Recent Whale Sightings
January 12
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Mon, Jan 12 - Admiralty Inlet - We saw them on the same ferry ride! So beautiful. Link to FB video. -Tatiana Mendoza
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13:36 - Orcas spotted near Port Townsend headed north [video shows two males - possibly T49A2 & T87]. Link to FB video. -Heather Sheppard
January 11
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sun, Jan 11 - Haro Strait
13:20 - Bigg's calls on heard on Lime Kiln hydrophone. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
January 10
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sat, Jan 10 - Haro Strait (T19s) - T19 Nootka - T19C Spouter - To jump in on the exciting T19 parade, here are a few alternate angles from a shore pass after the hunt! Link to more photos. -photos by Jenna Darcie, January 10, 2026
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T19B Galiano - T19C Spouter - T19s - Victoria, BC. Sea lion hunt. Link to more photos. -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, January 10, 2026
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T19B Galiano - Remarkable day on the water with the T19s as they hunted a sea lion. I have seen a predation event only one other time, and it was one of the most powerful things I have ever seen from these animals. Mom T19 Nootka worked the sea lion for a good long while. Then the boys would step in with some powerful lunges and power moves. All three would regroup and gather their strengths again before going at the sea lion once more. The hunt took them some time, but they managed to be successful in the end. All three whales shared their hunt and in came the birds. T19C did two breaches and they slowly drifted north in Haro Strait. Link to more photos. -photos by Kat Martin, January 10, 2026
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T19B Galiano, T19 Nootka, T19C Spouter
15:22 - The T019s off of Ten Mile Point on the west side of Haro Strait. Link to Youtube video. -photo by Gerald Graham, January 10, 2026
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11:31 - Fins and blows spotted on Lime Kiln camera off Gordon Head on the Canadian side of Haro Strait.
11:08 - Faint Bigg's calls on Lime Kiln hydrophone - also reported on Orcasound. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
January 9
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Fri, Jan 9 - Puget Sound (T34s, T36/T36Bs, T37/T37Bs, T37As including T37A1) - The T37s and T36Bs spent some off of Southworth with the birds. The orcas seemed to be enjoying themselves, not sure about the bird. Link to more photos. -photos by Mollie Segall, January 9, 2026
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A quick video as they approached Southworth today! Link to FB video. -Mollie Segall
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18:55 - Hearing calls on Sunset Bay. -Hannah Marie Munro
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18:48 - Hearing faint calls on Sunset. -Joe Dreimiller
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17:49 - Presume it's these orcas chatting on Sunset Bay hydrophone! Link to audio recording. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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16:47 - West of Edmonds ferry terminal, still east of mid and heading north -Amy FowIer
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16:35 - Viewing from Marina Beach in Edmonds. Looking directly west. 2 groups one about 100 yards behind the other. East of channel. Moving north. -Brad Dufour
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16:25 - They were surfacing in two groups as they moved thru the sunbeam and south end of Kayu Kayu Ac Park then went on a long dive and surfaced just off the pier at Point Wells, Woodway, now grouped. A directional change, they then resumed northbound travels slowly. Should be beautiful pass at Edmonds Marina Beach if they stay that course & get there before dark. Video doesn’t show them very well (just left if sunbeam), but it’s just so pretty out here. Link to FB video. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
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16:18 - Heading north of Richmond Beach. -Erika Woodley
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16:14 - Viewing from Kayu Kayu headed north. -Lori Ormerod
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16:14 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 16:37 to relay report of [orcas approx. 47.7696, -122.41677].
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16:10 - They just passed north of the weather buoy off Richmond Beach and are now between there and Kayu Kayu. Northbound loosely grouped. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
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15:58 - Viewing from Richmond Beach seeing blows to the south east in the channel traveling north. -Hannah Marie Munro
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15:50 - They are in two tight groups of 6+ each parallel to one another, had been stalled making directional changes, with some logging now making some progress facing northwest off south of Richmond Beach. Few Gulls circling swooping. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
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15:49 - Group of 6-ish are now slowly trending northwest, group of birds following them visually. -Elissa Martin Story
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15:40 - There are at least a few generally just south of Richmond Beach way east in channel. About here making directional changes. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
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15:45 - They’re milling.
15:37 - Big group of us viewing from Richmond Beach. They’re following a current line back west now. -Elissa Martin Story
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15:13 - Saw two from Carkeek northbound moving quick a few moments ago. -Terra Rose
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15:13 - Just had my first ever sightings at your map spot on Magnolia Blvd, and then saw them again at Golden Gardens just now. Met some folks who were having their first sighting as well, who knew of this group. thanks so much to y’all in this group, that was amazing. -Mark Hefflinger
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14:45 - Viewing from West Point. Seeing splashes near green buoy at Golden Gardens. East of mid. -Hannah Marie Munro
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14:31 - Visible from Shilshole. Mid channel northbound. Link to FB video. -Jill M Rotset
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14:28 - Orcas seem to be spreading out and moving east of mid channel. Approaching Shilshole northbound. -Sue Surowiec Larkin
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14:16 - Group easily visible from West Point. A good visual is the small motor boat in front of the pod. Quickly traveling north mid channel. -Hannah Marie Munro
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14:15 - 6 to 10 orcas northbound heading toward West Point from the south. -Brent Cullimore
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13:51 - Moving north past Eagle Harbor pretty quick. One boat following behind them -John Patrick Darmody II
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Christian Schormann
Date of Sighting: January 09, 2026
Time: 1:49 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen:
Where seen: Off Eagle Harbor, Bainbridge Island
Direction of travel : N
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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13:43 - Viewing with binos from West Point. Seeing blows approximately at Eagle Harbor. Traveling north. West of mid. -Hannah Marie Munro
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13:32 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 1338 to report: 1332hrs: KITSAP reports via 800MHz a pod of 12 orca NB in the vessel traffic lanes east of Restoration Point.
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13:35 - Almost directly in front of Bainbridge ferry terminal, as seen from Alki Beach west end. -Annika Hipple
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13:30 - Approaching Blakely Rocks. Viewing top of Bonair WS. -Diana Gragg
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13:24 - I see some midway between Alki Lighthouse and Restoration Point. -Jamin King
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13:14 - The orcas have rounded Alki Point, still west of mid-channel. Approaching the yellow channel marker as seen from the west end of Alki Beach. -Annika Hipple
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13:13 - Watching from Constellation Park. They are headed towards South Beach. North of the Bremerton fast ferry lane. -Sean DeLellis
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13:12 - Off southeast Bainbridge approaching Restoration Point west of mid channel view from Constellation -Mary Hartmann
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12:29 - Working their way up Blake Island northbound. -Jeremy Robin
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12:15 - Slow northbound just saw 5 blows approaching Tillicum Village.
12:06 - See blows southeast Blake island view from Constellation Park. -Mary Hartmann
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12:00 - Too far away to see numbers but a group is headed north out of Southworth close to shore. Numerous spouts seen. Viewed from Constellation Park. -Patti Waterfall
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12:00 - Blows on east side of Blake as viewed from Magnolia Park. -Colleen Paul
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11:57 - Approaching the south end of Blake Island. Some splashing and surface activity. No committed direction yet.
11:50 - The two groups got back together and they engaged in what appeared to be a hunt or play with a bird. -Mollie Segall
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11:57 - Lots of blows north of Southworth ferry. Viewing Emma Schmidt. -Diana Gragg
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11:55 - Seeing blows north of Southworth. Spotted from Constellation Park. Too far away to get a number. North bound. -Patti Waterfall
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11:52 - See them on Orca Conservancy live cam. -Jct Guarnes
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11:34 - I'm standing on the beach at Fern Cove. Seeing some spouts south of the ferry dock. They're right near the shore on the Kitsap side. -Shauna James Ahern
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11:33 - Seeing blows towards the north end of Colvos as they approach Southworth ferry terminal. Still a little ways out. -Mollie Segall
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11:30 - We waited for these beauties…. Colvos Passage, Southworth. Link to FB video. -Jill Yakowenko
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11:30 - Apparently they're just around the corner of from Southworth ferry. -Barb Thomas
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11:30 - Looks like same group from a few days ago northbound again west side Colvos approaching Southworth ferry terminal now. Quite playful with lots of tail slaps and a youngster repeatedly breaching. -photos by Tim Ferris, January 9, 2026
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10:45 - Passing Command Point headed north mid channel. -Mark Reddish
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10:00 - Passing Olalla Bay mid channel. -Diane Swanson Van Auken
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09:29 - Large group of orcas, just north of Point Richmond in Colvos [Passage]. Heading north. -Johnathan Salter
January 8
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Thu, Jan 8 - Admiralty Inlet (J Pod & K Pod) - Distant but lovely look at J and K pod as they exited Admiralty Inlet. -photo by Bonnie Gretz, January 8, 2026
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K37 Rainshadow on the left - J and K pods exiting Puget Sound through Admiralty. Link to more photos. -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, January 8, 2026
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As the SRKWs (Jpod & Kpod) exited Puget Sound. I caught up with them at Lagoon Point, Whidbey. Link to FB videos. -photo by Sarah Geist, January 8, 2026
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I caught up with the J and K pods as they passed by Ebeys Landing. Link to FB videos. -Mel Nasby
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11:52 - Viewing from Ebey bluff. They’ve split. Who I assume is Js, going west-ish [approx. 48.169781, -122.733500]. Ks (smaller group) closer to Whidbey and more northwest [approx. 48.198419, -122.771823]. -Sarah Geist
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11:53 - Definitely northwest bound, they're getting farther from Whidbey.
11:41 - Still watching from Fort Ebey. Mid channel, look to be northwest bound. -Ashton Mead
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11:33 - Watched from Fort Warden. They are moving fast northbound, almost to the western tip of Whidbey now. -Joe Griffin-Harte
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11:27 - Leaders are approaching Fort Warden, 2 or 3 of them. The rest are a bit behind. -Ashton Mead
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11:23 - Seeing spouts north of Port Townsend on that side, heading north. Viewing from Whidbey side [approx. 48.141127, -122.739930].
11:08 - Looks like they are mid channel, in front of the Port Townsend ferry. I’m at Ebey’s Landing and can only see spouts. Not sure which direction they are headed. -Hannah Axtelle
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11:10 - Starting to see them with binoculars from Fort Ebey. Mid channel, northbound. -Ashton Mead
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Here’s a video of the surface activity we observed. Link to FB video. -Joyce Catalano
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11:06 - Surface activity mid channel close to Fort Worden. -Bonnie Gretz
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10:59 - Leaders northbound approx. [48.138126, -122.722962]. Trailers passing thru ferry lanes.
10:47 - Approx. guess northbound [48.112902, -122.680975].
10:02 - Lead large group northbound passing Lagoon Point. Link to FB video.
09:53 - Leaders approx. northbound [48.063146, -122.622495]
09:36 - Cruising steady north spread on groups, looks like enough for all Js & Ks. Maybe 400 yards off Whidbey shore. All past Bush Point.
09:30 - Almost to Bush Point Whidbey side of mid northbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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09:32 - Orcas northbound past Bush Point. Whidbey side of strait. -Christopher Thorton
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09:10 - Currently on SkunkBay live stream!
09:06 - I just saw them on the livestream! -Olivia Newton
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09:09 - I saw them on there! -Sara Darnell
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08:45 - I see blows northbound in Admiralty, off Double Bluff from my perspective. -Susan John
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06:57 - Hearing [orca] calls on the Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Hannah Marie Munro
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06:18 - Hearing them! -Amy Fowler
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05:54 - Still hearing them [orca calls]. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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05:01 - Hearing JPod on Sunset Bay hydro right now. -Kimberly Fritz
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01:45 - Hearing echolocation too.
01:34 - JPod clear varied calls on the Sunset Bay hydrophone.
01:20 - Faint calls on the Sunset Bay hydrophone -Michelline Halliday
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02:16 - Lots of clear calls and clicks.
