Recent Whale Sightings

January 27
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Tue, Jan 27 - Puget Sound (T46s minus T46D, T100Bs, T100E) - T100B Freya, T122 Centeki, T100B3 Selkie in the foreground, T100E Tharaya - T46F Loki - From Glendale. Link to more photos.  -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, January 27, 2026
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T46E Thor - T100B3 Selkie, T122 Centeki, T100B Freya - Beautiful passes this afternoon at Possession Poiint and Glendale with T100Bs, T100E, and T46s minus T46D. Link to more photos. -photos by Kim Parry, January 27, 2026
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T46E Thor, T100E Tharaya, T100B3 Selkie - This family passed north through Edmonds today. Link to more photos. -photos by Amanda Thornton-Dewitt, January 27, 2026
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T46F Loki - T46s+T100Bs+T100E passed on the east side, not far from Edmonds, with some surface activity. Link to more photos. -photos & ID by Hongming Zheng, January 27, 2026
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17:09 - Out from mid Brighton Beach. Not far out. Heading in between Hat and Whidbey Island northbound. Link to FB video.
17:00 - Group have passed ferry lanes northbound. Mid-ish channel. There is a large male at least 3+ miles north of them. Link to FB video. -Marilyn Armbruster
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16.54 - Approaching ferry lanes mid channelish/Whidbey side. -Sandy Pollard
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16:22 - And they are past Glendale, headed toward Clinton. that looked like a nice, close pass on the Whidbey side. -Ed Pearson
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16:20 - Beautiful looks at Glendale. Appears T100Bs & T100E still with. Northbound close to Whidbey. Link to FB video. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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16:15 - Just saw a parade of cars stopping in Glendale, good timing, they're almost to you still hitting north.
16:06 - Going northbound, fairly quickly toward Glendale, they just passed the end of the Possession Point neighborhood. -Ed Pearson
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16:03 - Still south of Glendale. Still northbound. They have passed the Possession boat ramp. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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15:43 - Viewing from Picnic Point looking right at Possession Point. Slow moving north but kind of milling? -Brad Dufour
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15:40 - They are circling slightly northeast of the Possession Point buoy. -Ed Pearson
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15:35 - Viewing from Glendale. I’ve got little fins coming my way. Whidbey side. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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15:30 - View from Picnic Point. Looking northeast. Seems they’ve stalled just south of buoy. Small boat nearby. -Brad Dufour
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15:23 - Finally in view from Possession boat launch. Northeast bound. Still far south of here. -Sarah Geist
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15:20 - View from Picnic Point. Looking north of Point No Point. Still heading north.
15:07 - Viewing from Picnic Point. Mid channel heading north. Can see with no binoculars. -Brad Dufour
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14:59 - From my vantage point they are now past Possession Point committing into Possession Sound. They are grouped up and logging traveling at a very leisurely pace. Based on where they’re at now I anticipate they will be on the Whidbey side of the channel.
14:44 - Visible from Stam overlook with binoculars. Appear to be east of mid channel, moving northeast-ish. The last surfacing it looked like they are aimed toward Possession Sound. -Tamara Kelley, Orca Conservancy
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14:09 - Traveling north towards south end of Whidbey (perhaps pointed towards Driftwood Drive on the map). -Hannah Marie Munro
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13:43 - Edmonds Pier. Link to FB video. -Ed Hartman
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13:57 - Still milling in the triangle. -Hannah Marie Munro
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13:43 - I saw one do a great big splash out of the water about 2 minutes ago - INCREDIBLE! -Hannah Bailey
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North Edmonds. Link to FB video. -Sara Bowen
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13:36 - Still in the same spot. They are approximately at my X [approx. 47.843206, -122.408838] on the map and just finished hunting.  -Hannah Marie Munro
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13:26 - 4 sighted just north of Brackett’s Landing, mid channel, just south of Possession Bay Park. -Matthew Brandt
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13:28 - Still milling slightly north of the ferry lanes in the triangle. Looks like possibly hunting.
13:05 - Viewing from Edmonds Fishing Pier looks like there are some directional changes in the triangle. -Hannah Marie Munro
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13:04 - Viewing from Edmonds pier, moving northish. Link to FB video. -Amie Skiff
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12:56 - I couldn’t make it all the way down to the Edmonds Fishing Pier, but I saw the orcas go by. Link to FB video. -Julie Wynhof
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12:50 - Passing Edmonds Beach… they are headed toward Edmonds Fishing Pier. Looks like Thor.
12:36 - South of Edmonds Beach. Pushed mid channel. Northbound. Travel mode. -Hannah Marie Munro
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12:45 - T046s, T100Bs+ E Orcaing us around between Port Susan and Saratoga passage for a past couple days finally they made their way south presumably last night then make their beautiful journey back up north this afternoon. Viewing from Edmonds waterfront. Link to FB video. -Duangjai Vasantana-Berntsen
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We saw them today from Edmonds Marina Beach Park. -Tammy Owens
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12:35 - This mixed group surfaced north of Point Wells facing north and have resumed slow northbound travel, still very much this (east) side of channel. They
are grouped.
12:30 - They made it to just past Point Wells pier (tank farm) then made some directional changes and dove facing west a bit more offshore.
12:25 - Thor and company loosely grouped slowly making their way north out from Kayu Kayu, ~ 1/2-1 mile offshore. Link to FB video.  -Alisa Lemire Brooks
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12:26 - Watching from Kayu!! Slowly heading north! -Joni Barnes Pollino
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12:17 - Ts are in view of Kayu Kayu. Thor’s fin present. Slow northbound travel in super calm seas, close to mainland. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
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12:19 - Viewing from Edmonds Beach. Seeing distant blows with binos to the south. Approximately north of Richmond and approx. at Kayu-Kayu. East of mid. -Hannah Marie Munro
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T46E Thor
11:59 - 5 or 6 orca spotted 1/4 mile south of Richmond Beach Saltwater Park just now. -photo by Connor Hankinson, January 27, 2026
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11:42 - Pod of orcas, slowly moving north up the sound 1/2-1 mile or so off the beach at Richmond Beach Park in Shoreline. Appears to be around 8-10 with a couple of small ones in the group. -Debra Brown [PSWS]
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Amanda Gouldthorpe
Date of Sighting: January 27, 2026
Time: 10:44 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Puget Sound north of Carkeek Park, Seattle/Shoreline between Broadview & Richmond Beach (observed from North Beach in Seattle)
Direction of travel : E
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: 2 to
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: There were at least four orcas including at least one, possibly two males, in deeper waters
moving in an inland direction east (and possibly a bit south? hard to tell) toward more shallow water/shoreline. Viewed them from quite a distance in the North Beach neighborhood of Seattle so it was hard to pinpoint exact area, but they were north of Carkeek Park, somewhere between the Broadview area of Seattle and Richmond Beach in Shoreline (a very approximate guess at lat/long is 47.743991, - 122.391181). They were swimming in close proximity to each other, with two appearing to swim right next to each other. Too far to notice any distinctive features.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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Amanda Gouldthorpe
Date: 01/27/2026
Time: 10:44 AM
Type of whale, dolphin, or porpoise: Orcas, at least four or five. They were in a close-moving group. Appeared to be a large enough group to be resident.
If orcas: any adult males (5+ foot dorsal fin)? if so how many? Yes, one male for certain, I believe two.
Number of whales: At least four or five
Location of whale(s): Puget Sound, north of Carkeek Park in Seattle. My guess on examining this closer is they were west of the Broadview neighborhood of Seattle and the Highlands of Shoreline, around the Seattle/Shoreline border on land and south of the Richmond Beach area of Shoreline. A very rough guess at coordinates would be approximately: 47.731537, -122.389486. I was viewing them from the North Beach neighborhood of Seattle, south of their location, at quite a distance.
Direction of travel: They were moving east, inland toward the shore.
