blow midchannel to Whidbey side north of Langley. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
15:00 - He should be near or out from Langley now. He was northbound mid channel.
14:52 - I have Little Patch heading towards Langley. Link to FB videos.
14:46 - Gray whale for sure.
14:30 - I think I saw orcas? About where I marked on map [approx. 48.051670, -122.377479]. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
UNIDENTIFIED SPECIES -
Thu, Dec 11 - Possession Sound
11:32 - We can hear spouts and breaching below our house but we can't see them. They're right next to shore below M division [Hat Island]. I'll keep watching to see if they come out in the open, but they're really close to shore and we can hear them very well. [believe this may have been Little Patch, but there were also photo confirmed Bigg’s in North Puget Sound earlier in the day, so leaving open the possibility it could’ve been either - RH]. -Romy Hoffman [HIWS]
December 10
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Wed, Dec 10 - Puget Sound (K Pod)
18:26 - Possible clicks on Sunset Bay. -Katharine Anne Morales
*
15:28 - Visible from Carkeek southbound mid channel. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
14:58 - I see fins! Richmond Beach mid channel [headed] south still. -Alicia Cheshier
*
13:51 - Edmonds ferry! -Alexis Arrabito
*
13:45 - They had passed the ferry lines southbound, east of mid!
13:29 - About to pass through the ferry line.
13:05 - Moved a little west now, southbound just north of the Edmonds/Kingston ferry line and still a lot of breaching! -Emily Horton
*
13:12 - Also seeing them breach from Sunset! Looks like heading south. -Laura Sa
*
12:59 - Molly Jenkins called to report 6+ orcas, some surface activity, heading southwest, viewing from 2 miles north of Edmonds ferry terminal.
*
12:56 - Moved down to Sunset, just saw a bunch of breaches! [approx. 47.832646, -122.423988]. -Emily Horton
*
12:55 - Heard a few squeaks before vessel noise crept in, but that’s decreased and I heard some more calls on Sunset Bay.
12:42 - Definitely just heard a clearer call!
12:41 - I think I hear some super faint calls on Sunset Bay? -Amy FowIer
*
12:35 - I see a couple more, same area southbound.
12:24 - Just spotted one so far off Stamm. He was facing southbound but I will wait until I see more to confirm anything [approx. 47.840510, -122.390891]. -Emily Horton
*
12:13 - Calls on Sunset Bay. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
11:50 - Calls on Sunset Bay. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
11:49 - Loud and clear [calls]. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
11:47 - Lots of close calls, clicks, echolocation, etc. right now.
11:39 - Calls on Sunset Bay again now. -Olivia Newton
*
10:12 - Hearing faint calls on Sunset Bay still. -Lynn Asbeck
*
08:50 - Still hearing faint calls. -Joe Dreimiller
*
07:56 - Heard one distant squeaky call. Don’t hear much else though. -Kat Martin
*
07:45 - I last heard calls at 7:45. Less frequent and farther away. Also hard to hear above the other noises near the hydrophone. -Linda Raines Tyner
*
07:42 - Hearing calls. -Joe Dreimiller
*
07:05 - Calls on Sunset Bay hydro. -Kelly Dawson
*
07:05 - Calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone currently. Sounds like K Pod. -Lynn Asbeck
*
07:04 - Hearing orca calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Linda Aitkins
*
07:03 - Calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
06:52 - Calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Natalie Rutledge
*
UNIDENTIFIED SPECIES -
Wed, Dec 10 - Hood Canal
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Claire Jorgensen
Date of Sighting: December 10, 2025
Time: 3:04 PM
Species seen: Orca [people went out looking but did not see any orcas, but reported several sea lions in the area, so leaving open possibility it could’ve been sea lions -RH].