00:54 - Calls on Sunset Bay. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
January 7
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Wed, Jan 7 - Puget Sound (J Pod & K Pod) - J44 Moby - This shot is from Point Robinson earlier today. -photo by David Bennett, January 7, 2026
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K33 Tika - J44 Moby - From Point Robinson. Link to more photos. -photos & IDs by Jami Cantrell, January 7, 2026
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J27 Blackberry - From today at Point Robinson Lighthouse. Link to more photos. -photos by Becky Adams, January 7, 2026
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K47 - Seeing Southern Resident killer whales never stops feeling like a gift. Link to more photos. -photos by Amber Stanfill, January 7, 2026
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After work I was able to catch up with some of the Southern Residents at Olalla. Link to more photos. -photos by Jason Cook, January 7, 2026
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K20 Spock & K45 Prosper - J27 Blackberry - K37 Rainshadow - From Point Robinson. -photos & IDs by Marla Smith, Orca Network, January 7, 2026
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K37 Rainshadow - From Point Robinson. Link to more photos. -photos by Jolena Tagg, January 7, 2026
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K47 - I was able to catch the ferry from Point Defiance to Vashon and ride it twice to see both the transients and then the residents with baby K47. Link to more photos. -photos by Cherie StOurs, January 7, 2026
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J27 Blackberry - K22 Sekiu - SRKWs as they passed by Point Robinson and in Colvos Passage. Link to more photos. -photos by Hongming Zheng, January 7, 2026
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When most of Bigg’s (transient) Jpod and Kpod (SRKWs) heading south hugging Vashon side this family and the ghost ferry decide to pop up and surprise us at Three Tree Point. Link to FB video. -Duangjai Vasantana-Berntsen
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17:01 - Visible with good eyes and/or binoculars (which i have neither of) from Southworth. -Laura Walsh Stewart
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17:00 - At least a dozen orcas tightly grouped northbound in Colvos 1 mile south of Southworth terminal close to west shore. -Tim Ferris
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16:15 - Northbound in Colvos leaders now north of Fragaria. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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16:12 - Just passed Command Point. Colvos Passage. -Mark Reddish
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15:35 - Spread in groups, mid to Vashon side of channel, approaching Lisabuela, northbound not in a hurry. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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15:27 - Northbound leaders nearly out from Lisabeula. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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15:20 - Orcas are now north of Point Richmond, northbound, still very Vashon side of the channel.
15:10 - Seeing blows out from Paradise Cove, nearing Point Richmond, northbound, on the Vashon side of the channel. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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15:00 - From the Chetzemoka, baby breach K47 I believe. -Cherie StOurs
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14:48 - Staying pretty close to Vashon northbound into Colvos Passage. -Sean DeLellis
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14:40 - Viewing from Tahlequah ferry looks like the SKRWs are turning north into Colvos Passage. -Hannah Marie Munro
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14:35 - There’s a larger group northwest travel right around here [approx. 47.330399, -122.522111]. -Sean DeLellis
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14:29 - One is near ferry. The rest are westbound. -Paul Davis
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14:11 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 14:18 to report: 1411hrs: CHETZEMOKA reports via 800MHz they will be making a varied path to TAHL at a slower speed due to the large group of orca in the area.
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14:11 - Point Defiance ferry is having a tough time finding a way to sail past them [in Dalco Passage]. -Meg McDonald
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14:04 - Seeing surface activity from Owen’s Beach. -Sean DeLellis
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13:58 - From Gig Harbor looking through Dalco, they appear to be heading into Commencement Bay, Ruston side. -Sandy Karwhite
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13:52 - Tons of activity spy hops tail slaps off Dune. Lots whales spread out heading west.
13:42 - I'm seeing from Ruston at least 10 spread out heading west towards ferry. -Cindy Swenson
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13:42 - Westbound in Dalco Passage spread out nearing Point Defiance lanes. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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13:42 - Two very close to the big green ship at Maury Island. Viewing them from the marina. -Jasmin Holm
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13:40 - From Owen Beach - seeing multiple fins when looking towards Browns Point non-directional. -Brooke Casanova
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13:36 - Three westbound in front of Quartermaster Harbor. -Jill Clogston
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13:26 - Faint calls on the hydrophone again. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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13:23 - From Dash straight out to Gold Beach, mid channel, big male, 5 or 6 others, those are little west of mid. -Tracey Carrillo
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13:27 - Lots of splashing and tail thrashing. Front of tanker.
13:22 - Spouting near tanker by Quartermaster. -Tiffany Russell
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13:16 - Hearing calls on MaST hydrophone. -Brad Eckert
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13:10 - From Judge Jack Tanner Park, seeing distant blows near drop pin [approx. 47.362013, -122.416295]. -Jill Clogston
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13:00 - Breach right of yellow buoy by Dash Point pier. Viewing from Dunes. -Tiffany Russell
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12:53 - From Shady Shores to Gold Beach, Maury lot surface activity. Mid to Maury side. -Tracey Carrillo
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12:45 - Observed from Old Town Dock, they were rounding the lower corner of Vashon Island toward the ferry lane. Very active, lots of splashing. Appeared to be 6 but hard to make out clearly at that distance. -Jonathan Dunlap
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I saw at least 4 on the surface from the Dunes. Very far over on Vashon side. Tahlequah ferry turned east to west assuming it was due to orcas. -Nikki Moss
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12:51 - From Dash Point Pier all the way across the passage closest to Vashon. Seeing breaches but too far to tell how many! -Marci Barnard
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12:38 - I can hear them [MaST hydrophone]. -Jct Guarnes
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12:34 - More calls on MaST Center hydrophone under the vessel noise.
12:09 - Faint calls on MaST Center hydrophone. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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12:03 - Some more are passing more towards mid.
12:00 - Very spread out as they passed. Ks first, J27 passed us we think last. At Point Robinson. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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From Point Robinson. Link to FB video. -Jami Cantrell
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11:53 - Hearing faint orca whistles and clicks on MaST Center hydrophone. -Jct Guarnes
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11:37 - Windy and rainy but beautiful pass at Point Robinson. Travel continues southbound. -Hannah Marie Munro
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11:36 - Possible echolocation clicks on the MaST hydrophone?? -Jourdan Rae
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11.23 - Southbound out from Portage/Maury Island. Viewing from Maury Park Road. -Mark McGough
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11:17 - Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: Salish reports whales off 3 tree point SB in the NB traffic lanes.
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10:56 - SRKW on cams. -Tracey Carrillo
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10:32 - Male now (~10:32) on the Orca Conservancy cam. -Amy FowIer
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10:25 - Got K37 passing just south of Glen Acres, southbound, seeing many others very spread out. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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10:25 - Some are visible on Orca Conservancy cam, spread out with at least one male in the mix. -Amy FowIer
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10:15 - Seeing group southbound approaching Dilworth. Spread out closer to Vashon and mid channel. -Cindy Eckes Waddington
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09:55 - Two orca south bound off the north tip of Vashon Island. Heading down the East Passage. One male. -Burt Miller
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09:40 - There were more heading south in the Fauntleroy ferry lanes. -Jami Cantrell
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09:03 - Just rounded the lighthouse on Alki Point about mid channel heading southbound pretty spread out -Laura Clark
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08:24 - Viewing from Magnolia Viewpoint, I see clusters of blows directly north of the Alki lighthouse, not too far out from it. -Jamin King
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08:10 - There are more here. These are SRKW.
08:00 - At least 5 orca, at least 2 males. Mostly southbound in the southbound shipping lane, but one was surface active and northbound at least temporarily. Between Wing Point & Yeomalt Point. -Brent Cullimore
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04:24 - Still chatting. -Jen Prewitt
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04:24 - Not as loud but still lots of calls.
04:17 - SRKWs so loud and chatty.
04:14 - Loud calls on Sunset Bay!
03:50 - Calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
January 6
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Tue, Jan 6 - Admiralty Inlet (J Pod & K Pod)
23:17 - 23:24 - Machine detected SRKWs on Port Townsend hydrophone. Link to audio recording.
January 5
GRAY WHALES -
Mon, Jan 5 - Port Susan
15:50 - Although I’m pretty far away I can see at least one grey feeding in the area noted on the map [approx. 48.075975, -122.319175 (1000’ S of Tulalip Shores)]. -Marilyn Armbruster
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Mon, Jan 5 - Possession Sound
12:27- Grey whales on the southeast corner of [Hat] Island! -Judy Burke [HIWS]
January 4
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sun, Jan 4 - San Juans
08:34 - Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: YAKIMA Captain reports one Orca now near Orcas Dock milling about near Broken Point heading -WB
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GRAY WHALES -
Sun, Jan 4 - Saratoga Passage
10:34 - Grey whale feeding off Langley Whale Park. Heading out into the channel -Christopher Thornton
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Sun, Jan 4 - Possession Sound
14:07 - At least one gray still in the Snohomish Delta, feeding off north end Jetty Island due south of Priest Point [approx. 48.019280, -122.238302]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
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12:12 - 2 grays mid delta. About 100 yards away from each other. Viewed from Mission Beach. Still north of Dunlap barge. Link to FB video. -photo by Jaime Shields, January 4, 2026
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11:56 - Viewing from Legion Park in Everett. Seeing blows just north and east of channel marker. Seems to be just hanging out right by the marker. Haven’t seen anything but blows (naked eye and with binoculars). -Brad Dufour
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11:11 - The gray in Possession Sound seems to be ever so slowly making its way northwest. It is past the channel marker.
10:49 - Seeing blows and lots of surface bird activity on the Tulalip side of Possession Sound. -Jourdan Rae
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10:40 - Viewing from Howarth Park Beach. Seeing blows in between barge and marker. Very far away. Can barely see blows w/o binoculars. -Brad Dufour
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09:40 - Saw some fins along with the blows but too far away for an ID. -photo by Jaime Shields, January 4, 2026
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Jaime Shields
Date of Sighting: January 04, 2026
Time: 9:32 AM
Species seen: Gray
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: In Snohomish River delta. Northwest of the Dunlap barge
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed: Feeding
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?:
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Sun, Jan 4 - North Puget Sound
10:01 - Gray whale heading south at Possession Point. -Matthew Litke
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MINKE WHALES -
Sun, Jan 4 - Dalco Passage
13:02 - [minke] right by Point Defiance. -Annie Ryan
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12:55 - Seeing what might be a mink [minke]? Or something off Owen/Dune area. Small dorsal fin, smaller whale. Long dives. Definitely not an orca and I don’t think a humpback. -Ryan Robrt
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UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALES -
Sun, Jan 4 - Possession Sound
11:12 - Medium sized gray whale (I assume) mid-channel between Edgewater Beach/Boeing pier and Hat Island travelling west. Fin and tail slaps and full breaches! [grays are typically not surface active, so leaving possibility open of a humpback - RH]. -Jason R. Bourne
January 3
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Sat, Jan 3 - Haro Strait/Strait of Juan de Fuca (K Pod)
13:01 - K pod on their way southbound... they are south of Cattle Point in ferry lane of Port Townsend to Friday Harbor. Southbound/east. -Tracey Carrillo
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12:45 - Ks widely spread off Salmon Bank heading E/SE [east/southeast]. -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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11:31 - More. Not sure how many. Spread out. Minimal surface activity.
11:26 - Orcas approaching Eagle Pt. Southbound. 4 or 5 w two large males -Neill Barham [WSSJI]
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sat, Jan 3 - San Juans (T19s)
15:25 - T019s traveling east/southeast along Turn Island. -April Ryan, Maya’s Legacy
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Ben Cowan
Date of Sighting: January 03, 2026
Time: 1:25 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: 48°35'46.2"N 123°03'51.2"W (San Juan Channel, 2 mi. E of Roche Harbor)
Direction of travel : SE, 5mph
Behaviors observed: Hunting/traveling
If orcas, any males?: 1 male
Any unusual markings?: None seen
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Mother and baby seen with male
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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Three orcas spotted off of Mineral Point, San Juan Island in the San Juan Channel traveling southeast. Possibly 1 male, 1 female and baby. Link to FB video. -Ben Cowan
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13:19 - On the north side of San Juan Island, in Mineral Point. Facing due north, in the San Juan Strait. 2 adults and possibly 1 calf, circling as they traveled east, most likely feeding. -Tom Kretz
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Marion Pew
Date of Sighting: January 03, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM
Species seen: Orcas
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Spieden Channel
Direction of travel : NW
Behaviors observed: Traveling slowly
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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Sat, Jan 3 - Admiralty Inlet
16:23 - Continuing in southbound direction - at least one (spout only seen) favoring closer to mid channel and the/a male closer to Port Townsend.
16:13 - Big male just popped up; southern direction now. Might be a bit closer to mid channel. Still same general area but more north than my spot.
15:44 - Actually they are a bit north of my marker on the map: north of Port Townsend proper; appear to be west of ferry lanes but possibly in shipping lanes though. Lingering on the same area I first see them. Might not be residents since so few. Big container ship (MSC) passed them on their right/east of them a minute ago.
15:28 - orcas (at least two and at least one big male) headed very slowly north on Admiralty [approx. 48.118825, -122.733791]. -Jennifer Fulton Carpenter
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GRAY WHALES -
Sat, Jan 3 - Port Susan
14:03 - Gray whales - I think two - off of Spee Bi Dah heading north. -Melinda [PSWW chat]
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Sat, Jan 3 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch)
13:20 - Little Patch is working this area here. Viewing from the seawall in Langley. Unsure of direction [approx. 48.046011, -122.423942]. -Kat Martin
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12:45 - Heading towards Bells Beach.