Speed of travel: fast pace, definitely traveling. They were viewable only for a few minutes, then they went out of sight.
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GRAY WHALES -
Tue, Jan 27 - Saratoga Passage
12:38 - Watching from the hill above the Mabana boat ramp. Feeding with fin visible, with binoculars. Trending south just a bit. Red pin is approximate location. [48.104441, -122.439775] -Patti Voeller
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09:49 - Gray feeding off the point north of Mabana, too far away for ID -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Erin DeGraw
Date of Sighting: January 27, 2026
Time: 9:06 AM
Species seen: Grey whale, likely Gretchen
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Across from Bells Beach, Camano side
Direction of travel : Circling, very slowly moving south towards Mabana Beach
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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MINKE WHALES -
Tue, Jan 27 - Dalco Passage 
16:45 - Saw the minke again tonight off of Point Defiance. Traveling eastbound towards Owen -Stephanie Morris

January 26
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Mon, Jan 26 - Haro Strait (T85s) - T85D Findlay Farenorth & T85 Eve - T85B Ali - Bigg's T085s in Haro Strait nearing dusk, including nearly 50-year-old T085 (b. ~1977) and her very distinct notch! Link to more photos. -photos by Jenna Darcie, January 26, 2026
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Mon, Jan 26 - North Puget Sound (T46s minus T46D, T100Bs, T100E) -At sunset the orcas were still northbound approaching Elger Bay in Saratoga Passage. Hopefully they will still be around again tomorrow. They killed at least 3 seals on Sunday. Monday when they cruised through the delta area, 531, 2246, and one other gray I never got a photo of, seemed nervous because they started doing really long down times and barely coming up when they did to breathe until the orcas were gone. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
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16:08 - Saratoga Passage just entered. -Hongming Zheng
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15:47 - They’re southbound now.
15:42 - Still aimed northbound towards Susan. 
15:33 - Viewing from Sandy Point again. Currently pointed northbound towards Port Susan. -Sarah Geist
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15:25 - Northeast of Sandy Point mid channel aiming at Camano Head. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
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14:50 - Slowly northbound on the west side of Hat island. Looooong down times.
14:40 - They are trending northwest on the south side of Hat island. -Sarah Geist
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14:22 - Look to be westbound now
14:18 - Milling now.
14:15 - Somewhere here-ish [approx. 48.003345, -122.286036 (.5 mi. SE of Hat Is.)]. Eastbound. -Samiksha Gulrajani
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14:15 - Seems they are on the east side of Hat Island. Towards Everett-ish.
13:30 - Southbound now. About mid. -Sarah Geist
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13:20 - Aiming northeast towardsTulalip. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
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13:22 - Milling. Here ish [approx. 48.040086, -122.367404].
13:12 - They have flipped. Just south of Sandy Point. Closer to Whidbey now. Slowly southbound in Possession. -Sarah Geist
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12:26 - Northbound from Camano Head in Saratoga Passage, Camano side of the channel. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
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12:19 - Long down times.
12:13 - Northbound Saratoga. Camano side of mid.
12:07 - Currently pointed at Saratoga.
12:06 - They have turned more northeasterly. Seeing Thor plus more than 2 others. I’d say 7 is a good count.
11:57- Orcas leaving Port Susan. Viewing from Sandy Point. Currently southbound. Exited very close to Camano Head -Sarah Geist
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11:49 - T46s, T100Bs and T100E are southbound, in Port Susan right at Camano Head now. -Bart Rulon

January 25
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sun, Jan 25 - Port Susan/Possession Sound (T46s minus T46D, T100Bs, T100E) - T46E Thor - The whales had been working on a kill they just took down in front of McKee’s Beach. We watched in awe as the whales prey shared and worked together to ensure everyone got a bite. The birds were everywhere. It was a heart racing moment. As quickly as I showed up, though, the time for feasting was over. The whales moved on south after their hunt and back towards Whidbey Island. They were never close enough for good shots, but their quick departure gave me enough time to meet a friend for breakfast that morning. Family was the T46s and T100Bs. Link to more photos. -photos by Kat Martin, January 25, 2026
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Spent a wonderful morning following the T46s (and I guess T100Bs?) around the north Puget Sound. Watched them as they came around Hat Island as well as off Mukilteo. I met 2 different couples while exploring so if that's yall, thanks for chatting with me on this cold morning! Link to more photos.  -photos by Julie Clay, January 25, 2026
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Viewed from Clinton to Mukilteo ferry & Picnic Point. Link to more photos. -photos by Jason Cook, January 25, 2026
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17:00 - T46s T100Bs and T100E are slowly milling northwest from the southwest corner of Hat Island -Bart Rulon Wildlife
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16:30 - Large male surfaced right off Clinton beach. The lighting is extraordinary. -Debbie Stewart
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16:12 - South side of the ferry lanes at Clinton closer to the island side. -Hannah Kay Robertson
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15:43 - Still moving slowly, northbound just north of the Possession Point neighborhood very close to Whidbey. Heading towards glendale. -Ed Pearson
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15:41 - Multiple surfacing within view of Mukilteo Lighthouse/beach. Some breaches! -Katharine Anne Morales
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15:38 - Still watching from Mukilteo. Look to be milling/slowly northbound at Glendale on Whidbey side.
15:10 - Northbound on east side of Whidbey, just near Possession Point. -Emma Vasilj
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15:08 - T46s, T100Bs and T100E northbound off Possession boat launch. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
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15:06 - I have eyes on them from the south end of Mukilteo Lighthouse. Very far off blows right in front of Possession Point. Too far to see direction. -Emma Vasilj
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15:00 - Directly in front of Possession Point State Park. Currently facing northbound. But more milling than traveling.
14:48 - Constant direction changes. Closer to Possession Point facing northbound at the moment.
14:20 - At least 5 are now northbound mid of Picnic towards Possession Point. -Jason Cook
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14:13 - They’ve changed directions and heading north now. At Picnic Point. 
14:01 - Still viewing from Picnic Point. Southbound. -Domonique Padilla
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13:57 - Regrouping southeast mid of Picnic Point.
13:50 - Separated into 2 groups. Still feeding.
13:49 - Northwestbound towards Hansville. Point of view Picnic Point.
13:40 - Stalled on a hunt. Opposite side of the water from Picnic Point. -Jason Cook
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13:49 - Seem to be coming our way at Picnic Point. Very far off still, but they’re visible with binoculars -Iris Marshall
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13:21 - Still southbound passing the Possession Point buoy -Ed Pearson
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13:14 - Still southbound at Possession Point. T100E is also here with the T100Bs and T46s! -Bart Rulon Wildlife
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13:13 - Just passing Possession Point State Park close to shore Whidbey side still southbound. -Ed Pearson
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13:13 - Very close to Whidbey. They have pushed past Possession boat ramp. Continuing southbound. So lovely! -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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13:02 - Viewing from Picnic Point. They’re close to Whidbey side.  -Domonique Padilla
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12:41 - Viewing these beauties from Glendale. They are north of me and look mid channel. I believe southbound. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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12:32 - The T100B pod is here with the T46 pod today off Mukilteo. Still southbound . -Bart Rulon Wildlife
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12:34 - They do appear to be committing southbound. Whidbey side of mid channel.
12:26 - Crossing Mukilteo/Clinton ferry lanes. -Jourdan Rae
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12:11 - Heading west toward Clinton now.