Number of animals seen: 8
Where seen: Off the Hood Canal bridge, on the right side traveling towards Port Angeles. Swimming in front of Port Gamble-ish
Direction of travel : East ish
Behaviors observed: All in a big line surfacing about every 30 seconds
If orcas, any males?: Could not tell
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I was driving so couldn’t see many details but a few really tall dorsal fins and they were sticking really close together and surfacing at the same time
Photos available?: No
December 9
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Tue, Dec 9 - Puget Sound (K Pod) - When the Mother Nature give us a break and K pod sneak into Puget Sound and surprise us with their brand new baby. Edmond Marina Beach Park & Edmond Waterfront Viewpoint. Link to FB video. -Duangjai Vasantana-Berntsen
*
Live long and prosper. K Pod visited central Puget Sound today with a new baby in tow. Shot respectfully from shore. Audio was NOT recorded live, but rather a few hours after this encounter and then added in post: K Pod vocalizations/echolocation from December 9th around 17:30 on the Sunset Bay Hydrophone. Link to FB video. -Conner Helms
*
My first orca breach this evening with the SRKW K-pod. So many tail slaps. Definitely one for the books. Link to FB video. -Natalie Rutledge
*
18:35 - Hearing calls on Sunset. -Joe Dreimiller
*
17:40 - Still hearing! -Shelly Bergman
*
17:10 - Still hearing calls on Sunset Bay! -Amy FowIer
*
17:09 - Hear vocalizations. Lots of squeals. -Jct Guarnes
*
17:06 - Calls on Sunset Bay -Hannah Marie Munro
*
16:44 - Calls and vessel noise on Sunset Bay. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
16:36 - All of my cats started staring at my phone. All perked up and intensely listening. -Katharine Anne Morales
*
16:29 - Meow, meow… awww, sweet baby orca.
16:25 - Lots of calls now. Many different ones. Really coming in loud on Sunset hydrophone. -Kathe Bradley
*
16:24 - Vessel noise decreased and I’m now hearing calls on Sunset Bay! -Amy FowIer
*
16:02 - Sunset hydro hear calls sounds like new baby. -Tracey Carrillo
*
16:00 - Lovely K pod calls on Sunset Bay. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
15:55 - Viewing from Edmonds ferry terminal. Several seem to be headed northwest between Bainbridge and Whidbey. Edit: They are breaching and tail slapping again. -Rachel Lilly
*
15:50 - Now out of sight from me at Kingston Saltair Beach. Still northbound. Far east in channel. -Vanessa Franz
*
15:48 - Bradley Coombe, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: SPOKANE reports they have slowed on their approach to EDM [Edmonds] for a pod of orca who now appear to be heading North toward Possession Sound.
*
15:40 - Beginning to hear faint calls on Sunset hydrophone. -Kathe Bradley
*
15:34 - Heading northbound, lots of tail slaps and breaching.
15:30 - They are directly in front of the Edmonds ferry terminal. -Laurae Briggs
*
15:35 - At the Edmonds pier now, mid channel, lots of breaches!
15:09 - Viewing from Marina Beach Park northbound. -Tiffany Brockway
*
14:44 - Passing Richmond Beach now. -Natalie Rutledge
*
14:27 - Watching from Carkeek. Northbound travel. They look to be approaching the ferry lanes. -Sean DeLellis
*
14:04 - Viewing from Sunset Hills right now. They have flipped and heading northbound now, mid channel. -Kobie O'Brian
*
13:27 - Viewing from Carkeek K pod is traveling southbound behind the tug boat mid channel. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
13:25 - Watching from Sunset Hill, they are just now approaching Golden Gardens, a little ways out, still east of channel, tightly grouped. -Lynn Asbeck
*
**Correction: the female primarily with the calf is K36 Yoda. Members of the K12s and K13s were also mixed in this group. (I saw K12 surface first and assumed it was K43 with the calf, but upon closer inspection it’s K36) -photo by Tamara Kelley, Orca Conservancy, December 9, 2025
*
13:21 - Watching from Carkeek. Tightly grouped southbound mid channel. -Sean DeLellis
*
13:07 - Seeing them southbound mid - east from the Bainbridge side of the water out from Richmond Beach. -Sue Surowiec Larkin
*
12:45 - K pod (at least) continue southbound travels east side of the Sound, still grouped (not quite as tight as earlier) now juts south of Richmond Beach. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
12:43 - This group is tightly traveling southbound mid channel viewing from Richmond Beach. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
12:30 - Viewing from Richmond Beach, tightly grouped, moving quickly southbound approximately midchannel. -Michelle Leigh
*
12:09 - Seeing lots of blows from Richmond this is a big group! Southbound. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
For the record, photo by April Basham shows K20 Spock. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
12:18 - They are continuing south tightly grouped. They are midway between mainland and Mid channel approaching Richmond Beach Saltwater Park. May have over counted, but seems more than 14-15.