12:41 - Moving north towards Whidbey side. -Jaime Shields
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12:37 - Haven't seen anything for a few minutes but he was slowly northbound, maybe Whidbey side of midchannel.
12:26 - Gray northbound midchannel off Summerland, presumably CRC53. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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12:05 - Mid channel between Langley and Mabana. -Jaime Shields
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10:38 - Passing Sandy Point dock. -Heather Hardin
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10:35 - I saw a blow! I think Southbound mid channel almost to Sandy Point.
10:20 - Link to FB video. -Elise VanWest
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10:30 - I see he is near Sandy Point. I’ll drive that way… at approx. pinned location [48.038425, -122.381198].
10:08 - He’s moved way south towards Sandy Point. I’m viewing from the marina. Pretty much have lost sight of him.
09:55 - He’s still feeding south of the Langley Marina. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
CRC53 Little Patch
09:40 - Taken while feeding close to Langley Marina. Link to FB video. -photos by Jaime Shields, January 3, 2026
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Jaime Shields
Date of Sighting: January 03, 2026
Time: 8:40 AM
Species seen: Gray
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Between Langley marina and Sandy Point
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed: Feeding
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?:
January 2
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Fri, Jan 2 - Southern Gulf Islands, BC (T73A2 & T77s) - T73A2 Trites - T77s & T73A2. Sidney Island, BC. Link to more photos. -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, January 2, 2026
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Fri, Jan 2 - Haro Strait
19:35 - Still hearing calls. Orcalab probably on Andrews and Lime Kiln. -Tracey Carrillo
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18:32 - Can still hear them on Orcasound Lab hydrophone. -Kristin Barton
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17:00 - Can still hear them pretty well over the ferry noise on Andrews Bay hydro. -Jourdan Rae
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16:17 - Hearing on both hydrophones actually. Andrews Bay and Orcasound lab.
16:12 - They’ve moved south to Andrews Bay hydrophone. Active calls now. -Kristin Barton
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16:09 - They go quiet for a few minutes then hear them again so more loud calls at 16:09:50.
15:27 & 15:43 - As of 15:27:13 for a couple minutes and again as of 15:43:19, they've been quite loud on. -Patti Trosper
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15:45 - Loud calls, sound like Bigg’s -Nikol Damato, Orca Network
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15:29 - Bigg’s calls? -Jourdan Rae
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15:19 - Hydrophone Orcasound lab!! -Bernadette Ireland
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Fri, Jan 2 - San Juans
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Alison Turner
Date of Sighting: January 02, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: From the San Juan ferry by Lopez Island 48.5708902,-122.8902015
Direction of travel : SW
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I’m crying.
Photos available?: No
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Fri, Jan 2 - Guemes Channel (T49C)
08:50 - We had a male orca at the Anacortes ferry dock! Eastbound. -photo by Cindi Crowder Rausch, January 2, 2026
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Fri, Jan 2 - South Puget Sound
11:19 - My daughter is a Sea Scout and spotted 1 orca [between Anderson Island and Key Peninsula]. Her phone died and I did not get a direction. Here is where she was and a blurry photo she sent me. [47.186326, -122.728103]. [update] Reported sighting was from a boat. Milling and heading slowly northwest. -photo by Sarah Hull, January 2, 2026
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GRAY WHALES -
Fri, Jan 2 - Saratoga Passage (CRC531 Gretchen)
14:35 - Last saw her north of the boat launch, may have moved north after?
14:04 - Still feeding north of Mabana boat launch.
13:28 - Still feeding at Mabana, has moved back north of the boat launch.
12:56 - Still feeding off Mabana boat launch -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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12:48 - Grey feeding off Mabana boat launch. -Gary Leonard
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12:16 - Still feeding, straight out from the boat launch now.
11:43 - 531 feeding just north of Mabana boat launch. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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CRC531 Gretchen -ID by Rachel Haight, Orca Network
11:10 - Right in front of Mabana now. -photo by Kate Barbee Franklin, January 2, 2026
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Fri, Jan 2 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch)
15:58 - Gray out a mile north of Langley. Whidbey side - going south. -Stacy Estlick Wright
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13:20 - Grey feeding in between Langley and Saratoga Woods. There’s no public access but I do have him at the pinned location on map [approx. 48.046430, -122.431252]. It’s one of his feeding areas . I’m pretty sure it’s Little Patch.
12:30 - I’m seeing blows at the approx. pinned location on map [48.057459, -122.441137]. I’m at least about 3 miles away so can’t tell direction. A good possibility it maybe Little Patch?
10:30 - Little Patch from out front the Langley Pizzeria. Link to FB video.
10:20 - Little Patch straight out from Langley Pizzeria aimed northbound slow. Link to FB video.
09:30 - North of Sandy Point and south of Langley Marina currently slowly moving northbound. Link to FB video. -Marilyn Armbruster
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08:50 - Gray in cove between Langley and SP [Sandy Point] dock. Close in, WS [Whidbey side] -Heather Hardin
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MINKE WHALES -
Thu, Jan 1 - Dalco Passage
16:50 - Probably the same minke I just saw from the Owen Beach promenade! -Jesse Montgomery
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Lex Barnard
Date of Sighting: January 01, 2026
Time: 1:20 PM
Species seen: unknown porpoise [presume minke]
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Commencement Bay 47.28387° N, 122.48377° W [this is the Les Davies Pier where a minke has been seen - RH]
Direction of travel : no particular direction
Behaviors observed: milling, possibly hunting
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?: n/a
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: possibly headed towards Dalco Passage
Photos available?: No
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13:19 - This whale is just off Les Davies Dive Steps right now. -Megan Smith
January 1
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Thu, Jan 1 - Haro Strait (T73As, T75Cs, T166A1) - T73A Greg & T75C3 Flint - T166A1 - “After receiving an early report of four killer whales spotted from shore, Mark and George mobilized Mike 1 and headed out. They received another report from a spotter that the whales had been seen heading northeast in Haro Strait. Within minutes, Mark spotted a large dorsal fin. Originally, they only saw a pair of sub-adults loosely traveling together, occasionally joining as they zig-zagged their way toward Kelp Reef. Mark identified 15-year-old T073A2, but the second individual remained a mystery. After sending pictures to a few of his colleagues, Gary and Tasli from Bay Cetology confirmed the second individual as 13-year-old T166A1 with new notches. This sighting marks only the second time this individual has been documented in the Salish Sea, with the first being around four years ago in Puget Sound, when it was traveling with members of the T068 line. Eventually, Mark finally spotted a bull to the east of them, which he confirmed to be T073A1. George spotted more animals approaching from the west. This group of six included the original pair, T073A2 and T166A1, along with the other two members of the T073As - T073A and her youngest offspring, T073A3 - and the T075Cs. These six were grouped together and were heading quickly northeast, likely toward the 20-year-old bull, T073A1. Mark and George relocated him near Battleship Island as he was milling about while the rest of the group caught up and eventually joined them. The whales continued east in Speiden Channel.
Note: The entire T166 line is poorly known along the coast, often going years between documentation. We do know that T166A1 split from his/her mother sometime before the aforementioned 2021 appearance in Puget Sound. Mother T166A is still alive and was recently observed off the northwest coast of Vancouver Island (July 2025) for the first time since she and T166A1 were last documented together a decade prior, along BC's central coast in July 2015.” Link to more photos. -photos & IDs by Center for Whale Research taken under permit NMFS #27038, January 1, 2026
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Thu, Jan 1 - South Puget Sound (Presume T124Ds) - Bigg’s killer whales/transient orcas - viewed at Kopachuck State Park & Bella Bella beach. Link to more photos. -photos by Jason Cook, January 1, 2026
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14:40 - it looks like they are in Carlson Bay [line of sight] on Anderson. I am unable to confirm if orca or baleen.
14:34 - I was seeing two separate blows in this area about 10 minutes ago [approx. 47.161002, -122.779720]. -Rishi Bansal
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13:10 - Viewing from Bella Bella they are continuing south seen about here [approx. 47.257614, -122.715157]. -Torry Chamberlayne
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13:02 - Still trending south on the Key Peninsula side towards Home/Lakebay. -Deanna Foster Goldberg
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~13:00 - Saw from Kopachuck. -Lianna Lacy-Fetters
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12:35 - Viewing from Forest Beach, just south of entrance to Horsehead Bay on Gig Harbor side - they are still Key Peninsula side of midchannel trending south. -Deanna Foster Goldberg
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12:20 - Traveling south, south of Kopachuck on Key Peninsula side.
12:08 - Beginning to travel a little bit South from where they were. Still visible from Kopachuck. -Hannah Marie Munro
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12:08 - Still viewing from Kopachuck. Travelling south just passing Glen Cove mid channel. -Torry Chamberlayne
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11:53 - Still visible from Kopachuck milling about. -Hannah Marie Munro
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11:33 - Viewing from Kopachuck, orcas are still here but on the far side of the channel. -Rachel Cook
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11:26 - Still here at Kopachuck. Bring your binoculars! -Kirsten Lutz Edwards
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11:24 - Kopachuck right now. Great group of folks taking it all in. -back of camera photo by Laura Chandler, January 1, 2026
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11:19 - Still at Kopachuck. Closer to the North Bay. -Edgar Salas
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10:54 - Still viewing from Kopachuk. They are in the same general area seemingly on a hunt. Have for sure seen 4. -Torry Chamberlayne
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10:48 - Sky hops and some nice breaches. 4 groups of us here because of this Facebook group. So cool! I consider us kind of like a club. -Laura Chandler
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10:39 - Viewing from Kopachuk just saw a couple breaches. Seem to be mid channel. No direction, still loitering -Torry Chamberlayne
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10:29 - At Kopachuck right now. Appear to be 4 orcas. -Laura Chandler
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10:32 - Very much loitering.
10:18 - I saw fins back in front of Kopachuck. May be trending back south, but certainly in no hurry.
09:50 - Correction. Still in front of Cutts with surface activity. Possible kill?
09:40 - Spotted long distance on a hazy day in front of Cutts Island. Looks like they are continuing north. -Randy Witter
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09:15 - 4 orcas in Carr Inlet - headed towards Kopachuck State Park. Passed Forest Beach/entrance to Horsehead Bay. Long downtimes, steadily moving north - one looks much smaller than the others. -Deanna Foster Goldberg
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GRAY WHALES -
Thu, Jan 1 - Saratoga Passage (CRC531 Gretchen) - Amazing start to the year with CRC-531 Gretchen. We missed her close pass later in the day but spent a good portion of our time watching her feed in the northern end of the cove at Hidden Beach. Brought a good friend with me and he had the time of his life. Thankful for these whales. Link to more photos. -photos by Kat Martin, January 1, 2026
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CRC531 Gretchen at Hidden Beach. Link to more photos. -photos by Kim Parry, January 1, 2026
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What a whale of a New Year’s day for many. Gretchen graced us with her presence at Hidden Beach today. Blessed beyond words. Happy New Year to all. Link to more photos and videos. -photos by Mel Nasby, January 1, 2026
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CRC531 Gretchen at Hidden Beach. -photos by Rachel Haight, Orca Network, January 1, 2026
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16:00 - From Wonn Road, could see Gretchen resting, milling around the general location of previous update. She has drifted a short distance northwest, long down times and shallow surfaces.
15:41 - Gray, presumably Gretchen, logging around, though facing west, skirting outer entrance to Holmes Harbor. Greenbank side. [approx. 48.104923, -122.546219]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
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14:43 - Saw Gretchen’s tail flukes go down. She is out in mid channel around the entrance of Holmes Harbor. Might be angling towards Baby Island. -Kat Martin
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14:30 - Gretchen moved out and was headed south past Hidden Beach. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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14:40 - Gretchen continues to feed in the cove off Hidden Beach. She’s about 75 yards off shore circling around. She’s a beauty. Link to FB video.
14:20 - Gretchen & Rachel, Hidden Beach. Gretchen continues to circle around and move back inshore to feed. Currently out from parking lot facing east but she may be circling back around. Link to FB video. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
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13:30 - 14:30 - Enjoyed our visit with Gretchen today at Hidden Beach. Great way to start the New Year! -photo by Tami Kannenberg, January 1, 2026
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13:49 - Gretchen has moved in a little closer to shore but is still feeding off of Hidden Beach north cove. -Mel Nasby
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13:30 - Gretchen surprised us and is now at south end of cove much closer to the Hidden Beach -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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13:18 - Gretchen has left the area. She was last seen pushing out towards mid channel and going north. Long down times.
13:00 - Gretchen still here at Hidden Beach. She’s working the area in circles. -Kat Martin
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Kathryn Daberko
Date of Sighting: January 01, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM
Species seen: Gray
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Hidden Beach
Direction of travel : N/A
Behaviors observed: Feeding
If orcas, any males?: N/A
Any unusual markings?: N/A
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: The whale might of been a young one. Spent 20-30 minutes in approx the same location. Watched it surface & spout multiple times. The giveaway was the line of seabirds waiting for lunch too! Quite a sight!