11:55 - Confirmed same location. -Rachel King
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11:45 - Viewing from Edgewater Beach. Hard to tell direction. Some surface activity. Approx. location is the white X [48.007538, -122.290070 (1 mi. E of Hat Is.)]. -Jourdan Rae
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11:24 - Southbound at marked spot [approx. 48.005011, -122.285607 (1 mi. E of Hat Is.)]. -Samiksha Gulrajani
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11:01 - To the south and east of Hat Island I see what looks like (but isn’t) a dark boat wake. I saw two or three small spouts. Looking from Legion park in Everett. -Keri Morgret
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10:55 - Coming around east side of Hat Island. As seen from Mission Beach area. -Julie Clay
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09:45 - Saw 7 orca including a male southbound past Tulare and Spee-Bi-Dah. They took prey off McKees Beach earlier. -John C Storbeck
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09:25 - No T46D here sadly. There is a very young whale in the mix so possibly more than the T46s here. I lost sight of them from Kayak around 15 minutes ago. -Kat Martin
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09:18 - Relaying reports: They flipped south, south of Kayak Point, moving south, reported as 5 whales including T46E. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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09:15 - Caught a shot from McKees Beach on Port Susan! A mom and 3 babies hunting, I think! -photo by Cat Ruchalski, January 25, 2026
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08:29 - Now near Tulare Beach
08:17 - Just passing Spee-Bi-Dah now. Moving fast!
08:10 - Orcas, northbound, Tulalip Shores, center channel. -[PSWW chat]
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GRAY WHALES -
Sun, Jan 25 - Saratoga Passage
15:00 - Off shore near Hidden Beach, Whidbey Island. I think only 1. -Nancy Culp Zaretzke
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14:16 - Seeing blows - per my perspective closer to Greenbank - Whidbey side.
13:29 - Viewing from Camano Island State Park - one gray passing Baby Island northbound. -Linda Aitkins
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13:10 - One gray between Baby Island and East Point. Couldn’t tell direction -Tyler McKeen
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Sun, Jan 25 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch) - CRC53 Little Patch
08:54 - Still heading north, getting hard to see even with zoom.
08:44 - Probably 2.5 miles north of Hidden Beach still on same course heading north.
08:30 - Still heading north Whidbey side closer to mid channel.
08:25 - 1.5 miles north of Hidden Beach.
08:10 - Gray whale headed north of Hidden Beach, Whidbey side.  -Photos by Aaron Gill, January 25, 2026
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Sun, Jan 25 - Possession Sound
10:00 - At least one gray in the delta. Mid channel. Feeding. Link to FB video. Link to FB video. -Jaime Shields

January 24
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sat, Jan 24 - San Juans (T123s)
11:58 - Donna McCrea, emailed at 12:02 to report: KALEETAN Captain reports 3 Orca westbound in Tyee Channel, vessel is currently stopped.
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Sat, Jan 24 - Saratoga Passage (T46s minus T46D)
17:01 - Still northbound, Camano side, near Maple Grove boat launch. Viewing from Long Point. -Tamara Kelley, Orca Conservancy
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15:55 - Maybe 100 or so yards off Whidbey shore northbound just south of Race Lagoon. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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15:42 - We are cruising on our boat southbound on the Camano side of Saratoga, but we can confirm there are at least 3 continuing their trek northbound along Whidbey. We saw them directly across from Indian Beach. Couldn’t see them with our bare eyes (too far away), but clear as day with binos. -Kacy Struzzieri
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15:38 - Still heading north mid channel. Just south of Onamac Point. Appears to be 3. -Marie Heil
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15:04 - T46s minus T46D long downs northbound north of Hidden Beach. Midchannel. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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14:44 - 3 orcas including male northbound in Saratoga Passage out from Hidden Beach, Whidbey. -Rachel, Marla, Nikol, & Aubree
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GRAY WHALES -
Sat, Jan 24 - Saratoga Passage
08:52 - I am currently sitting at Hidden Beach. While looking towards the entrance of Holmes Harbor, I saw a blow. To me, it looks like a gray whale, but I only saw it the one time so I cannot give a positive confirmation on the species. Though, given the size of the blow, it’s safe to say that it was a baleen whale of some kind. -Kat Martin
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Sat, Jan 24 - Saratoga Passage
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Luanne Seymour
Date of Sighting: January 24, 2026
Time: 12:13 PM
Species seen: Gray
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Sandy Point Whidbey side
Direction of travel : East
Behaviors observed: Milling
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 24 - Possession Sound
15:50 - Two gray whales 2-3 miles north of Harborview Park. Looks to be heading north or north east. -Sophia Madden
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12:17 - Two grays in the delta. Both a little south of area as the map above. One Feeding, one braking way moving south. -Jaime Shields
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09:48 - I see a couple of [gray whale] spouts! They appear to be heading south/southwest [approx. 48.021268, -122.250421]. -Alice Moyal [HIWS]
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HUMPBACK WHALES -
Sat, Jan 24 - Saratoga Passage
15:42 - Also spotted two humpbacks further north in Saratoga about 90 min ago. the humpbacks were off of Maple Grove beach in Saratoga. Initially they were heading northbound but they turned behind us and headed west/northwest toward Oak Harbor. I’m 100% positive they were humpbacks. -Kacy Struzzieri
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MINKE WHALES -
Sat, Jan 24 - Dalco Passage
15:45 - The minke in Dalco Passage. It was traveling eastbound between Point Defiance and Owen Beach. -photos by Stephanie Morris, January 24, 2026
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15:11 - [presumed minke] humpback whale swimming towards the ferry port in front of Owen Beach. -Angelica Bergoo
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14:47 - Minke off Owen Beach in Dalco Passage. -Andrea Reinicke

January 23
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Fri, Jan 23 - Haro Strait (J Pod) - I also filmed J Pod being passed by a bulk carrier in Haro: Link to Youtube video. - I Encountered J Pod in Haro today: Link to Youtube video.  -Gerald Graham
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13:57 - Visible on the Whale Museum Live Stream... Big breach and surface activity.
13:51 - Calls on Orcasound Lab hydrophone -Hannah Marie Munro
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13:39 - Calls (southern residents) on Orcasound Lab hydrophone. -Lori Robinson
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13:40 - Very vocal on all hydrophones in that area [Haro Strait]. -Sophia Newton
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13:28 - 13:33 - Seeing multiple blows and dorsal fins on the [Lime Kiln] WebCam. -Tenaya Brian Stecker
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10:59 - OBI just posted on the livestream and said they were identified as J Pod. -Sophia Newton
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10:50 - Vocals were Ts, but visual is J Pod! 
10:05 - I’ve got a distant visual of them between Lime Kiln and Discovery Island on the Canadian side of Haro, northbound. Quite a good sized group.  -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Fri, Jan 23 - Active Pass, BC (T90s)
13:30 - The T090s (thanks for R Hayden for ID) and others swam quickly eastward through Active Pass. Photo and video taken from the shore of Galiano Island, BC.  -photo by Karoline Cullen, January 23, 2026 - Link to Youtube video.  -video by Gary Cullen, January 23, 2026
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Fri, Jan 23 - Haro Strait
09:47 - [Bigg’s] Calls on Lime Kiln right now -Sophia Newton
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Fri, Jan 23 - Port Susan
13:46 - Mainland side southbound past Kayak Point -[PSWW chat]
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11:23 - Slightly north
10:57 - View from Kayak Point for only a minute, then disappeared west[bound]. Link to FB video. -Monica Kumpula
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07:47 - Orcas, mid channel, hanging around mid channel, going back and forth. At least one male plus others. Straight out from Tulalip Shores -Jake [PSWW chat]
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GRAY WHALES -
Fri, Jan 23 - Saratoga Passage (CRC531 Gretchen) - My first encounter with the “Sounders” gray whales. Gretchen did little turn in front of Sheriff boat. Link to FB video. -Duangjai Vasantana-Berntsen
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15:11 - Gray whale straight out from Hidden Beach parking lot meandering north-ish. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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Fri, Jan 23 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch)
10:33 - Little Patch moved north. -Ambre Bonne
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08:40 - Little Patch still feeding here at Hidden Beach Whidbey Island.