12:05 - Beautiful breathtaking tightly grouped moving south steady pace off Kayu Kayu Ac Park east of mid channel. At least 20+ orcas including 4 males. Stunning. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
12:07 - Still same large grouping southbound. Passing Point Wells now. Mid to east of the channel. -Candace Gavin
*
11:58 - Seeing fins north of Richmond Beach mid channel traveling south. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
11:44 - They flipped south and are passing Edmonds-Kingston ferry lanes mid to east. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
*
11:26 - Same large grouping still southbound as viewed from Edmonds Dog Park. Almost in line with the Kingston ferry terminal. Mid to east of channel. -Candace Gavin
*
11:26 - Steady southbound towards Kingston ferry dock [approx. 47.814767, -122.443142]. -Jourdan Rae
*
11:20 - Headed south from Edmonds ferry! Viewing from the Spokane[video in FB comments]! -Cindy McDonald
*
11:15 - Edmonds/Kingston ferry lanes, saw some surface activity just north of Edmonds ferry terminal from Apple Tree Point, no details just blows and activity at the very limit of the binocs. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
*
10:54 - Large condensed group just north of the Edmonds ferry terminal. This group is southbound headed for ferry lanes. Mid to east in the channel. Viewing from Sunset Ave. -Candace Gavin
*
10:30 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 10:39 to relay report: [Orcas approx. 47.855009, -122.438519].
*
10:23 - Saw 3 fins [approx. 47.885511, -122.430139]. -Duangjai Vasantana-Berntsen
*
10:11 - Calls louder on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Kathe Bradley
*
09:58 - Clearer calls now on Sunset Bay. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
09:52 - 09:57 - Faint calls and echolocation on Sunset Bay hydro. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
*
09:55 - I believe there are some faint calls & clicks audible. -Kendra Nelson
*
09:56 - Calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Jourdan Rae
*
09:56 - Believe I’m hearing echolocation and faint calls on Sunset Bay. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
09:30 - Sightline Apple Tree Point to Haines Wharf, same male dorsal sighted, slow steady northbound travel mode still just west of midchannel.
09:22 - Male dorsal sighted just west of midchannel slow travel northbound straight east of Apple Tree Point (my location). -Donna Green Van Renselaar
*
09:00 - Seeing two orcas approaching the Kingston ferry terminal mid-channel northbound. Viewing from Edmonds Marina Beach. -Ann McMahon:
*
08:27 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 08:43 to relay report: [Orcas approx. 47.774449, -122.430525].
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Tue, Dec 9 - Saratoga Passage (T46s minus T46D & T46B2s)
16:44 - Eastbound now. Coupeville side.
16:27 - Spread in Penn Cove. Leaders approaching mussel rafts.
15:53 - They have entered Penn Cove. Along north shore. -Sarah Geist
*
15:41 - They’re almost to Oak Harbor still heading northwest.
15:23 - Just passed Crescent Harbor.
15:06 - Viewing from Long Point. Northbound close to green buoy. -Kim Parry
*
14:55 - Heading north just south of Long Point. Still mid channel toward Oak Harbor? -Bonnie Gretz
*
14:35 - T46s minus T46D & T46B2s northbound nearly to Race Lagoon Whidbey side of mid. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
14:00 - Heading north mid channel 1.5 miles north of Hidden Beach. -photo by Aaron Gill, December 9, 2025
*
13:20 - Looks like 2-5 orcas about one mile east of Greenbank Beach, heading north towards Hidden Beach. -Martha Poppy Sinclair
*
13:43 - Viewing from Hidden Beach mid channel northbound. -Kim Parry
*
13:26 - Exiting Holmes Harbor. Looks like they’re going northbound in Saratoga. -Sarah Geist
*
12:05 - Whales are east side, northbound viewing from Freeland Park. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
11:56 - Moving north.