Photos available?: No
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12:49 - Gretchen still feeding in the cove north of Hidden Beach -Rachel Haight,Orca Network
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12:15 - Gretchen still feeding in the northern cove at Hidden Beach. -Kat Martin
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11:35 - [gray whale] Gretchen is still north Hidden Beach, Happy New Year! -Kim Parry [WIWS]
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10:40 - Still here at Hidden Beach. -Janet Moody
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09:50 - Gray whale, maybe Gretchen feeding north Hidden Beach. -Kim Parry
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Thu, Jan 1 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch)
16:15 - Just saw Little Patch out from Seawall Park in Langley, looked to be headed southbound but slowly
11:20 - Little Patch is headed north! Kinda mid channel. -Lucy Miller, Orca Network
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11:20 - Little Patch off of Seawall Park around 100 yards, moving back and forth. Few minutes between breaths cycles. -photo by Jaime Shields, January 1, 2026
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10:37 - Still there!! -Amanda Grace
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10:19 - Gray off Sewall Park, Langley still. -WA app
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10:02 - I heard it before I saw it… Gray whale right in front of Langley Seawall Park. -Amanda Grace
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09:30 - Watched him feeding circling between the Langley marina, Sandy Point and off shore. Link to FB video.
08:15 - Definitely a gray. Feeding now just outside Langley marina. -photos by Jaime Shields, January 1, 2026
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Jaime Shields
Date of Sighting: January 01, 2026
Time: 8:01 AM
Species seen: Presumably a gray
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: In the for off Sandy Point/Langley marina you can here a blow
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
December 31
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Wed, Dec 31 - Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca (T100E, T124A1, T124A1A, T124A4s)
16:15 - I have orcas southbound between Hastie Lake County Park on Whidbey and Smith Island. 3-4 No males. [approx. 48.315590, -122.807609]. -Sarah Geist
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15:08 - T124As with T124A1 and T100E split in groups. -Ling Yifan
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Wed, Dec 31 - South Puget Sound (Presume T124Ds)
16:21 - We just saw them from Bella about here [approx. 47.269359, -122.681393 (.5 mi. NW of Fox Is.)].
15:55 - Finished a hunt in this area [approx. 47.265055, -122.671879].
15:33 - They’re heading deeper into Carr inlet after a deep dive.
15:28 - Definitely seems they’re heading into Carr Inlet closer to Fox Island side. -Andrea Facer
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15:22 - Slowly heading west now, close to Fox Island shore.
15:10 - Hunting here now [approx. 47.226437, -122.629235]. -Laura Kozar Batanian
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15:20 - Headed towards Chambers Bay. -Paul Davis
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15:04 - Looks like they started to push-up towards Carr. They were pretty far south of Fox Island so yeah, but still more mid-channel and probably more towards the McNeill side.
14:53 - I've got them nearing mid channel between Fox and McNeil. They're pretty far out. It looks like they're like in the mirage line out there. Southbound. They haven't reached the buoy marker out there yet. -David Bennett
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14:45 - At Point Gibson closer to Fox Island. -Jackie Chryn Bean
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14:43 - I've got eyes on the orca, they're probably about 3/4 of the way towards the end of Fox Island. Or approaching that there's a group of birds above them, I saw a fin, a blow looks like it was some splashing, so possibly they may be on a hunt or had one. -David Bennett
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Diane Arpin
Date of Sighting: December 31, 2025
Time: 2:20 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Narrows, passing Fox Island fishing pier
Direction of travel : South
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: David Estroff
Date of Sighting: December 31, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: 47.245083, -122.581105 (1 mi. N of Fox Is. Fishing Pier)
Direction of travel : S, slowly
Behaviors observed: milling on the surface for about 10 min, some headstanding/tail out
If orcas, any males?: no
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: 3 females, 1 juvenile-
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org -photo by David Estroff, December 31, 2025
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GRAY WHALES -
Wed, Dec 31 - Saratoga Passage (CRC531 Gretchen) - On my way back north, I checked Hidden Beach for fun. It was socked in with thick fog, so I parked on the hill and listened. I heard the breaths of pinnipeds, but thought I was hearing a much larger animal to the north. So I parked and walked up the beach. It was high tide, and I had to crawl and climb over many trees, but finally, I got to where the gray was just right in front of me, but I still couldn’t see! Then for a moment, I caught a glimpse of her ghostly fin, confirming it was CRC531 Gretchen. I didn’t stay too long, but it sounds like the fog burned off not much after that and others were able to spend hours watching her too. -photo by Rachel Haight, Orca Network, December 31, 2025
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15:25 - She is putting on a show! Feeding north Hidden Beach. Link to FB video. -Jaime Shields
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15:05 - Still feeding at Hidden Beach. North of parking area. -Nancy Culp Zaretzke
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14:00 - 16:00 - Ending 2025 With Gretchen! Just north of Hidden Beach, watched Gretchen feed. Very cool to see so close to shore. Link to more photos. -photos by Jaime Shields, December 31, 2025
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16:20 - Gretchen is mid channel heading north of Hidden Beach. Past the cove.
14:11 - Feeding north Hidden Beach. Fog has cleared. Really good viewing, bring you rain boot. -Jaime Shields
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12:35 - Still out there in the fog north of Hidden Beach, listen and you'll hear her.
12:10 - Finally got a visual! CRC531 Gretchen feeding here in cove north of Hidden Beach parking lot.
12:05 - Definitely a feeding gray here. Maybe 50 yards away and I still can't see.
11:53 - You can hear the blow, Hidden Beach cove. Link to FB video.
11:47 - It's super thick fog at Hidden Beach, so I can't see, but I hear what sounds like a gray in the cove north of Hidden Beach parking lot. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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Wed, Dec 31 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch) - Thank you Zach Ireland for pointing out I was right around the corner from watching Little Patch! Wish you were here love. Couple of spyhops, rainblows and photo bombs from the seagulls. Link to more photos. -photos by Bernadette Ireland, December 31, 2025
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I haven’t had too much luck with grays yet this year, but I went off searching this morning hoping that would change. I knew Little Patch had been feeding at Langley for hours yesterday so I decided to check there this morning. Sure enough, he was there! The first hour or so I was all by myself, enjoying the quiet with a feeding gray whale, which I loved. Then, a whole bunch of people showed up and I was able to chat all about gray whales, and I loved that too! Each of the Sounders have their own unique mannerisms, and CRC53 Little Patch has a very fun behavior. He’ll take short breaks from eating, swim out to deeper water, and then on the 3rd or 4th breath, he’ll surface with his head high above the surface. I mentioned this multiple times to people as we watched, and every time, he exhibited the behavior right on cue, giving many people the chance to see his beautiful face. He pushed further out into the thick fog, so I decided to head out. Link to more photos. -photos by Rachel Haight, Orca Network, December 31, 2025
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16:00 - Watching Little Patch from Ott & Hunter in Langley mis channel headed northbound. -Missy Main
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11:04 - Fog still thick so cant see him when he pushes out. Has been feeding so may come back in, but as of this moment he is out in the fog. I can hear him feeding in the fog.
10:35 - Still here feeding off Langley.
10:15 - Fog even worse, I can barely see him, but he is now moving south again, so still going back and forth.
10:12 - There's thick fog thats moved in. Still can see him but a little tough now. He's trended north again, he has been going back and forth off the seawall so hopefully he comes back.
09:59 - Still here off Langley feeding.
09:42 - Coming back in towards seawall now.
09:41 - His famous head lift - trended back a tad north, but overall still right out from the seawall. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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09:21 - Sounds like orcas [confirmed CRC53 Little Patch] spotted out front of Inn at Langley. I will verify. -Tim Smith
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09:22 - Still here. Calm quiet waters. Link to FB video.
09:12 - Its CRC53 Little Patch, he has trended south, currently feeding right in front of Langley seawall
08:54 - Gray whale feeding close to Whidbey shore about a quarter mile north of Langley. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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MINKE WHALES -
Wed, Dec 31 - Dalco Passage - Seen off of Owen Beach earlier today. They were pretty big. And traveling alone. Link to FB video. -photo by StellerJaime, December 31, 2025
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16:17 - A baleen whale [presume minke] in Commencement Bay just in front of the apartment buildings by the big big boat at Point Ruston closer to Tacoma side. Small group gathered to watch it but it deep dived and I haven't seen it come back up. -Da Is
December 30
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Tue, Dec 30 - San Juans (T19s)
16:10 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 16:41 to report: 1610hrs: ISSAQUAH Vessel reports via 800MHz they have slowed due to 4 orca in the vicinity of the SHAW terminal. No particular direction of travel.
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10:20 - Just east of Friday Harbor. Viewing from ferry dock. -photos by Dawn DeLuna, December 30, 2025
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Tue, Dec 30 - Puget Sound (T124Ds) - T124Ds off of Maury Island. Link to more photos. -photos by Mollie Segall, December 30, 2025
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Vashon Island (Point Robinson) - T124Ds, T124D4 Dune who is about one year old was seen surfacing playfully on top of mom T124D Field at least twice, also did a spyhop under a bird of prey. Link to more photos. -photos by Hongming Zheng, December 30, 2025
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-photo by Kim Wiedeman Byquist, December 30, 2025
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-photo by Dallas Braham, December 30, 2025
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16:28 - Still milling about 5 min ago from the bluff in Dockton Park. -Barbara Weber
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16:11- These orcas are still milling and surface active off of Gold Beach on the island side of the channel.
15:34 - Still milling - no clear direction of travel yet. -Kelly Burns Keenan
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15:45 - Watched them for about 20 minutes at Gold Beach! Awesome! Seemed like multiple kills due to milling and lots of excited birds! Link to FB video. Link to FB video. -Kristen MA
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~15:30 - Off Gold Beach. Link to FB video. -photo by Ryan Dicks, December 30, 2025
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I think this was the kill but not sure. Link to FB video. -Kim Wiedeman Byquist
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15:18 - Closer to the north end of Gold Beach now. -Eileen Mccaffery-Lent
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15:03 - Looks like they may have a kill. Have been milling at the south end of Gold Beach for over five minutes -Oscar Brown
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15:02 - Hanging out in front of Gold Beach. Not really moving south right now. -Karen Boyle
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Charles Sarver
Date of Sighting: December 30, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Dalco Passage off Point Defiance
Direction of travel : South
Behaviors observed: Traveling, 2 individuals far apart
If orcas, any males?: Smaller dorsal fins, still unsure of sex
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: One of them went closer to shore of Point Defiance. I think they were transient s-very quiet and stealthy
Photos available?: No
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Teri Barnett
Date of Sighting: December 30, 2025
Time: 2:57 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: East Passage off Gold Beach/Maury mid-channel
Direction of travel : South
Behaviors observed: Milling
If orcas, any males?: 1
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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14:50 - Breaching at Gold Beach. -Dallas Braham
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14:48 - In front of Gold Beach as seen from The Ram. -Eileen Mccaffery-Lent
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14:23 - Slowly making their way along the Maury Island Marine Park shoreline. Progressing towards Gold Beach, but still north of there. 4 orcas, looks like T124Ds -Mollie Segall
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14:06 - Seeing distant blows to south of Point Robinson and to the north of Gold Beach along Maury shoreline. Vashon side. Southbound. -Hannah Marie Munro
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13:59 - Correction: for sure 4, possibly 5. They never came up all at once, maybe the T124Ds and possibly 1 other, but need to review photos to confirm. They hunted and shared a meal with eagles swooping in to pick up the scraps, they are now slowly southbound on the island side of the channel. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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13:59 - After what appeared to be several meals, surface activity has slowed off of Point. Robinson has they make their way south slowly. Close to the island side. -Mollie Segall
*
13:47 - at least 5 animals, still hunting close in south end of Point Robinson. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
13:41 - They are right south of Point Robinson. Close to shore [approx. 47.382718, -122.370956]. -Kim Wiedeman Byquist
*
13:39 - Watching the hunt from the beach south of Point Robinson. North of the blue boat. -Jennifer Nichols Giron
*
13:33 - Stopped to mill/hunt just south of PR shore -Mollie Segall
*
13:25 - Finally found them! They are now at Point Robinson, hunting at the south end of the beach, close in. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
13:09 - Heading to Point Robinson. -Caldwell Rohrbach
*
12.50 - Still southbound...island side.
12.40 - Right off Portage. Very close to island. Southbound...whale watching boat with them...deep dive. Viewing from Maury Park Road. -Mark McGough
*
11:16 - Headed SB towards start of Glen Acres/Dillworth. Just swimming through today, no hunting at least from here. Link to FB video.