07:45 - Little Patch mid Hidden Beach Cove. -Marilyn Armbruster
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CRC53 Little Patch
07:30 - One gray whale feeding in the cove north of Hidden Beach. -photos by Bob VonDrachek, January 23, 2026
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FIN WHALES -
Fri, Jan 23 - Rosario Strait - Fin whale in Rosario Strait -photo by EJ Tilt, January 23, 2026
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Same one [fin] as in September 2025, so awesome! -Erin Johns Gless, PWWA
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15:45 - [fin] Haven't seen it since my last update, heading out now. For the record, my first sighting was approximately 14:38, a bit south of the location in my 14:53 report
15:18 - [fin] Trending east, 10+ minute downtimes. This surfacing was south of where I saw it before
15:01 - [fin] Surfaced again a bit closer to shore, still far away though
14:53 - Baleen [fin] whale facing north off Sares Head [Fidalgo Island, in Rosario Strait], probably 2+ miles offshore. Tall blow, long downtimes -Serena Tierra, Orca Network

January 22
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Thu, Jan 22 - Saratoga Passage (T46s minus T46D) - T122 Centeki & T46E Thor - T46E Thor - Then I got the word.... orcas! There's the motivation I was looking for! I met up with a friend and we watched as gray whale CRC-531 "Gretchen" passed us. Then the T46s passed. It was cold, and gray... But, it wasn't rainy or windy, and we had whales! Link to more photos. -photos & IDs by Sarah Geist, January 22, 2026
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14:26 - Thor is VERY Camano side. Ridiculously long downs.
14:20 - Northbound past Onomac. Camano side of mid. -Sarah Geist
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13:32 - Viewing from Hidden Beach. Orcas traveling northbound. Camano side. -Hannah Marie Munro
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13:15 - Northbound again. Camano side of mid. Out from Cama-ish. -Sarah Geist
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13:06 - Still viewing from Camano Island State Park overlook. Orcas are milling closer to Camano side now. -Patti Voeller
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13:04 - We are seeing them north east of East Point. Look to be milling, non directional. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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12:53 - Viewing from Camano Island State Park. Northbound just past Baby Island closer to Whidbey side.  -Patti Voeller
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12:44 - The orcas have stalled in the triangle. Around mid channel. Out from Camano Island State Park-ish.
12:22 - Past East Point. Whidbey side now. Slow northbound. -Sarah Geist
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12:11 - 46E is here. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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11:40 - Slow northbound Saratoga. Out from Saratoga woods. Camano side. I think it’s the 46s. -Sarah Geist
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11:08 - Standby on ID. My pics were a bit pixelated. This may be 46E. [initially ID’d T137s]
10:45 - Our friends are stealthy headed up Saratoga, past Sandy Point. They have moved to mid channel. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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11:06 - Viewing straight out from Langley, they are on Camano side with long downtimes. -Rachael Kvig
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10:32 - Fins coming around the bend at Sandy Point. Whidbey side. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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09:49 - I think there were 7-8 in all. They continued up the west side of Hat Island. Link to FB video. 
09:30 - 09:35 - Just spotted orcas traveling north past Clinton ferry dock. Looks like a group of 4-6. -Natalie Scantlen
*
GRAY WHALES -
Thu, Jan 22 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch & CRC531 Gretchen) - CRC531 Gretchen - There's the motivation I was looking for! I met up with a friend and we watched as gray whale CRC-531 "Gretchen" passed us. Link to more photos. -photos & ID by Sarah Geist, January 22, 2026
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Abby Thies
Date of Sighting: January 22, 2026
Time: 5:35 PM
Species seen: Gray
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Just north of Hidden Beach
Direction of travel : N
Behaviors observed: Milling, pec fin up
If orcas, any males?: N/A
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
16:50 - Viewing from up above Hidden Beach Cove with Gretchen nearest shore. She doing her famous roll. I loved seeing the both of them together. Link to FB videos.
16:45 - Both have moved north feeding into the cove. Video taken from up above parking lot. Gretchen doing her famous roll. Link to FB video.
16:40 - Little Patch and Gretchen as they were heading northwest towards Hidden Beach Cove for their evening feed. Little Patch in the lead. Link to FB videos. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
16:58 - Gretchen and Little Patch slightly north of Hidden Beach. Close to shore. So fun to hang out with the Sounders! Link to FB video.
16:31 - Still with Little Patch and Gretchen at Hidden Beach. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
15:45 - Little Patch and Gretchen offshore straight out from parking lot milling about 1/4 mile out. Link to FB video. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
15:44 - [CRC53 & CRC531] Still milling together off Hidden Beach.
15:14 - Gretchen and Little Patch swimming together. Still milling off Hidden Beach. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
15:00 - [CRC531] Still milling about in front of the Hidden Beach parking lot. A bit more surfacing at the moment. -Janet Moody
*
14:37 - [CRC53] Gray off north end of Hidden Beach and another [CRC531] directly out from Hidden Beach.
14:32 - [CRC531] Gray still milling about off Hidden Beach. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
13:46 - Gretchen has arrived at Hidden Beach parking lot. -Sarah Geist
*
CRC53 Little Patch
13:03 - [CRC53] Flipped
12:54 - [CRC53] Grey heading north just outside Hidden Beach Whidbey side. -photos by Aaron Gill, January 22, 2026
*
12:51 - [CRC53] Viewing from Hidden Beach seeing spouts slightly north of the parking lot. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
12:32 - [CRC531] The gray is pointed towards Hidden Beach. But moving slow. Currently out near Baby Island. -Sarah Geist
*
12:25 - Still out from Hidden Beach, but seems to be very slowly heading north. Link to FB video. -Ashton Mead
*
11:58 - [CRC531] Gray northbound passing East Point. -Sarah Geist
*
11:11 - [CRC53] Hanging out in front of the Hidden Beach parking lot. -photo by Ashton Mead, January 22, 2026
*
08:00 - [CRC53] One gray whale north of Hidden Beach in the cove -photo by Bob VonDrachek, January 22, 2026

January 21
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Wed, Jan 21 - Haro Strait (J Pod) - J calls with a bit of the Aurora at Lime Kiln early this morning. Thanks to PNWOrcaOwl for the heads up! Link to FB video. -Fred Horn
*
GRAY WHALES -
Wed, Jan 21 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch & CRC531 Gretchen)
17:10 - 2 grays at Hidden Beach. Feeding amidst the debris (driftwood, etc). -Nancy Culp Zaretzke
*
14.50 - Grey whale mouth of Holmes Harbor heading south. -Sandy Pollard
*
13:48 - Relaying report that CRC53 Little Patch is just north of Hidden Beach parking lot. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
CRC531 Gretchen - CRC53 Little Patch
07:36 - Hard to see due to dense fog but there's one gray whale close to shore just north of the parking lot at Hidden Beach. There were two whales at Hidden Beach when I left. They were staying close to shore and very active but near impossible to see. I took a break to enhance a few photos for ID purposes. They didn't look like this in person but with heavy dehaze and high contrast you can see through the fog a bit. -photos by Bob VonDrachek, January 21, 2026
*
MINKE WHALES -
Wed, Jan 21 - Dalco Passage
12:30 - I thought I saw him [minke] earlier out from Point Ruston but he disappeared [as though] I imagined it! -Da Is
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Charles Sarver
Date of Sighting: January 21, 2026
Time: 12:01 PM
Species seen: Minke
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Point Defiance right outside Dalco Passage
Direction of travel : Stayed in small area near where sea lions and harbor seals were feeding
Behaviors observed: It surfaced a few times within an hour but didn't stay surfaced for long
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?: No
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Pretty sure it was a mink whale. Smaller than a humpback with dry small dorcel fin for size of body. The sea lions and seals in close proximity were unconcerned by it.