11:53 - Just briefly spotted them again midchannel off of Holmes Harbor Golf Course. Milling or possibly heading north. -photo by Cindi Bowen, December 9, 2025
*
11:50 - Easily visible from Freeland Park, moving in closer at the moment, so southbound still. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
11:37 - Orcas heading south just past Honeymoon Bay on the west side of Holmes Harbor. -Cindi Bowen
*
11:37 - Mid channel, still southbound. Viewing from Freeland Park. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
11:12 - Still southbound in Holmes Harbor. Out from Honeymoon Bay.
10:49 - Confirmed heading south in Holmes Harbor. Near east side (edited). -Sarah Geist
*
10:37 - Directly across from Camano Island State Park, north of Baby Island. More Whidbey side now, possibly aiming into Holmes Harbor -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
10:23 - Southbound again. [videos in FB comments]
10:16 - Young one in there for sure, very small.
10:13 - Directional changes in one area [approx. 48.127093, -122.518523].
10:09 - Southbound still.
10:08 - Approaching Camano Island State Park on north side. -Thomas McKane
*
10:14 - 4-5 including one male hunting midchannel out from Camano Island State Park boat launch. Male is T46E. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
09:58 - Viewing from Hidden Beach still heading southbound mid channel closer to Camano, at least 4-5. Saw one big dorsal and at least another smaller, trying to get eyes on them again they are traveling pretty quickly. -Kim Parry
*
08:45 - 3-4 orcas just passed Eagle Crest on Camano very, very close to shore heading south towards Onamac at a fast pace. One big male. Fits the description of T137's. Sorry that I didn't get any photos - too close and too fast. -Kristina Trowbridge
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Tue, Dec 9 - North Puget Sound
11:00 - Still milling at Point No Point. Keeping a low profile, no fluking.
10:35 - Small humpback just off Point No Point, southbound. -back of camera photo by Susan John, December 9, 2025
*
MINKE WHALES -
Tue, Dec 9 - Admiralty Inlet
16:01 - Bradley Coombe, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: KENNEWICK reports they have stopped for a Minke whale in Keystone Harbor.
December 8
December 7
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Sun, Dec 7 - Strait of Juan de Fuca
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Florence Caplow
Date of Sighting: December 07, 2025
Time: 2:45 PM
Species seen: Humpback
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: From Salt Creek County Park (10 mi. W of Port Angeles)
Direction of travel : Circling in area
Behaviors observed: Traveling, diving, calling, feeding, playing?
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: There may have been a female calf pair. There were two who were often traveling very close together and one seemed significantly smaller. I could hear vocalizations from Land twice. I watched for at least an hour as they moved parallel and perpendicular to the shoreline, sometimes as much as a mile out and sometimes quite close. Sometimes in a group of four and sometimes single or in two groups of two. Another observer had seen them for at least an hour before. I had a good pair of binoculars.
Photos available?: No
*
Sun, Dec 7 - Puget Sound
12:01 - Visibility is low, but I may have seen what looked to be a humpback dorsal on the south west end of Blake Island. -Mollie Segall
*
11:25 - Report of an unknown whale [presume humpback] around Southworth ferry dock. -Keith Brian
*
09:45 - Had a community report of humpback northbound nearing Lisabeula. -Amy Carey, Sound Action
December 6
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Sat, Dec 6 - Strait of Georgia, BC (J Pod) - We saw Blackberry J27, out in the Strait of Georgia today. As soon as the naturalist identified him, we left him be but wow what an incredible experience. Being from Australia it is a dream to see any orca but being a whale nerd, seeing a southern resident, albeit fleetingly, was next level. -Allie Townsend
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sat, Dec 6 - Possession Sound (T46s minus T46D & T46B2s)
15:00 - 15:45 - We 3 whales off of Pigeon Creek Beach in Everett. One large one and 2 smaller ones. -Kayla Peebles
*
12:05 - Off of Langley. Link to FB video. -Hollye Crutcher Bondurant
*
11:35 - Northbound Saratoga passage - viewing from Whidbey (near Sandy Point) [video in FB comments]. -Elise VanWest
*
11:54 - Just saw an orca from Langley 30 minutes ago [~11:25] Hollye Crutcher Bondurant
*
09:47 - [off northeast side of Hat Island about mid-island] headed towards Everett [east/southeast]. -Nathan Moyal [HIWS]
*
09:34 - video shared by Greg shows the T46B2s with another orca I presume is T122. Update by Greg "Headed towards Tulalip" [northeast direction from Hat Island]. Edit: Greg's second video confirms T46s minus T46D & T46B2s.