11:10 - Better clip. Link to FB video.
11:04 - In front of end of Glen Acres right now. Not a lot of activity. Link to FB video. -Lo Wolf
*
10:38 - My sister just called from the Fauntleroy to Vashon ferry, orcas spotted and she believes headed southbound. -Jennifer Nichols Giro
*
GRAY WHALES -
Tue, Dec 30 - Possession Sound (CRC2246 Azulão & CRC2440 Tahoma)
15:43 - Gray whale 2246 and 2440 together relaxing off south east end of Hat Island. -EJ Tilt, PSE
*
Tue, Dec 30 - Saratoga Passage
14:50 - There was a gray whale. First noticed between South Whidbey Harbor Docks and Sandy Point. At first we noticed the whale between Camano Island and Langley. The whale then came in very close to shore about 100 yards north of the docks. It then traveled towards Sandy Point where it did a spy hop. Then went south… So happy we decided to take a walk on the dock. -John Shackman
*
Tue, Dec 30 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch)
16:34 - Large group gathered in the alpenglow watching Little Patch downtown Langley. -Debbie Stewart
*
16:20 - Gray still in Langley! Link to FB video. -Katharine Anne Morales
*
16:19 - Photo reported to WA app confirms whale off Langley is CRC53 Little Patch
*
14:16 - Gray whale is on the move. Swimming south in front of Langley now. Zigging and zagging in front of Langley - much to the delight of the adoring public.
14:04 - Gray still feeding in front of Inn at Langley. -Amanda Grace
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Shannon Arndt
Date of Sighting: December 30, 2025
Time: 1:13 PM
Species seen: Gray
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: In front of inn at Langley
Direction of travel : Feeding
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?:
*
13:10 - The gray is still feeding in same area just nowrhwest of Langley. Seems to be slowly trending southeast toward Langley.
10:20 - Gray whale feeding in Saratoga Passage on Whidbey side, about 0.5 miles northwest of Langley. -photo by Anna K. Greenwood, December 30, 2025
*
MINKE WHALES -
Tue, Dec 30 - Hood Canal
16:25 - Trigg called to report a likely minke milling south of Bangor Base in Hood Canal about an hour ago (~15:25)
*
Tue, Dec 30 - Dalco Passage
15:53 - The small baleen [minke] whale southbound past Salmon Beach in Tacoma making its way to the Narrows Bridge. -Erica Nelson
*
13:36 - People at Dune Peninsula are also reporting a humpback [called back to say likely minke] was seen through here about 30 minutes ago [~13:00] headed westbound into Dalco Passage. I did not see it myself. -Candace Gavin
*
13:11 - It was definitely a minke whale. Down by the Vashon ferry. -photos by Krissie Carl, December 30, 2025
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Amy Erwin
Date of Sighting: December 30, 2025
Time: 1:10 PM
Species seen: Minke
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Close to shore at Dune Peninsula
Direction of travel : West
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: -Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: This is the first time I have seen a minke so close to shore at Dune Peninsula. Only 2 other people saw it while it passed. What a treat!
Photos available?: No
*
13:09 - Possible humpback Point Ruston [confirmed minke]. -SummerLee Blankenship
*
13:06 - Walking along Point Ruston toward Dune Peninsula and south of the red ship we saw a quick back end dorsal or tail of something, not an orca - looking like it was heading toward Vashon - Point Defiance area?? -Melissa Jeannette
*
13:05 - Seeing one dorsal fin in front of Point Ruston heading west, maybe a minke? I didn’t get the best look. For sure a whale! People on shore saying multiple whales had just gone by… -Brooke Casanova
December 29
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Mon, Dec 29 - San Juan Channel (J Pod & K Pod)
22:02 - Calls faded out. Amazing 2+ hour-long bout! They sounded VERY excited tonight. - Here's the bout for review and downloading - link to audio bout. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound [WSSJI]
*
21:58 - A few louder calls now. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
21:57 - Every now and then there's a breach and the hydrophone picks up the splash. -Howard Garrett, Orca Network
*
21:55 - wide range of calls again, louder now!
21:54 - calls resuming, quieter now, some clicks too. -Nikol Damato, Orca Network
*
21:46 - They brought out some vocabulary tonight. They're making a huge range of different calls. -Howard Garrett, Orca Network
*
21:43 - This is so cool! Some of their calls sound like cats and cows. -Sara Darnell
*
21:39 - Calls loud and clear! Lots of squeaks, they have a lot to say tonight. -Nikol Damato, Orca Network
*
Per OBI [WSSJI], this is both Js and Ks!
*
21:29 - Okay, definitely Js. -Shari Tarantino, Orca Conservancy
*
21:28 - Calls getting louder. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
21:25 - Maybe K and L? Just kidding! J and K calls on there actually! -Linse Vlahovich Hill
*
21:03 - They sound so excited right now -Olivia Newton
*
20:59 - Yep, hear them. Lots of squeals and clicks. -Jct Guarnes
*
20:55 - SRKWs on San Juan Channel Hydrophone. Thanks to WSSJI for the heads up! -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
Mon, Dec 29 - Strait of Georgia, BC (J Pod)
12:23 - Between Tsawwassen terminal and Sturdies Bay [approx. 48.905446, -123.258926]. Per OBI, this was J Pod. Link to more photos and video. -photos by Sadi Burgess, December 29, 2025
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Mon, Dec 29 - Puget Sound
15:00 - Milling around the yellow traffic marker awhile now.
14:40 - Milling northeast of yellow marker off Richmond.
14:26 - East of mid approaching yellow channel marker between Jefferson Point Road and Richmond Beach. Southeast bound. 3-5 orcas, no males.
14:05 - Orcas southbound west of mid. South of Kingston terminal when viewed from Marina Beach. -Beriah SoOrio
*
GRAY WHALES -
Mon, Dec 29 - Saratoga Passage
~09:00 - Gray whale went west past north side of Fox Spit last seen headed towards Baby Island. Lost sight by 09:15, thought might be headed towards Holmes Harbor, but cannot be sure. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
08:25 - Today off Fox Spit (East Point). Link to FB video. -Victoria Crenshaw
*
Mon, Dec 29 - Elger Bay
12:00 - Gray feeding on ghost shrimp south Elger Bay around noon today. -Kevin Fox [CWW]
*
Mon, Dec 29 - Saratoga Passage (CRC531 Gretchen)
10:16 - Looks like it's CRC531 Gretchen, and she continued southeast into Possession Sound, past Sandy Point.
10:04 - Gray southbound in Saratoga Passage between Camano Head and Sandy Point. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
Mon, Dec 29 - Possession Sound
12:55 - 2 grays still in the delta area. Appear to be closer to south Hat Island/Whidbey side.
10:25 - 2 grays feeding mid Snohomish River delta. Pretty far out, but definitely two. Been watching for about an hour. -photo by Jaime Shields, December 29, 2025
December 28
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sun, Dec 28 - Admiralty Inlet (T99s after splitting from T37As)
14:56 - Saw them from the ferry towards Lagoon Point. -Steve Czerniak
*
14:48 - I just arrived at Lagoon Point north beach, they are approximately halfway between here & Coupeville ferry terminal, milling from what we can tell -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
14:43 - Still slowly southbound when viewing from South Casey. About here [approx. 48.113220, -122.611890].
14:12 - Still in mill mode in same area watching from south Casey. -Beriah SoOrio
*
14:17 - Maybe going slowly south, were going to move locations for better views.
14:08 - Correction 99s northbound now.
14:02 - T99s southbound out from Ledgewood. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
Sun, Dec 28 - Admiralty Inlet (T37As including T37A1 & T99s) - T37A2 Inky - T37A1 Inyo - The T37As gave us a lovely pass at Fort Casey, much to the chagrin of the resident Steller Sea Lions. Link to more photos. -photos & IDs by Sarah Geist, December 28, 2025
*
T99C Barakat, T99E Qwiin qwiin oo quii la, T99 Bella - T37A4 Crinkle & T37A2 Inky -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network - We started off with the T99s and T37As in Admiralty around Lagoon Point. Link to more photos. -photos by Kim Parry, December 28, 2025
*
13:58 - Only saw T37As pass close by north past point of Fort Casey. We do not know where 99s went. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
13:57 - Just saw 2-3 close to Whidbey… spotted from Fort Casey lighthouse mound. -Janet Moody
*
13:51 - Group of 3 I believe- one big male; tail lobs; slowly northbound.
13:46 - Passing somewhat close to Whidbey to mid channel. Parallel with Keystone Road. -Jennifer Fulton Carpenter
*
13:46 - Approx., north/northwestbound headed directly towards us [48.145443, -122.6660071]. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
13:45 - Directly south of Fort Casey, close in northbound. -Wendy Custer Chambers
*
13:42 - They’re near Coupeville ferry, I see them from Fort Casey. -Talina Kaverra
*
13:33 - Just saw one surface, just south of Fort Casey coming our way. -Wendy Custer Chambers
*
13:20 - Northbound past Ledgewood. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
12:45 - Lagoon Point - 6 or 7 adults heading north. -Joy Brungardt, Orca Network
*
12:45 - Seeing blows and dorsals with binos from Fort Casey now. Out ahead of Swiftsure - as far as we can tell from here they appear to be heading northeast at the moment. -Wendy Custer Chambers
*
12:43 - Still northbound out ahead of the Swiftsure, possibly drifting slightly west? [approx. 48.091119, -122.636398]. -Amy FowIer
*
12:40 - Viewing from Bush Point [approx. 48.107421, -122.644535]. -Allie Macdonald
*
12:33 - Seeing from Flagler. Swiftsure still following them. -Steve Czerniak
*
12:17 - Male just surfaced behind Swiftsure here [approx. 48.071861, -122.631749]. -Amy FowIer
*
12:07 - About to pass East Beach. -Steve Czerniak
*
12:00 - Approaching Lagoon. Slow northbound. Have moved more west. -Sarah Geist
*
11:53 - We’re viewing from Sandpiper Road. -Allie Macdonald
*
11:33 - Approaching Bush Point midchannel, appears to be T37As + another matriline with a male [T99s]. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
10:42 - About five orcas, including one male northbound mid channel between Mutiny Bay and Foulweather Bluff. -Howard Garrett, Orca Network
*
10:21 - Viewing from Shore Meadow, we see one male and 7+ surface active orca northbound past Foulweather. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
10:21 - Skunk bay cam: on camera now. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
10:18 - Orcas on Skunk Bay camera. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
10:05 - On camera now I definitely saw more than 3 dorsal fins in this particular group... looked like at least 5 or 6 at one point. -Olivia Newton
*
10:18 - Just north of Olele Point.
10:07 - From my perspective across the channel, they are out from south Mutiny Bay. I've seen at least 4. Still northbound.
09:57 - I see multiple blows off Double Bluff, northbound. Whidbey side. -Susan John
*
09:15 - Not the greatest video but port side of the Clipper headed to Victoria. [Clipper confirms report of orcas northbound just south of Double Bluff, Whidbey]. Link to FB video. -Aimee Luvante
*
Sun, Dec 28 - Possession Sound (T124Ds) - T124D4 Dune - Ventured over to Port Susan near Kayak Point to catch some glimpses of the T124Ds. Link to more photos. -photos by Kim Parry, December 28, 2025
*
13:37 - Still in the same spot, 4 orcas.
13:18 - Viewing from kayak point pier - 3 orcas. Milling behavior [approx. 48.115374, -122.391537]. -Lauren 'Lo Blakeley
*
13:05 - 2 orca off McKees [Beach] northbound [in Port Susan]. -John [PSWS chat]
*
11:27 - Headed north into Tulalip.
11:17 - Looks to be headed towards Kayak Point.
11:07 - We are watching them from Legion Park. -Brandy Wahlstrom
*
10:30 - Still milling at the x [approx. 48.014421, -122.276524]. I think there’s actually 4 orca. And a gray whale in the area too. -Samiksha Gulrajani
*
10:13 - They’ve stopped traveling and have been milling here-ish for a few minutes [approx. 48.003874, -122.276715].
10:05 - They’re slowly traveling towards Hat Island out of port of Everett -Jourdan Rae
*
09:40 - 3 orcas going into Everett navy area. -Samiksha Gulrajani
*
09:17 - Towards Everett… slowly!