Photos available?: No

January 20
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Tue, Jan 20 - Saratoga Passage
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Steve hipskind
Date of Sighting: January 20, 2026
Time: 4:02 PM
Species seen: Orcas
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Saratoga Passage, Mussel Beach Road, Coupeville
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed: Traveling slowly, long down times, Whidbey side mid channel
If orcas, any males?: 1male
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
Tue, Jan 20 - Puget Sound 
11:37 - Zero northbound progress. Same spot, perhaps a bit more east.
11:22 - South of Alki. Perhaps hunting. Northbound direction seems stalled. Many blows.
11:19 - Lots of fast blows. Could be more than 4 but too far out to tell. Quite windy/choppy.
11:15 - Seeing blows slightly south of Rockaway Park on Bainbridge Island. East of Blake Rock. Northbound. -Michele Edwards Ley
*
10:59 - They have committed to pass on the east side of Bainbridge. -Orca Conservancy
*
10:52 - They are past Blake. -Shari Tarantino
*
10:45 - Watching the blows from South Beach - awesome! -Patricia Haynes
*
10:44 - Orcas on Orca Conservancy livestream! -Sophia Newton
*
10:23 - Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: Sealth reports 4 orca NB between VASH dock and Blake Island.
*
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES -
Tue, Jan 20 - Haro Strait
08:24 - 4 orcas. One male. One juvenile. A mile off west Side of San Juan Island headed for Open Bay. -M Elise Cannon [WSSJI]
*
GRAY WHALES -
Tue, Jan 20 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch & CRC531 Gretchen) 
17:36 - 2 grays still at Hidden Beach. 1 one south side one in the cove. -Mel Nasby
*
16:30 - Viewing from Baby Island area and can see 2 blows and feeding. 1 blow south end of parking lot and other 3/4 way into cove. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
16:20 - Relaying report that there are 2 grays at Hidden Beach, one in the cove & one in front of the parking lot. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
15:59 - Still at Hidden Beach. -photo by Cassie Yount, January 20, 2026
*
CRC53 Little Patch
14:54 - Should be visible from Hidden Beach almost to cove.
14:40 - Still heading south.
14:20 - Gray whale off Whidbey sure heading south 1.5 miles north of Hidden Beach.
11:40 - At Hidden Beach see a blow in the distance towards Baby Island. -photos by Aaron Gill, 20, 2026
*
10:40 - One gray whale is still visible off Hidden Beach parking lot! -Kaela Bonne
*
CRC53 Little Patch
08:36 - One gray whale feeding off Hidden Beach. He’s been here since sunrise. Close to shore. -photos by Bob VonDrachek, January 20, 2026
*
MINKE WHALES -
Tue, Jan 20 - Dalco Passage
13:30 - 2nd hand baleen whale report: friend shared a video of a minke whale close to shore at Owen Beach, heading west towards Point Defiance.  -Brooke Casanova

January 19
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Mon, Jan 19 - Puget Sound
16:30 - Someone in one of my local groups just posted a video of a couple of orca in Case Inlet heading towards Dana Passage. -T.j. Smith
*
11:30 - I saw a group from Sandy Shores but they were way over on the east side of the sound. Hard to see even with binoculars. Also saw a lone unidentified species along Sandy Shores headed to Gold Beach. -Shannon McCann Holt
*
10:57- I’m on the east side of Maury Island. I think I’m seeing 5 orcas heading north. They just passed Lower Sandy Shores. When I saw them from Sandy Shores, they were west of mid channel. Closer to the Vashon side. The person who saw them at Gold Beach was probably around 11:30. I couldn’t see them from Point Robinson though. -Eileen Wolcott
*
GRAY WHALES -
Mon, Jan 19 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch) - Little Patch stayed at Hidden Beach until the sun was setting and maybe longer… Link to more photos. -photos by Kim Parry, January 19, 2026
*
21:00 - Out aurora chasing (and failing) and heard blows in the same area but seems to be echoing off the Camano side too. -Ashley Johnson
*
19:11 - [gray] Whale heading north 1.5 miles north of Hidden Beach Whidbey side. -Aaron Gill
*
16:49 - Little Patch is still feeding close inshore southeast end of cove off Hidden Beach. It’s all so breathtaking with Little Patch, the hundreds of sea birds, seals, sea lions, and Mount Kulsahn lit up pink & purple from sunset colors. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
16:22 - Soooooo much activity at Hidden Beach still. It's so hard to leave! -photo by Cindy McDonald, January 19, 2026
*
16:20 - Little Patch right off shore south end of cove feeding. Link to FB video. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
16:07 - Little patch has been feeding east end of cove, close to the pilings, very close to shore for a long happy while. Hidden Beach.
15:19 - Gray has moved further east and inshore and has stalled to feed in the cove north of Hidden Beach. Word from someone on shore there was another gray around to the Holmes Harbor side of the homes that side of Hidden Beach making their way west towards the beach. We haven’t seen that whale yet.
15:10 - Gray whale, presumably Little Patch, back in the north end of the cove north Hidden Beach. Slowly making his way south following along the shoreline. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
15:11 - Entering the cove at Hidden Beach.
14:49 - Still heading south right off the shore those at Hidden Beach should be able to see them now.
14:35 - Heading south towards Hidden Beach.
14:25 - Gray whale 1.5 miles north of Hidden Beach feeding off Whidbey shore. -photos by Aaron Gill, January 19, 2026
*
13:43 - I think Little Patch is done with Hidden Beach. He is passed the point northbound. 
13:30 - Now just seeing Little Patch northbound and feeding a little bit.
13:05 - Fog is still lifting, but I believe there are two gray whales out from Hidden Beach. -Kim Parry
*
Mon, Jan 19 - Saratoga Passage (CRC531 Gretchen)
17:10 - 531 still feeding in the same area, has moved a bit further south since my last update.
16:29 - CRC531 feeding on the south side of the point between Elger Bay and Mabana
16:09 - Gray whale south of Elger Bay. Lots of bird activity, likely feeding. Visible with binoculars from Mabana. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
15:03 - Grey whale at Camano State Park heading towards Mabana. Link to FB video.  -Joby N Keidren Wright
*
Mon, Jan 19 - Possession Sound
14:53 - Spotted a gray just off Jetty in Everett.  -photo by Alison Robison, January 19, 2026
*
MINKE WHALES -
Mon, Jan 19 - Tacoma Narrows
16:30 - Saw a dorsal fin just south of Narrows Bridge come up a few times - near the Gig Harbor side bridge pillars. Ended up north of the bridge again the last -time we saw it. Looked more like a minke dorsal to us and no tail fluke so we assumed minke. -Andrea Facer
*
16:22 - Someone said he saw a minke out here earlier. -David Bennett
*
UNIDENTIFIED SPECIES -
Mon, Jan 19 - Hood Canal 
15:03 - Just saw a few [believe to be orcas, but unconfirmed] under the Hood Canal Bridge! -Gisele Mkarzel
*
Mon, Jan 19 - Tacoma Narrows
16:22 - Someone said he saw a minke out here earlier.
16:15 - Surfaces & blows are directed low & frontal.
16:10 - South of mid channel from this point, but still more mid channel, as opposed to being closer to Gig Harbor.
16:06 - I've been here at the Narrows Overlook Here's what I've seen. Looks like possibly humpback to me [unable to tell from photos, may be a sea lion -RH]. -photos by David Bennett, January 19, 2026
*
14:26 - There is something spouting north of the Narrows Bridge. We are on 5 Mile Drive at Point Defiance and can see something breaching. -Jenn Amdal
*
14:05 - Just north of Salmon Beach viewing from 5 Mile Drive. I think two grey whales. -Simone Shaw

January 18
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sun, Jan 18 - South Puget Sound (T36A1s & T137s) - The video I took in Purdy Bay. Link to FB video. -Lauren Nelson
*
17:13 - Big bull entering the Purdy Bay northbound.
17:01 - They’re in Purdy Bay northbound. -Robyn Riley
*
17:02 - Coming into view and to the left of the floating dock.