*
09:17 - Pod of orca feeding in front of the [Hat Island] marina. -Greg Bonn [HIWS]
December 5
December 4
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Over the last month we've spent a few weeks in Puget Sound on a collaborative project with the Center for Whale Research. The primary goal of this project is to pair localized hydrophone recordings of Southern Resident orca vocalizations with drone observations of their behavior. Additionally, we also had the opportunity to spend some time in the field observing Bigg's killer whales. Here is a short clip from Jason's video highlight reel of our encounters with Bigg's killer whales! (Taken under research permit NMFS Permit #27038) [link to FB reel]. You can watch the full 4K video on our YouTube channel at the link below! Youtube link. -Orca Behavior Institute
*
Thu, Dec 4 - Haro Strait (T19s & others)
15:53 - This was one of the coolest moments ever. Getting this close, you could really see how big they all are. So beautiful. Was blessed to spot a pod of orca near Lime Kiln hunting. Saw what direction they were going and drove to a hiking trail. Managed to head them off, make it down the cliff just in time. They were SO CLOSE. [video shows T19B & T19C traveling with 3 other females and one juvenile at least]. -Bryan Godair
*
Thu, Dec 4 - Puget Sound
13:59 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 14:13 to report: SPOKANE Vessel reports they have spotted 4 orca, SB, 1.5 miles west of EDM [Edmonds ferry terminal]
December 3
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Wed, Dec 3 - North Puget Sound (T46s minus T46D & T46B2s) - T122 Centeki, T46B2 Akela, T46E Thor
14:35 - 15:10 - We came back to watch them off of Port of Everett from where we saw a big spyhop out of T46E Thor!
12:04 - 12:46 - T46s (minus T46D) + T46B2s. First we saw them off the Port of Edmonds and watched them. -photo & IDs by Kyla Bivens, PSE, December 3, 2025
*
Spent full day following Bigg’s (transient) killer whale. Mukilteo Light House. Link to FB video. -Duangjai Vasantana-Berntsen
*
14:44 - Still viewing from Howarth. Milling to the right of the PSE and fishing boat [approx. 47.973514, -122.248836]. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
14:42 - Viewing from way up on Grand Ave Park - midway between Everett and Mukilteo off the southern tip of Jetty Island -Mark Siano
*
14:25 - Possibly 5 orca headed towards The Port of Everett. In front of Howarth Park for this photo [video in FB comments] -photo by Kara Kumelos Langus, December 3, 2025
*
14:29 - Viewing from Howarth Park. East of Mid. Stalling perhaps for a hunt. PSE approaching.
13:59 - Continuing to travel northeast trending toward Everett. Passing Mukilteo-Clinton ferry. terminal. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
T46E Thor on right
14:00 - Mukilteo side heading towards Everett [video in FB comments].
13:56 - At least 5 orcas northbound thru Mukilteo Clinton ferry lane. I’m on the ferry watching them. One large male. -photo by Donna George, December 3, 2025
*
T46E Thor - T46E Thor & T46B2 Akela -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network
14:00 - From Mukilteo lighthouse. -photos by Jaime Shields, December 3, 2025
*
13:47 - Approaching Mukilteo beach/lighthouse. East of mid.