08:45 - Small group this off Edgewater! Lots of feeding. Looks like a couple babies too! Link to FB video. -Danica Bourne
*
08:29 - 3 orcas milling about between Edgewater Beach and Howarth Park in Everett. About 300 yards off the shore. No particular direction of travel. Lots of long dives under water. -Jason R. Bourne
*
Sun, Dec 28 - Puget Sound (T46s minus T46D) - T46E Thor - Thor & company departing Colvos Passage. Viewed from Southworth & Manchester. Link to more photos. -photos by Jason Cook, December 28, 2025
*
T46E Thor - Met the T46s minus D-Strider this morning in Southworth. -photos by Aura Lea, December 28, 2025
*
16:18 - in waning light, spotted Thor (presumably) mid channel in or about in the ferry separation lanes between Edmonds and Kingston. Slow travel north. Both ferries at dock so all good there [approx. 47.798168, -122.448521] -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
16:09 - Viewing from Kingston to Edmonds ferry they are crossing mid channel northbound in ferry lanes.
15:37 - Scanning from Kingston terminal it looks as though PSE is potentially headed their way. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
15:37 - Haven’t seen them swim past the bay.
15:30 - Still hunting by Port Madison Bay, appear to be two adults and a smaller one. -Monica Borja
*
15:30 - Appears they’ve resumed travel northbound just shy of Jefferson Head transect Richmond Beach mid channel.
15:18 - Does look to be a hunt. Some surface activity by others as Thor hangs off to the north a short distance.
15:13 - Ts have stalled and are making directional changes. They may be hunting, ever so casually, so far at least. Just south of Richmond Beach transect Jeff Head still mid channel. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
15:22 - Viewing with binoculars from Richmond Beach park, there appear to be two hunting either a seal or a sea lion.
15:13 - Just spotted one headed north by Kingston! -Monica Borja
*
14:51 - From Richmond Beach Saltwater Park, Ts continuing travels north up the Sound, mid channel about 1/2 mile+ from RB/Jefferson Head. The stillness and gold tones of today are peacefully beautiful [approx. 47.732844, -122.448799].
14:10 - Ts still loosely grouped continue leisurely travels northbound out from north of Meadow Point, Golden Gardens. They’ve drifted to east of mid channel. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
14:06 - We just left them - they’re still traveling north fairly quickly with long down times. In this general vicinity [approx. 47.694248, -122.447685]. -Katie Domingue
*
14:03 - Just saw at least a large male just north of what I think is the north tip of Bainbridge, very from Meadows Point/Golden Gardens. Guy with a better scope saw more than one. -Jill Irwin
*
14:14 - They’re north of Fay - definitely mid channel if not slightly east of mid now.
13:50 - Viewing from Sunset Hill. Northbound mid channel. Same boat still following. Long down times. -Kas Alexis
*
13:50 - From Sunset Park, Ballard seeing pod off Shilshole, mid channel still in slow travel mode. Elevation apparently your friend due to distortion. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
13:09 - West of the yellow buoy [off Discovery Park]. Long down times. -Katie Domingue
*
13:00 - Seeing blows directly west from West Point. West of mid. White boat has been trailing them since Eagle Harbor-ish. -Kas Alexis
*
12:45 - 2 orca northbound in southbound shipping lane between Yeomalt Point Bainbridge and Magnolia. One is very impressive male, the other is an adult. For a while I swore I saw 3 distinct fin shapes, but couldn’t confirm. -Brent Cullimore
*
12:55 - North edge of Murden Cove viewing from North Admiral WS. -Diana Gragg
*
12:40 - Pod is loosely grouped and just to the north of Eagle Harbor, Bainbridge traveling slowly northbound just a bit west of mid channel in super calm glassy Puget Sound. Viewing conditions excellent. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
12:39 - Spotted 2 dorsal fins just north of the Seattle Bainbridge ferry route. -Jeanine Johnson Lewis
*
12:06 - Saw a couple dorsals from Seattle to Bainbridge ferry facing toward Blakely Rocks mid channel northbound. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
12:06 - Spotted from Seattle to Bainbridge ferry swimming northbound from Blake Island, mid-channel. -Rachel De Villava
*
11:54 - Mid channel heading toward Seattle north.
11:47 - 3 fins northeast Blake Island [approx. 47.576928, -122.479751]. -photo by Lisa Corona, December 28, 2025
*
11:40 - Saw them from Seattle to Bremerton ferry they are north of Blake Island traveling northeast now towards Seattle side near the Yang Ming container ship. -Ryan Eatinger
*
11:30 - I got my last look of T46E heading northeast towards Seattle. Viewing from Manchester. -Mollie Segall
*
11:23 - Just seeing the dorsal fins, just east of those boats! Viewing from South Beach, Bainbridge. -Patricia Haynes
*
T46E Thor
11:22 - Off of the north end of Blake Island, south of the moored ship. Continuing north with long down times, trending slightly east towards the Seattle side.
10:52 - Traveling north along the west side of Blake Island, closer to the island shoreline. Long down times for this group right now!
10:36 - Approaching Southworth ferry terminal. -photos by Mollie Segall, December 28, 2025
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Brent Schmidt
Date of Sighting: December 28, 2025
Time: 10:34 AM
Species seen: Orcas
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Past Southworth ferry dock
Direction of travel : Northbound
Behaviors observed: Moving slowly
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
10:20 - One male and two female orcas northbound exiting Colvos west side. -Tim Ferris
*
10:06 - Passing Driftwood Cove now, mid channel, heading north in Colvos
09:48 - Spotted a male just south of Driftwood Cove but he appeared to turn around and head back south. Not sure if they are feeding or changed directions but haven’t seen him again in over 10 minutes. -Kristi King
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Phil Laudenslager
Date of Sighting: December 28, 2025
Time: 8:25 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: 47.24 122 32.36 [Colvos Passage south of Olalla]
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: Travelling and hunting
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?: None
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Observed from the bank of Vashon Island
Photos available?: No
*
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES -
Sun, Dec 28 - Bellingham Bay
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Katherine smith
Date of Sighting: December 28, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: Bellingham Bay
Direction of travel : N/NW
Behaviors observed: Not sure
If orcas, any males?: Not sure
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
GRAY WHALES -
Sun, Dec 28 - Saratoga Passage
14:50 - Relaying report gray whale northbound out from Saratoga Woods area. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
14:02 - Gray near Langley seems to have done a U Turn. No longer actively feeding, now farther from shore moving northwest in Saratoga Passage.
13:51 - Gray whale feeding just northwest of Langley. Moving southeast toward Langley. -Anna K. Greenwood
*
12:00 - Greys at each end of Bells Beach at approx. locations noted on map [48.095406, -122.481080 & 48.073813, -122.450998]. I think they are both heading southbound and off shore a bit?
10:15 - Grey south of Bells Beach southbound. Don’t know if it’s the same as I saw earlier in between East Point and Bells Beach?
09:54 - Possibly moving towards Bells Beach area.
09:00 - Grey in between Bells Beach and East Point can’t tell direction yet? Link to FB video. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
Sun, Dec 28 - Possession Sound (CRC2246 Azulão) - CRC2246 Azulão - We got to welcome Sounder Azulao/Bluebird back to the Puget Sound over by Hat Island. Link to more photos. -photo by Kim Parry, December 28, 2025
*
CRC2246 Azulão
15:22 - Gray 2246 confirmed with photos on the southeast end of Hat. -back of camera photo by Tony Tilt, PSE, December 28, 2025
*
10:30 - And a gray whale in the area too [Possession Sound approx. 48.010587, -122.267660]. -Samiksha Gulrajani
*
10:30 - We might also have a baleen in this area too [Possession Sound between Hat Island and Everett Naval Station] Just saw a big spout on the Tulalip side. -Jourdan Rae
*
UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALES -
Sun, Dec 28 - Useless Bay
09:15 - I see a whale spout, probably a gray in the southern side of Useless Bay, southbound. -Susan John
December 27
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sat, Dec 27 - Strait of Georgia, BC
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Krista Bogen
Date of Sighting: December 27, 2025
Time: 3:30 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal
Direction of travel : Circled around at the ferry terminal as the boat docked and then swam to mid Strait of Georgia near mouth of Active Pass and swam in circles and breached a few times.
Behaviors observed: Milling and traveling. Didn't notice any evidence of a hunt.
If orcas, any males?: Small dorsal fins. No large male fins.
Any unusual markings?: We have photos but not able to see any unusual markings.
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: No but thank you.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org -photos by Krista Bogen, December 27, 2025
*
Sat, Dec 27 - Puget Sound (T37As including T37A1) - T37A1 Inyo - T37A2 Inky - From the T37A's southbound travels through Colvos Passage. Link to more photos. -photos by Mollie Segall, December 27, 2025
*
T37A2 Inky, T37A Volker, T37A4 Crinkle - 37A2 Inky - Link to more photos. -photos by Jaime Shields, December 27, 2025
*
17:42 - Passing Sunrise, Vashon side. -Kenzie Erickson
*
16:30 - We saw at least 2 orcas on the west side of Vashon, heading south. Maybe 1 mile south of Olalla Bay Market. -Jennifer Heger
*
16:11 - Passing Olalla Bay Market. -Robyn Riley
*
16:10 - Passing Prospect Point on the west side of the channel. Link to FB video. -Mollie Segall
*
16:05 - Coming in view of Ollala mid channel southbound. -Steve Czerniak
*
16:03 - Coming into view from Olalla west of mid southbound. -Andrea Facer
*
15:13 - They’ve already reached Fragaria and are on the west side of the channel.
15:10 - Just after entering Colvos Passage they engaged in a hunt and feeding behavior. Continuing southbound tightly grouped and traveling quickly. -Mollie Segall
*
14:59 - Saw the blows from Alki! Just barely! Headed into Colvos. -Stacie Saenz
*
14:55 - Pod of 4-5 orcas at Point Southworth in Colvos Passage. -Keith Bryan
*
14:52 - Grouped up directly out from Southworth ferry terminal possibly angling Colvos. -Robyn Riley
*
14:58 - Looks good for Colvos.
14:51 - Just north of Southworth dock southbound birdseye view from 52nd and Oregon in West Seattle. -Mary Hartmann
*
14:38 - Seeing a bull from Southworth ferry terminal looking toward Manchester.
14:26 - Whales are headed toward Southworth. -Robyn Riley
*
14:23 - Swiftsure departed 10+ minutes ago but this private vessel is still near them (and staying well back from what I’ve seen, so props to them!) [approx. 47.546374, -122.516711] -Amy FowIer
*
14:21 - Just saw them from the ferry returning from Bremerton, they headed into Rich Passage going opposite direction, north of us. -Carl Furfaro
*
14:17 - Actually more like southwest, angling toward Manchester.
14:07 - In Rich Passage right off moored cargo/tanker ship. -Amy FowIer
*
13:35 - With two whale watching boats [approx. 47.579614, -122.480110]. -Alexander Simenstad
*
13:29 - Spotted from Alki just north of the whale watch boat headed southbound still. -Kajsa Boline
*
13:19 - I see them from Magnolia Viewpoints. They're hundreds of yards in front of where the stopped whale watching boat is pointed. -Jamin King
*
13:17 - Right in front of whale watch boat southbound Eagle Harbor.
13:08 - Orcas moving west towards ww boat view from 64th and Alki. Still north of Bainbridge ferry lane -Mary Hartmann
*
13:08 - Orcas distant mid channel milling around a bit. Location of whales: (47.5887902, -122.4450131).
12:53 - 3-4 orcas moving mid channel looking slightly south from Magnolia Viewpoint. Exact location of whales: (47.6205851, -122.4437602). -Alex Sowers
*
12:21 - Just surfaced off of Discovery Park. Looks to be 3 or 4 orcas. Headed south. -Andrew Sowers
*
12:20 - Now south bound again towards West Point after moving west, northwest for awhile. Viewing from Richmond Beach. I would apologize but they’re doing what they’re doing.
12:05 - Looking like a flip. Now northbound. Kept getting further and further from buoy off West Point. Viewing from Richmond still.
11:30 - Southbound a hair east of mid. They’re well south of Richmond Beach where I'm viewing from. Blows and sun glares best visual from this distance. -Beriah SoOrio
*
09:42 - 4 orcas reported between Point No Point & Eglon moving southeast. -WA app
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Sat, Dec 27 - Puget Sound - We started the trip with a young humpback right off Edmonds doing some lazy dives almost logging. Link to more photos. -photo by Jaime Shields, December 27, 2025
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12:09 - Swiftsure is watching a humpback north of the ferry lanes. -EJ Tilt, PSE
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GRAY WHALES -
Sat, Dec 27 - Useless Bay (CRC2440 Tahoma) - Then we jetted up north for reports of a humpback in Useless Bay. We were all excited and very surprised to see a gray whale instead! They ID the whale as Tahoma, CRC 2440. 3rd Sounder of the season! What an amazing day! Link to more photos. -photo by Jaime Shields, December 27, 2025
*
15:19 - Grey whale in Useless Bay heading south. [This is] 2440. -Trevor Tillman, PSE
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14:20 - Seeing humpback [likely CRC2440] off Double bluff Beach. -Andrea Ballesteros
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12:49 - This humpback [likely CRC2440] has exited Mutiny Bay still southwestbound and has pushed much more offshore.