16:54 - Viewing with binos from Purdy. Seeing distant blows from Jack coming into view. North in Henderson Bay. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
16;53 - Viewing from Purdy Spit. Still headed into the bay. Out toward mid channel from where they were near Minter. Key Peninsula side. -Torry Chamberlayne
*
16:49 - I was on kayak at Minter the one I saw was headed away from me toward Kopachuck.
16:36 - Middle of bay headed toward Kopachuck. -Claudia Marsh
*
16:35 - Viewing from Minter side. Past mouth of Minter. Middle of channel heading north time. -Alexa Mercurio
*
16:25 - Had one pop up just south of Minter Creek in Henderson Bay headed north. Hasn't popped up again. -Randy Witter
*
16:04 - Still viewing from Kopachuck. Orcas are trending near North Bay. Northbound. 1 boat following.
15:51 - Viewing from Kopachuck they are spread out in the inlet. Northbound. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
15:44 - Moving northbound in Carr toward Cutts Island. Already past the entrance to Horsehead Bay. -Deanna Foster Goldberg
*
15:27 - Heading toward Kopachuck but Key Peninsula side. Just seeing Jack.
15:13 - Northbound spread out at the mouth of Lakebay.
15:01 - Northbound toward Lakebay.
14:51 - They are milling north of Pitt Passage. Jack has rejoined the others. They are kind of by Delano Bay? I’m unfamiliar with the area. Look for the 3 boats.
14:42 - Viewing from a private residence on Fox Island they are on the Key Peninsula side hunting. Trending toward McNeil. 3-4 boats following. -Lainey B Seims
*
14:23 - Only saw 2 as they passed Horsehead Bay. -Jennifer Swenson
*
14:20 - Seeing one large orca among 4-5 boats [approx. 47.267961, -122.716757]. -Amelia Heagerty
*
14:20 - Another group of three is following the first group. Just north of Pitt Passage traveling south. -Ariana S Huffmyer
*
14:17 - Now far further south mid channel.
14:11 - Not sure if same spot but kind of between McNeil and Fox... not sure how many are there. -Dave Smith
*
14:05 - Moving south in front of Pitt Passage approaching McNeil Island on Key Peninsula side. -Ariana S Huffmyer
*
14:04 - Surfacing mid channel between Green Point and Penrose. -Gillian Baldwin
*
13:37 - Still slowly moving southbound, closer to KP (Key Peninsula) side of mid-channel. Two boats in the area (at a respectful distance, just flagging because it helps me spot them). -Deanna Foster Goldberg
*
13:31 - Seeing everyone past Glen Cove a bit. Still steady southbound. Still Key Peninsula side.
13:11 - Just past Glen Cove hugging Key Peninsula side southbound. -Lainey B Seims
*
13:02 - Viewing from Kopachuck. There are two for sure swimming south. -Rich Kuras
*
12:59 - Approaching Raft Island, mid channel
12:56 - Have them moving south. Closer to Gig Harbor side. Approaching Allen Point.  -Gary Furuheim
*
12:33 - Visible from Purdy Spit far out toward Minter. -Robyn Riley
*
T137B Tempest & T36A1 Tierna -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network
12:28 - Seeing them from along the Purdy Spit looks like they're heading out of Henderson. -photo by SummerLee Blankenship, January 18, 2026
*
12:01 - Still in Henderson Bay as of noon. Over on the west side between Cutts and Minter, heading north. One very large bull seen from a distance. -David Paly
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Maureen Mayo
Date of Sighting: January 18, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Carr Inlet: abeam Horsehead Bay, 200 feet from shoreline
Direction of travel : Northbound
Behaviors observed: Looked to be hunting
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
07:15 - I'm guessing the T137s stayed in Carr Inlet/Henderson Bay overnight. My neighbor heard and recorded breathing and surface activity in the fog just south of Minter Creek on the Key Peninsula side. No direction or counts to provide. -Randy Witte
*
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES -
Sun, Jan 18 - Strait of Juan de Fuca
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sarah Canepa
Date of Sighting: January 18, 2026 - Time: 4:35 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 6
Where seen: Shipwreck Point [Strait of Juan de Fuca - video shows a small calf present]
Direction of travel : E
Behaviors observed: Traveling
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 - Adult dorsal next to very small calf breaching -screengrab from video by Sarah Canepa, January 18, 2026
*
Sun, Jan 18 - Washington Coast
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Noah Wilskey
Date of Sighting: January 18, 2026
Time: 11:18 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 10
Where seen: Cape Flattery (48.3862099, -124.7310179)
Direction of travel : North to north east
Behaviors observed: Looked like hunting + traveling
If orcas, any males?: Yes maybe 1-2 in video
Any unusual markings?: Hard to tell
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Incredible to witness at Cape flattery on such a beautiful day. Have a few videos I captured. I will email over.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
COASTAL KILLER WHALES -
Sun, Jan 18 - Oregon Coast (T234/CA277, T234A/CA277A, T236/CA276, T308/CA278)
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Mark Ludwick
Date of Sighting: January 18, 2026
Time: 2:05 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: 13 miles west of Newport
Direction of travel : Probably west
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: I don't know
Any unusual markings?: I didn't see any
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I was on a fishing boat heading into Newport the whales appeared to be going the opposite way. Only observe for a minute or two.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org - T308/CA278 - T236/CA276 -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network & Ling Yifan -photos by Mark Ludwick, January 18, 2026
*
GRAY WHALES -
Sun, Jan 18 - Saratoga Passage (CRC531 Gretchen & CRC2246 Azulão)
18:50 - Two whales 1.5 miles north of Hidden Beach, I can tell by the separate blows it’s two. Link to FB video. -Aaron Gill
*
CRC2246 Azulão
16:45 - Out from Hidden Beach. CRC2246 Azulão one of them! [Other looked to be CRC531 Gretchen] -photo & ID by Rachel Haight, Orca Network, January 18, 2026
*
16:45 - The two grays, Az being one, are off Hidden Beach parking lot heading north. Link to FB video.
15:45 - Continuing towards Holmes Harbor. Sightline from Hidden Beach they are west of Baby Island, that side of mid channel. [approx. 48.099418, -122.535410].
15:25 - Spotted the two whales, they are grays. Currently westbound angling more Holmes Harbor at the moment. Sightline Baby Island Heights from Hidden Beach. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
14:45 - Two humpbacks [grays] traveling north. Viewing from Camano Island State Park mid-channel. Looks like they're turning west. -Shelly Greybeck
*
Sun, Jan 18 - Saratoga Passage/Holmes Harbor (CRC53 Little Patch) - CRC-53 Little Patch, Sunday afternoon, Hidden Beach, Whidbey Island. Link to more photos. -photos by Jason Cook, January 18, 2026
*
Link to FB video. -photo by MdcQueen Dinero, January 18, 2026
*
13:40 - Little Patch is still within sight but at north end of the cove north of Hidden Beach. Thinking/hoping he’ll circle back as tide continues to come in.
13:00 - Little Patch has moved into cove north of parking lot and is feeding. Buddy head lunging by Marilyn Armbruster -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
13:00 - Directly in front of Hidden Beach cove… kayak photographer in the area. Looks like he’s coming in to feed. -Janet Moody
*
12:52 - Gray has stalled out from the parking lot at Hidden. Circling around bobbing to the surface. Slowly drifting inshore and north. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
12:44 - Directly in front of Hidden Beach. Northbound. -Jason Cook
*
12:30 - Gray whale is in sight from Hidden, they have rounded the bend, heading northwest towards Hidden Beach. -Alisa, Marilyn & Jason
*
12:03 - Gray still traveling north, just north of and hugging Greenbank, seemingly heading to Hidden Beach as viewed from Wonn road. 