13:39 - Seeing blows to the south of Mukilteo beach. Travel northbound. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
13:33 - Now apparently traveling north, rounding southeast corner of Hat Island, seen from PP [Picnic Point].
13:15 - Now seeing several orcas mid-channel. Looks like hunting behavior.
13:10 - Big breach just south of the Mukilteo-Clinton ferry lanes, closer to Whidbey side, viewed from Picnic Point. -Annika Hipple
*
13:01 - Traveling all together mid channel. Just gave a beautiful pass at Picnic Point. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
12:56 - At Stamm now. They are in The middle of the waterway. Went down and they haven’t came back up. -Alicia Cheshier
*
12:53 - And I did watch the orcas continue northbound! No direction change. -Emily Horton
*
12:42 - Still in front of tour boat - heading north past Haines Wharf. -June Mansfield
*
12:37 - They are moving northbound quickly, just in front of the tour boat so easy to spot! They are visible with the naked eye from Edmonds, Haines Wharf. -Elena Sarah Kuo
*
12:36 - Viewing from Stamm Overlook. Orcas trending north east mid channel. Swiftsure is with them. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
12:36 - In front of Haines Wharf! -Emily Horton
*
12:28 - Seeing blows and fins from Edmonds ferry. Headed northbound. Swiftsure is with them. -Cindy McDonald
*
12:19 - Still moving north, viewing from Sunset Ave in Edmonds. -Stephen Alvarado
*
12:00 - Just saw 4 off Edmonds marina. -Allison Veishlow
*
11:58 - Just passed Marina Beach Park Edmonds. Close to shore, the Edmond pier will be great viewing in 5-10 minutes [approx. 47.802501, -122.399308]. -Kyla Bivens, PSE
*
11:38 - Group of orcas gracefully slid past east shore of Richmond Beach. Northbound visible with naked eye in calm seas. One big male & little ones. 4-6 total. -J [SSCH]
*
09:08 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 09:58 to report: TACOMA Vessel reports they've spotted four orcas milling about, located half mile south of Pier 91
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Wed, Dec 3 - Puget Sound
14:31 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 15:04 to report: 1431hrs: SPOKANE Vessel reports via 800MHz they have slowed due to 2 humpback whales, just off the EDM terminal. No discernable direction of travel is observed.
December 2
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Tue, Dec 2 - San Juan Channel
19:34 - Faint calls, sounds like Bigg's. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
19:30 - Hearing calls on North San Juan Channel. -Patti Trosper
*
Tue, Dec 2 - Port Susan
12:24 - Viewing from Sandy Point, they have exited Port Susan and are southbound, mid channel. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
11:29 - They passed McKees.
11:21 - Orcas are southbound in Port Susan - passed Kayak Point. At least one male - have seen at least 4 orcas. -Linda Aitkins
*
09:30 - Northbound at CC2 [Country Club Beach 2], mid channel. -Thomas McKane
*
08:13 - Orca in the bay Camano side northbound between Tyee and Tillicum. -John [PSWW chat]
December 1
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Mon, Dec 1 - Hood Canal
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Angela Szatkowski
Date of Sighting: December 01, 2025
Time: 10:12 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Just north of Bangor in Hood Canal west side of channel
Direction of travel : No direction yet.
Behaviors observed: They seem to be staying put not sure what they are doing as it is far away
If orcas, any males?: Unsure
Any unusual markings?: Unable to see
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Seen from the house farther away but distinctly orcas at least 4 to 5 of them just sitting in the same are jumping and splashing. Possible kill?
Photos available?: No
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Crystal Jackway
Date of Sighting: December 01, 2025
Time: 9:21 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: Sw of Bangor base
Direction of travel : Northbound towards bridge
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: This is an update to the previous siding that I just issued. I got more information from a secondhand source at Bangor that let me know to report it.
Photos available?: No
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Crystal Jackway
Date of Sighting: December 01, 2025
Time: 9:14 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Southwest of Bangor base direction of travel unknown
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed: Milling
If orcas, any males?: Unknown
Any unusual markings?: Unknown
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No