12:27 - Humpback [likely CRC2440] close to shore southwest of Limpet Lane. Trending southbound. -Kas Alexis
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11:45 - Friend reports: humpback [likely CRC2440] tail slapping southbound Mutiny Bay approaching north side of Double Bluff.
11:36 - Friend reports baleen whale southbound in Mutiny Bay. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
Sat, Dec 27 - Saratoga Passage
13:30 - Grey whale near Hidden Beach. Viewing from Fox Spit area. -Marilyn Armbruster
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UNIDENTIFIED SPECIES -
Sat, Dec 27 - Admiralty Inlet
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Lauren McCaskill
Date of Sighting: December 27, 2025
Time: 2:15 PM
Species seen: Gray whale (I think). It was relatively small about 100 feet from shore. It had a bulbous head.
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Off of Fort Casey State Park, facing SE
Direction of travel : It was heading NE
Behaviors observed: Seemed to be milling, it came up a few times in the same area every 6 minutes or so
If orcas, any males?:
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
*
Sat, Dec 27 - Holmes Harbor
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Barbra Smithgall
Date of Sighting: December 27, 2025
Time: 12:43 PM
Species seen: Unsure [likely gray but can’t rule out orcas -RH]
Number of animals seen:
Where seen: Holmes Harbor, milling the middle area.
Direction of travel : Unsure
Behaviors observed: Milling around, saw many blows
If orcas, any males?: Unsure
Any unusual markings?: Unsure
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Multiple spouts and blows near the middle of Holmes Harbor, species unknown.
Photos available?:
December 26
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Fri, Dec 26 - Haro Strait (T60D, T60E, & T19s)
12-26-25 Haro Strait SJI - 16:14 - Two groups of orcas, 5 in total, traveling quickly SB. Viewed from Landbank the first group, T60D and T60E, surfaced low in heavy chop about 1/4-1/3 mile offshore. The second group was farther offshore, a group of three, the T19s (T18s). -Michelin Halliday
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15:22 - 3-4 orcas headed south on west side seen from shore around Snug Harbor area. At least one male. Only about 1/2 mile off shore. Moving quickly. -M Elise Cannon [WSSJI]
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Fri, Dec 26 - Penn Cove
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Suzanne Greaves
Date of Sighting: December 26, 2025
Time: 11:35 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Penn Cove
Direction of travel : Into Penn Cove
Behaviors observed: Traveling/hunting
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: One larger and one smaller. Possibly mother and calf based on size.
Photos available?: No
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GRAY WHALES -
Fri, Dec 26 - Saratoga Passage
14:10 - There are at least two gray whales north of Baby Island, milling back and forth north/south. -Martha Poppy Sinclair
*
14:10 - Viewing from Hidden Beach, Whidbey, there is a gray whale northeast of Baby Island. -Em
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Fri, Dec 26 - Holmes Harbor
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Barbra Smithgall
Date of Sighting: December 26, 2025
Time: 3:50 PM
Species seen: Unsure, but saw multiple blows and likely grays.
Number of animals seen:
Where seen: Beverly Beach in Holmes Harbor, south of Baby Island
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed: Milling around and slowing heading south.
If orcas, any males?: No
Any unusual markings?: No
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
December 25
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Thu, Dec 25 - Holmes Harbor (T46s minus T46D)
15:30 - Were north of Dines Point northbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Andrea Linton
Date of Sighting: December 25, 2025
Time: 3:22 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Leaving Holmes Harbor
Direction of travel : N, moderate pace
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: Yes, one.
Any unusual markings?: Too far away to see distinguishing marks
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: A male and female traveling together. Heard them breathing as they came to the surface.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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T46E Thor -ID by Rachel Haight, Orca Network
15:15 - Orcas, at least 3 milling about [near Dines Point]. One male, no direction yet, just hanging out -photo by Kate Sheppard, December 25, 2025
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14:00 - We just had at least 3 orcas mosey on by. Hidden Beach [Whidbey]. Heading south. -Nancy Culp Zaretzke
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GRAY WHALES -
Thu, Dec 25 - Saratoga Passage
15:20 - Gray whale - mid channel - unable to tell direction - from our perspective - out from Elger Bay -Linda Aitkins
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Thu, Dec 25 - Saratoga Passage (CRC531 Gretchen) - CRC531 Gretchen
12:00 - Same whale, same place this morning - Link to FB video. - Longer video here from same day - Link to FB video. -photos by Steve Smith, December 25, 2025
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CRC531 Gretchen
11:45 - Still north Hidden Beach feeding. Leaving because of the rain.
11:10 - Moved back north Hidden Beach. Still feeding. Some head lunges.
10:38 - Moving south towards Hidden Beach parking lot.
10:16 - Moved into north Hidden Beach shore. Eating
10:00 - North of Hidden Beach, mid channel. Milling. -photos by Jaime Shields, December 25, 2025
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CRC531 Gretchen
08:11 - A mile north of Hidden Beach [Whidbey] Christmas Day. -back of camera photo by Bob VonDrachek, December 25, 2025
December 24
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Wed, Dec 24 - Admiralty Inlet (K Pod) - Today, friends and I braved the cold rain, to see K pod exiting Puget Sound. Link to more photos. -photos by Sarah Geist, December 24, 2025
*
Orcas on Andrew's Bay, sounds like the baby K. -Shelly Bergman
*
18:05 - Still calls, Andrews [Bay], Ks.
18:04 - Hearing calls Ks Andrews hydro.
17:34 - [Calls on] Lime Kiln. -Tracey Carrillo
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17:55 - Faint calls on Lime Kiln. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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17:34 - 17:40 - Hearing faint calls on The Whale Museum Lime Kiln-possible K-pod beginning about 17:34. -Patti Trosper
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13:00 - Very joyful pass by Fort Worden. -Susan John
*
12:58 - Still moving northwest. 2 groups. Lots of surface activity.
12:50 - Now behind MSC Candice grouped up trending northwest.
12:46 - Even with Fort Ebey beach now mid channel. Some breaches.
12:42 - Viewing from Point Wilson - straight north of the lighthouse. -Joe Griffin-Harte
*
12:38 - Now about midchannel, between Fort Casey Lighthouse & Point Wilson. Tail lobs & some breaches as they go. Northbound steady pace.
12:25 - Steady northbound just north of Coupeville/Port Townsend ferry lanes. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
12:25 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 12:48 to relay report of [orcas at 48.14295, -122.70729].
*
11:48 - Visible from Flagler overlook, far away on the Whidbey side, northern edge of Lagoon houses. -Susan John
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11:48 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 12:04 to relay report of [orcas at 48.09023, -122.63829].
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11:34 - Northbound directly out from Lagoon Point, south beach. Baby surfaces at the end. Link to FB video. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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11:33 - Kpod is passing Lagoon Point, Whidbey side (not close), grouped up, northbound.
11:10 - Passed Bush Point. Whidbey side, still northbound. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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11:23 - Viewing from East Beach on Marrowstone. Blows due east, Whidbey side. -Susan John
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11:23 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 11:40 to relay report of [orcas at 48.06621, -122.6237].
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11:22 - Approx. northbound [48.058165, -122.622321].
10:55 - K pod northbound out from Bush Point. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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10:53 - Out from Bush Point. Whidbey side of mid. Grouped up. Def K pod. -Sarah Geist
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10:29 - Viewing from Bush, I have fins and blows south of me. Mid/whidbey, still northbound. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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10:05 - Cindi Crowder Rausch reports seeing orcas northbound between Mutiny Bay and Foulweather Bluff, Whidbey side of midchannel.
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Wed, Dec 24 - Haro Strait (T60D & T60E)
16:15 - Pair passing Lime Kiln heading north. -Adam Suhy [WSSJI]
*
15:52 - At least two male orcas heading North close to SJI, viewing on The Whale Museum-Lime Kiln Webcam as of 15:52. Saw them on the far left in between the tree line. A few surfaces and spyhops. -Patti Trosper
*
12-24-25 at 15:59 viewed from Landbank. Waiting at Landbank at dusk scanning for K Pod who had left Puget Sound earlier in the day, I saw two stately male orcas slowly heading up island. They were traveling close together doubling back and forth in what seemed like slow motion. They were the T60 brothers, T60D and T60E. What a gift to see them interact, close companions. -Michelline Halliday
*
MINKE WHALES -
Wed, Dec 24 - Puget Sound
09:50 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 10:03 to report: [PUYALLUP] Captain reports they slowed the vessel on their eastbound transit [Edmonds-Kingston lanes] to maintain a safe distance from a northbound minke.
December 23
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Tue, Dec 23 - Puget Sound (K Pod)
16:25 - Saw multiple fins popping on cam. -Jct Guarnes
*
16:16 - Seeing them on Orca Conservancy cams southbound. -Tracey Carrillo
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15:58 - Seeing them from the distance through binoculars from Lincoln Park to the northwest, southbound west side of mid channel. -Connor O'Brien
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15:22 - Much more tightly grouped. Southbound with RV [research vessel] in tow by yellow channel marker. On Bainbridge to Seattle ferry. -Taylor White
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15:19 - Viewing from Emma Schmitz, still slow southbound approaching Blakely Harbor with research vessels attending. -Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network
*
15:18 - From Constellation steady south bound a bit more grouped up, with two research boats mid. -Padmini Harchandrai
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15:06 - Most still generally near research boats but I did see one male pop up well west of the others, close to Bainbridge shoreline near Rockaway Beach. -Amy FowIer
*
14:55 - Still viewing from Magnolia but need binoculars at this point. 3 nice breaches in front on research boat. -Brad Dufour
*
14:51 - All south of Creosote Point, Bainbridge. Still casually making their way south, with both research boats nearby as easy markers. -Amy FowIer
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Saw them from the 14:50 ferry on the way to Bremerton. Was awesome. -Carl Furfaro
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14:48 - Approaching Wing Point Bainbridge side southbound view from 64th and Alki. -Mary Hartmann
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14:39 - Seeing fins southbound by research vessels. On Seattle to Bainbridge ferry. -Taylor White
*
14:26 - Visible from 64th and Alki by Murdern Cove near research boat. -Mary Hartmann
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14:35 - Still easy viewing from Magnolia looking directly west.
14:21 - Viewing from Magnolia. They are all around research vessel ahead of cargo ship. -Brad Dufour
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14:18 - All past Discovery. Two individuals came closer in. All southbound. Beautiful under some of the snowy mountains. -Padmini Harchandrai
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14:08 - Last of the whales passing Discovery Park southbound. There was a cute cuddle puddle with two little ones ?K45 and K47? Viewing with scope from Sunset Hill. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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14:03 - About even with Rolling Bay, still spread out east-west but seem tighter north-south now. -Amy FowIer
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14:03 - Beautiful pass at West Point/Discovery. Kpod is still headed south. -Hannah Marie Munro
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13:38 - Spotted from Alki using a spotting scope. They are just west of research vessel. -Kajsa Boline
*
13:30 - I think all are south of Golden Gardens now? -Amy FowIer
*
13:30 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 13:50 to relay report: [orcas at 47.68187, -122.4587].
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13:30 - Right between Discovery Park and Point Monroe now, on the west side of channel.
13:27 - K pod is showing distantly northwest off West Point of Discovery Park. -Alex Sowers
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13:26 - Viewable from Discovery southbound in travel mode. Research boat with. -Padmini Harchandrai
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13:21 - Split In three groups, passing Golden Gardens, middle channel. -Slavica Frljanic
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13:15 - A little bit of surface activity as the group near the northern boat approaches Golden Gardens. -Amy FowIer
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13:27 - Super slow surfaces, I wonder if they’re sleeping?
13:11 - Longer downtimes now.
13:09 - Easily viewable from Sunset Hill Park, research boats with them, southbound. -Summer Staley
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13:03 - Leaders at or approaching Golden Gardens, as viewed from Fay Bainbridge, mid to maybe slightly west of mid channel. -Amy FowIer
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Joyce Ren
Date of Sighting: December 23, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: 47°41'57.1"N 122°25'24.1"W
Direction of travel : S, 2 knots?
Behaviors observed: Hunting?
If orcas, any males?:
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
*
13:00 - 2 orcas - west of Golden Garden traveling south. -Joyce Ren
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12:52 - Viewing from Sunset Hill park. Directly out from Golden Gardens. Leaders mid channel with research vessel. Southbound. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
12:40 - Generally spread between two research boats. From Fay Bainbridge, southern boat is just south of northernmost parked train cars, north boat is just north of radio tower.
12:21 - Finally spotted from Fay Bainbridge, single blow just south of research boat. Really tough mirage effect from sea level on Kitsap side. -Amy FowIer
*
12:26 - Pod has slowed, They are to the south of Jeff Head l/Richmond Beach wide spread in all directions. Looks like some foraging happening.