11:56 - We stayed to watch it surface a few more times to ensure it was committed. It appeared so. We are relocating. -Alisa Lemire Brooks & Marilyn Armbruster
*
11:25 - Gray whale northbound Holmes Harbor between Dines Point and Greenbank on Greenbank side. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
11:06 - Just saw what we thought was a humpback in Holmes Harbor. -Dasha Berry
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Sun, Jan 18 - San Juans 
12:01 - Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: Two Humpback heading towards Cape George near Friday Harbor.
|12:00 - Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: Tillikum just reported a gray whale milling near Friday Harbor, no specific direction.
*
MINKE WHALES -
Sun, Jan 18 - Dalco Passage
14:10 - Our boat passed within 100 yds of a whale. West bound just north of Point Defiance. Solo and too big for a pacific porpoise. Much too small for a humpback. I am guessing a minke whale. -Stace Gordon
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sandy Karwhite
Date of Sighting: January 18, 2026
Time: 11:47 AM
Species seen: Unknown, only one seen surfacing at any time
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Dalco Passage, Vashon side, near Tahlequah ferry dock
Direction of travel : Unknown - seems to be staying in general area, have seen surface in general area a number of times in last 10 minutes
Behaviors observed: Milling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No

January 17
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sat, Jan 17 - Admiralty Inlet (T124A2s) - T124A2s heading north past Point Wilson. Link to more photos. -photos by Danielle Lanxon, January 17, 2026
*
15:17 - West of Point Wilson now trending Northwest. Got three fast glimpses, and they went down. -Joe Griffin-Harte
*
15:00 - East of Point Wilson. Heading northbound. -Danielle Lanxon
*
14:58 - Viewing from Fort Casey looking at Fort Worden lighthouse. Saw blows with binoculars. Seems like they may have moved even more west. -Brad Dufour
*
15:30 - They are still headed northbound more west of mid now.
14:55 - Viewing with binoculars from Fort Ebey, still northbound west of mid, lots of big bows around them. -Kim Parry
*
14:48 - Here [approx. 48.138928, -122.733448], heading north. What a beautiful day!  -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
*
14:42 - Same pace; long down times: still west of mid. -Jennifer Fulton Carpenter
*
14:48 - Last view was still South of Fort Worden State Park.
14:34 - Viewing from Fort Casey looking towards Port Townsend. Heading northbound . Can see blows without binoculars. Can see their bodies with binoculars. -Brad Dufour
*
14:25 - Still casually headed north bound about west of mid channel [approx. 48.127675, -122.719054]. -Jennifer Fulton Carpenter
*
13:50 - Close pass off Flagler Point. -Susan John
*
13:53 - Still northbound between Fort Flagler and Fort Casey, west of midchannel. Grouped up and casually traveling.
13:32 - They’re still northbound, still south of Fort Flagler on the west side of the channel. Downtimes are a couple of minutes. 
13:08 - Northbound here-ish [approx. 48.095275, -122.677930]. Seeing 5-7 blows at a time. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
*
T124A2A Agafia
13:00 - From Fort Flagler overlook. They are south of here and very much on the west side of the channel, slowly northbound.
12:30 - Passed East Beach, northbound. Private boat following. -back of camera photo by Susan John, January 17, 2026
*
12:30 - Northbound between Lagoon Point and East Beach Marrowstone. West of mid. -Sarah Geist
*
10:30 - Seeing blows, south of Double Bluff from my perspective. -Susan John
*
09:21 - Heading north, north of Norwegian Point.
09:15 - North of Point No Point now. At least four.
09:00 - Orcas southeast of Point No Point lighthouse. -Danielle Lanxon
*
Sat, Jan 17 - South Puget Sound (T36A1s & T137s) - T36A1A Drift - T137A Jack - This was our show from the ferry dock on Anderson Island on Saturday visit from the T137s and T36A1s. Link to more photos. -photos by Belen Bilgic Schneider, January 17, 2026
*
T36A1A Drift, T137B Tempest, T36A1 Tierna, T137 Loon -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network
A brief sighting of the T137’s early this morning as they left Carr Inlet, then a lovely close pass along Horsehead Bay this afternoon as they headed back up northbound in the Carr Inlet. Heard soft blows after sunset off Horsehead Bay again this evening as they headed southbound out of Carr Inlet. Link to more photos. -photos by Jennifer Swenson, January 17, 2026
*
T137B Tempest & T137 Loon - T36A1A Drift, T36A1 Tierna, T137 Loon -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network
T137s & T36A1s as they made a very quick appearance Henderson Bay in Purdy this morning! -photos by SummerLee Blankenship, January 17, 2026
*
18:24 - Horsehead Bay southbound. Link to FB video.
18:21 - Can hear lots of blows in the dark as they pass Horsehead Bay southbound. Sound close to shore on this side, slowly exciting Carr Inlet. Still audible at time of writing. -Jennifer Swenson
*
17:13 - Seems like both pods are headed toward Glen Cove after hanging near Deadman’s for a while (where I think they had dinner). -Ashley Beatty
*
16:54 - They seem to have found dinner a few minutes ago. -photo by Stacy Sanders Richens, January 17, 2026
*
16:54 - Lots of tail slaps. Same spot. 
16:50 - Surface activity from 2 fairly stationary individuals between Deadman’s and Minter Creek. -Ashley Beatty
*
16:44 - At least 2 visible from Purdy Spit - at a distance closer to the hill where sun is setting. In front of the buoys.  -Buddy Earhust
*
We were out on the kayaks. 3 females traveled separately and towards the Purdy Sandspit, a large male (with a female?) were moving separately, not going in as far. They were so amazing! Amazing tail slaps and blow sounds. At one point it felt like they were doing circles around us. -Claudia Marsh
*
16:23 - We saw them in Henderson Bay ahead of the people in kayaks. -Amanda Chamberlain
*
16:26 - Close to Minter.
16:19 - Viewing from Purdy Spit they’re pretty far out but headed this way, near a boat. Pin is a guess [approx. 47.354745, -122.674073]. -Jenny Walsh
*
16:15 - Long down times. Just popped up north of Allen Point. Should be visible from Purdy Spit with binoculars. Gig Harbor side.
16:05 - Just north of Raft Island continuing north. -Randy Witter
*
15:57 - Approaching Allen Point. -Janet Christensen Small
*
15:46 - Viewing from Kopachuck State Park - grouped up traveling east of mid channel northbound into Henderson, we found them from the sound of their blows. -Andrea Facer
*
15:37 - They seem to be headed farther up into Carr Inlet. -Betsy Thomas
*
15:33 - Northbound in Carr, headed toward Kopachuck State Park. -Deanna Foster Goldberg
*
15:22 - Just saw a big dorsal‘s viewing point Penrose State Park. -Krystina Douglass
*
15:20 - Saw them right here from Bella Bella heading around the west side of Green Point. Saw at least three fins, maybe four. [approx. 47.280750, -122.697522]. -Jenny Walsh
*
15:15 - 2 lead and 4 following into Carr. -Troy Mead
*
14:55 - Briefly spotted 3 fins mid-channel Carr Inlet between Fox Island and McNeil, about a half mile south of Bella Bella, heading north. Fox Island, McNeil-facing side, half mile south of Bella Bella. -photo by Michelle Anderson Khuon, January 17, 2026
*
14:09 - Second McNeil pass today! [approx. 47.212646, -122.639276]. -Laura Kozar Batanian
*
14:05 - Northbound [approx. 47.203376, -122.638023]. -Julia Footh
*
14:00 - They are headed north now. Right in front of McNeil prison. -Paul Davis
*
13:49 - What an amazing day! I couldn’t even post updates because once we saw them from the Anderson Island ferry dock, they have been on one hunt after another, very surface active and I have 14k shots to sort through. We definitely had a little one and I believe 6 total. They are mid water right note and continue to be in no hurry to go anywhere. -Belen Bilgic Schneider
*
13:40 - Just saw T137s STILL at Anderson Island ferry. Milling.  -Lisa Wood
*
13:39 - On hunting [approx. 47.172195, -122.668533]. -Paul Davis
*
13:37 - Tail slaps spotted off Anderson island ferry dock viewing from Steilacoom. -Mitchell Ehmann
*
13:05 - Surface active just south of Anderson Island ferry terminal - can't tell how many from Chambers. -Lisa Wood
*
12:41 - Just saw 4 to 5 swimming southbound at Hyde Point on McNeil. One had a massive dorsal fin! They dove down north of the ferry dock. -Lisa Barrett Morgan
*
12:45 - Look to now be heading west between McNeil and Anderson.