12:14 - Pod is spread wide. Who think are trailers are in line with Jefferson Head/Richmond Beach. Steady southbound. Others up to half +south of them spread across. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
12:13 - Viewing from Carkeek seeing research vessel and dorsals (possibly leaders) west of mid channel. Spread out. Southbound. -Hannah Marie Munro
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11:36 - Watching from Kayu, Richmond Beach heading south mid channel. -Joni Barnes Pollino
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11:35 - 3 spread out off of Kayu Kayu. I see a massive dorsal fin! -Nicole Schleich Abbott
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11:33 - Whales coming into view at Richmond. Research boat with. Southbound mid. -Padmini Harchandrai
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11:27 - South bound! Viewing from the Spokane ferry. Some right in front of Edmonds marina! -Cindy McDonald
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11:25 - K pod spread across midchannel of ferry lane southbound.
11:24 - 3 cheers for K42 bringing the Spokane ferry to a dead stop and giving everyone about 5 min of good views. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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11:15 - My husband saw them from the Edmonds/Kingston ferry heading south. -Jessica Classen
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11:00 - Yes, still southbound. -Joe Dreimiller
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10:47 - Saw them with my binoculars looking toward the north from the Edmonds/Kingston ferry. -Carol Rotvold
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10:26 - Viewing from Sunset Beach - moving southbound quickly. Closer to the Point No Point side than Edmonds. The group is spread out. Just saw some good tail lobs. -Jourdan Rae
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10:03 - South bound east of mid out from Stamm Overlook. -Samiksha Gulrajani
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09:49 - Viewing from Stamm midway between here and Scatchet southbound. -Beriah SoOrio
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09:48 - Heading south toward Edmonds Kingston ferry. Large group spread out.
09:43 - They are in Possession triangle! -Alice Thuy Talbot
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09:18 - 5+ orcas south of Glendale, I think moving south, Whidbey side. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Tue, Dec 23 - Haro Strait (T36As & T99s)
14:22 - Long dives today. Probably visible from County Park now. 6 in a tight group 1/2 mile off. Looks like a youngster with them.
14:05 - Group is moving slowly up island. About a mile up island from Lime Kiln now. 1/3 mile off.
13:00 - Bigg’s orcas at Land Bank, moving up island. Spotted 6 so far on the Lime Kiln Camera. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
*
12-23-25 T99s T36As Haro Strait SJI - Viewing from 1.5 miles south of Landbank. The orcas were in two groups only a few minutes apart.
12:40. In the first group, 3 members of the T36As. Heading NW they turned west as they passed me. Only surfacing a few times <1/2 mile offshore. I was able to ID T36A2 with T36A2A.
12:50 6 orcas, the T99s traveled slowly up island 1/3 - 1/2 mile offshore, surfacing low in the choppy water. With photos I was able to ID T99B with her calf T99B1, T99C and T99D. -Michelline Halliday
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GRAY WHALES -
Tue, Dec 23 - Saratoga Passage
19:40 - I heard a few blows in the dark (presumably a gray whale) about 100 feet off our shoreline in Greenbank (about one mile south of Greenbank Beach), heading north towards Greenbank Beach.
14:00 - One gray whale about 100 feet off our shoreline in Greenbank (about one mile south of Greenbank Beach), heading north towards Greenbank Beach. -Martha Poppy Sinclair
*
Tue, Dec 23 - Holmes Harbor
12:00 - neighbor reports seeing gray whale in Holmes Harbor under golf course, now gone (north bound). -Sandy Pollard
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Tue, Dec 23 - Saratoga Passage (CRC531 Gretchen) - Spent [time] with gray whale CRC-531 "Gretchen", a seagull with a starfish and Black Turnstones. Link to more photos. -photo by Sarah Geist, December 23, 2025
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11:40 - Still here north of Hidden Beach. -Keri Morgret
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10:30 - Mid Hidden Beach Cove. Link to FB video. -Marilyn Armbruster
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11:28 - Still here feeding in cove north of Hidden Beach.
10:00 - Gretchen still in cove north of Hidden Beach. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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Id'd as CRC-531 Gretchen. From photos and reference checking. -Kevin Phillips
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09:00 - High tide, but watching a gray whale feeding [at] Hidden Beach. -Kim Parry
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MINKE WHALES -
Tue, Dec 23 - Puget Sound
14:50 - Not K Pod, but another “exsighting” whale! In front of Alki Coffee southbound, 200 yards off shore. Link to FB video. -photo by Melissa Kegler, December 23, 2025
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13:27 - We are here watching for K Pod. We are positive it’s a baleen whale. Definitely a Minke/fin. Very likely a minke.
13:07 - Fin/minke whale just surfaced off of Golden Gardens. Seen once but very well from Discovery Park. Didn’t see a blow so guessing minke whale. -Alex Sowers
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
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Mon, Dec 22 - Puget Sound (K Pod) - K Pod in the South Sound. Beautiful day, scenery and people out enjoying this visit during Christmas week what a very special gift! Link to more photos. -photos by Cherie StOurs, December 22, 2025
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No school + K Pod in Tacoma = rally the crew and sneak a peek. Seeing our endangered Southern Resident orcas never gets old, and the new K baby was still going strong. -photos by Amber Stanfill, December 22, 2025
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They were close to Browns Point, and I took this from the Chinese Reconciliation Park in Tacoma. -photo by Nikki Verbonus, December 22, 2025
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K16 Opus - K35 Sonata - K33 Tika - KPod southbound East Passage, photographed from Vashon Island/Point Robinson. K16 Opus spyhopping, K33 Tika porpoising with some nice water tension, and K35 Sonata. -photos & IDs by Hongming Zheng, December 22, 2025
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13:11 - K pod very active between Browns Point and Owen Beach, southbound towards Commencement Bay. -Jon Mciver
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11:36 - Just spotted them near Dash Point headed south. -Susan Hundrup
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10:24 - Robinson Point! -Elizabeth Leavitt
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10:06 - They were coming south, now mingling north of here. Must have found dinner.
10:03 - Look for orcas approaching the area between the cranes at the Port of Tacoma and the Chinese Reconciliation Park. -Beverly Holze
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K37 Rainshadow - From Point Robinson. Link to more photos. -photos & ID by Marla Smith, Orca Network, December 22, 2025
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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
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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
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14:46 - Second group of trailers passing us westbound at the last viewpoint before Point Ruston, mid channel. Starting to rain. -Melissa Bird
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14:42 - View of second tail-slapping session from Point Ruston. Link to FB video. -Suki Dardarian
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14:39 - Westbound trailers coming up on Point Ruston. Everyone headed back towards Dalco Passage. -Melissa Bird
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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
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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
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14:18 - From Northern Fish Co. several members across from me westbound coming up on Browns Point. -Melissa Bird
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14:17 - Viewing from Harbor Lights. Several orcas now heading out of Commencement Bay. Generally heading north. -Mollie Segall
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14:22 - Others trailing westbound out of bay.
14:16 - Viewing from Ruston area group members approaching Browns Point lighthouse northbound. -Andrea Facer
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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
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14:05 - Slowly moving deeper towards the port [approx. 47.290555, -122.473128]. -Krista Baker
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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
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13:56 - Two have moved past Browns Point toward the port. -Suki Dardarian
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13:51 - Watching from Dune Peninsula as they are moving eastbound into Commencement Bay mid channel. -Connor O'Brien
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13:51 - At least 6-7 whales committed east into Commencement Bay! -Mollie Segall
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13:46 - They are crossing to Dash, you might be able to see them from Commencement Bay in a few. -Alyssa Somers
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13:45 - Back into Commencement Bay! -Melissa Bird
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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
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13:22 - View from Dune. Link to FB reel. -Alyssa Somers
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~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
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Mon, Dec 22 - Puget Sound (K Pod)
13:15 - [video of K Pod] at Owen Beach.
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Sydney Fugate
13:12 - Trending east spread out most have passed through ferry lines eastbound. -Andrea Facer
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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
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13:04 - Watching from Owen Beach. Spread out west of us all the way through ferry lines. No definite direction yet. -Andrea Facer
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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
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12:47 - Watching from Tahlequah ferry terminal seeing leaders pass ferry lanes toward Owens Beach. Spread out. -Hannah Marie Munro
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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
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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
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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
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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
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12:00 - Viewing from Dune, 2 spotted around yellow buoy headed east. -Joe Smith
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11:50 - Another group just passed Dash Point east side southbound.
11:27 - Trailers passing Dash Point southbound. -Mandy Michelle
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11:34 - At Browns Point right now and seeing them towards the Vashon side. -Angela Weidemann Zimmerly
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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
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11:06 - Point Robinson cottages. -Tina Lee
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11:00 - Almost at the south tip of Maury. Spread out. Directional changes. -Ali Saccone
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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
*
Mon, Dec 22 - Holmes Harbor (CRC53 Little Patch)
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: William Schafer
Date of Sighting: December 22, 2025
Time:
Species seen: Gray
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Honeymoon Bay
Direction of travel : circular route traveled numerous times
Behaviors observed: feeding on ghost shrimp
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?: parallel lines on tail
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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
*
Sat, Dec 20 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T86As, T90s, T124A4s, T124A1A, T124A6) - T124A4 Sabio & T124A4A Strix - T90 Eagle, T86A3 Tyndall, T90C Tigger, T90D Kanga
13:10 - 14:05 - We went to the south end of Lopez Island where we watched the T90s with T86As (4-T86A, 86A3, 86A4, 86A5) and some of the T124As (T124A4, T124A4A, T124A1A, and T124A6). The T90s were grouped up with T86A3 and the rest were a couple more hundred yards off so the second group had less quality photos and Gary Sutton helped to ID that T124A6 and T124A4A were in fact there. Link to more photos. -photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, PSE, December 20, 2025
December 19
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Fri, Dec 19 - Powell River, BC (L Pod) - We had the Endangered Southern Residents L pod 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
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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
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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
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08:12 - It’s J pod calls (at least). -Alisa Lemire Brooks
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08:02 - Orcas on Bush Point hydrophone. -Bernadette Ireland
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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GRAY WHALES -
Fri, Dec 12 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch)
11:40 - Still hanging out south of Mabana. -Linda Aitkins
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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
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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
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15:12 - Hearing on Orcasound [Sunset Bay hydrophone]. -Shelly Bergman
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15:09 - They are very chatty! This is my first time hearing them on the hydrophones. -Victoria Burke
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14:53 - Viewing from the Edmonds fishing pier the pod has continued northbound into the triangle. Research boats still nearby. -Hannah Marie Munro
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14:49 - Calls on Sunset Bay. -Orca Network
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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
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13:06 - Directly out from Richmond Saltwater Beach. Mid channel with research boat. Still northbound. -Tamara Kelley, Orca Conservancy
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13:00 - One large male northbound, mid to east channel passing Golden Gardens viewing from south Fay Bainbridge Park. -Sue Surowiec Larkin
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12:19 - Passing West Point lighthouse moving northbound very fast. -Liz Mitchell
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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
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11:35 - Taken from 64th and Alki. -photo by Mary Hartmann, December 11, 2025
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11:31 - I see them a couple hundred meters northwest of the Alki lighthouse. -Jamin King
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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
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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
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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
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11:07 - Viewing from Constellation. Group with research boat. -Jenny Olszowy
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10:51 - Viewing from Manchester northbound very fast closer to Seattle side should be coming up on Alki lighthouse soon! -Noelle Morris
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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
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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
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10:21 - Committed northbound, seeing some in front of Blake Island, viewing from Shorewood on the Sound. -Shari Tarantino, Orca Conservancy
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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
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10:16 - Seeing fins in line with Dolphin Point, west of mid channel, can’t tell direction yet. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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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
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09:40 - K are feeding big breaches in East Passage. -Tracey Carrillo
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09:40 - Between Blake Island and Vashon Island, southbound... thinking SRKWs. Viewing from Shorewood on the Sound. -Shari Tarantino, Orca Conservancy
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09:39 - They confirmed SRKW on Orca Conservancy livestream. -Olivia Newton
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09:19 - K pod southbound live on the cam. -Leo Vert
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09:19 - I can see them on Orca Conservancy livestream now. -Olivia Newton
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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
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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
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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
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08:20 - We saw two on the WSF to Bainbridge! They were headed south. It was amazing! -Maci Nosrehpcam
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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)].
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05:18 - Lots of calls on Sunset Bay right now. -Olivia Newton
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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)].
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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
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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
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14:58 - I see fins! Richmond Beach mid channel [headed] south still. -Alicia Cheshier
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13:51 - Edmonds ferry! -Alexis Arrabito
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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
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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]
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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