12:35 - Just cleared the east end of McNeil heading southeast. -Laura Kozar Batanian
*
12:28 - Look to be headed south out of Carr Inlet [approx. 47.204926, -122.633360]. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
12:22 - They are passing by Gertrude Island! Heading south. -Hannah Stoner
*
11:18 - 3 smaller passed Penrose.
11:08 - Today was something I will not forget. I was alone and finally spotted the T137s far in the distance around 11:08. I get the distant mirage video of them heading my way.... who knew ~10min they would pop up in front of me. I was unprepared since I had not spotted them since they were in the mirage. They were gone as fast as they appeared. Link to FB videos. -photos by Kristen George, January 17, 2026
*
11:17 - Seeing blows near Penrose, they look to be closer to the other side. Nearly out of view from Bella Bella.
10:54 - Seeing fins across from Bella Bella. Closer to the Maple Hollow Park side. Continuing south. -Mollie Segall
*
10:44 - Still in front of Maple Hollow, milling. -Duffy Lord
*
10:43 - Mid channel by the weather buoy headed toward Fox island. South of Kopachuck State Park. -Justin Foster
*
10:34 - Spouting in front of Maple Hollow Park, Key Peninsula. -Gillian Baldwin
*
10:09 - Straight out from Kopachuck, mid channel heading south. -Brooke Casanova
*
09:55 - Definitely spread out. One is mid channel and one near Key Peninsula side approaching Glen Cove headed south. -Randy Witter
*
09:54 - Just saw Jack on the north side of Deadman’s Island from Kopachuck. -Andrea Reinicke
*
09:54 - We saw him [Jack] around the same time (viewing from Wauna), but it seemed like they were just kind of hanging out there. Haven’t seen them for a while now though, so they must have moved one way or another after they dived.
09:38 - Saw one surface 3 times between Deadman’s Island and Minter Creek. Seemed to be headed into Henderson Bay. -Ashley Beatty
*
09:12 - Still viewing from Purdy Spit, they appear to be headed back out of the bay. Have only put eyes on two of them one appearing to be Jack.
09:03 - Viewing from Purdy Spit, they are deep in the bay past the floating dock. -Torry Chamberlayne
*
09:20 - They made it to the floating platform and then they turned around and went back out looking like they were heading around the corner.
09:19 - Right along Henderson in Purdy.
09:12 - They are heading out.
09:00 - I see three or four of them. -SummerLee Blankenship
*
08:30 - Henderson Bay at Minter. Moving north. Long down times. -Gary Furuheim

GRAY WHALES -
Sat, Jan 17 - Saratoga Passage
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Hannah Fisker-Andersen
Date of Sighting: January 17, 2026
Time: 1:40 PM
Species seen: Humpback [confirmed gray -RH]
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Langley
Direction of travel : N
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
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Sat, Jan 17 - San Juan Channel (CRC-13718 Tempest, CRC-16548 Cirque, CRC-20232 Butterfly Wings) - CRC-20232 Butterfly Wings - Once the octopus succumbed to Its fate, we hurried away. By the end of the day, we had rounded back towards Cattle Point, and the same humpback whales we initially met up with rejoined by our side. The sunlit whales’ breaths were practically dancing in the rare Washington sun. We all took in the beauty of these goliath creatures, as they traveled west out into the sunset and towards Canada. With one final fluke up dive, we said goodbye and raced back to port. By the time we had tied back up at the dock, the sun had taken its leave. It was a great way to end this beautiful Saturday afternoon. Link to more photos. -photos by Kat Martin, January 17, 2026
*
CRC-13718 Tempest - We saw three humpbacks. BCX0837 Tempest, BCY1059 Cirque and Butterfly Wings who has a really gnarly fluke injury that is new this [past] year. We also ran into a Steller's sea lion who was finishing his dinner of Pacific giant octopus. Link to more photos. -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, January 17, 2026
*
16:12 - At Salmon Bank off Cattle Point now. -David Robison
*
10:33 - Two humpbacks in San Juan Channel headed south almost to Mineral Point now. -Melanie Nakashima [WSSJI]
*
UNIDENTIFIED SPECIES -
Sat, Jan 17 - Tacoma Narrows/Dalco Passage
12:22 - Several made a quick pass through Dalco Passage heading towards Robinson Point 15 minutes ago. Might be 3 [approx. 47.316284, -122.554813]. -Rae Yang
*
11:59 - Just crossed the Narrows and saw what looked like a fin surfacing just south of the bridge mid channel, looked to be heading north. I saw it twice, unsure of species but feel like a porpoise fin maybe wouldn’t be that easy to spot from that distance. I know there’s more whales that were around yesterday so thought I’d pass this along just in case. North of Titlow but still south of the Narrows. -Brooke Casanova

January 16
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Fri, Jan 16 - Puget Sound (K Pod) - K20 Spock - First whales of 2026 for me - and it’s my first time seeing K pod, so double win! As they were exiting up Colvos Passage. Link to more photos. -photos by Jennifer Swenson, January 16, 2026
*
K Pod in Colvos Passage.  -photos by Marla Smith, Orca Network, January 16, 2026
*
K-pod from Colvos with sweet little one keeping up like a champ. -photo by Becky Adams, January 16, 2026
*
K Pod pass. -photo by Jasmine Speaks, January 16, 2026
*
K Pod in Colvos Passage. -photos by Mollie Segall, January 16, 2026
*
K pod unexpectedly showed up in Tacoma this morning and we all scrambled to catch them. This is their pass northbound Colvos Passage before exiting north into Seattle. Link to FB video. -April Basham
*
K Pod coming out of Colvos Passage. Link to FB video. -Shannon Lynott
*
K Pod arriving at Southworth today. Link to FB video. -Melissa Bird
*
Earlier from Southworth through my spotting scope. Link to FB video. -Jared Leffner
*
20:09 - Clear calls again on Sunset. -Tracey Carrillo
*
20:08 - Calls on Sunset. -Manuela Manny Insixiengmay
*
19:20 - Heard a few louder calls through the vessel noise. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
19:20 - Sounds like more than just Ks unless they’re making the call.
19:11 - K calls continuing on Sunset Bay under super wicked vessel noise. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
18:46 - Calls on Sunset Bay. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
16:40 - At least two trailers directly out from Golden Gardens, about mid, northbound with long down times. -Nikol Damato, Orca Network
*
16:37 - Leaders north of Golden Gardens, with others very spread out south across channel all northbound. -Sue Surowiec Larkin
*
16:31 - Directly out from Golden Gardens northbound, way west side -Nikol Damato, Orca Network
*
16:16 - Huge spread as they pass West Point. Some more mid channel and others west. Decent spread north to south. I believe trailers are passing the lighthouse now. Still steady northbound. -Kas Alexis
*
16:03 - Here's one by a sailboat 15 minutes ago as viewed from Magnolia Viewpoint. Link to FB video. -Jamin King
*
15:45 - Spread out between Yeomalt Point Bainbridge Island and the northbound shipping lane, heading north quickly. -Brent Cullimore
*
15:44 - At least one male north of Eagle Harbor - another group of 3-4 porpoising past Eagle Harbor mid/west side of channel. Northbound.
15:38 - Viewing from West Point - seeing splashes and surface activity - should be passing Eagle Harbor-ish but the glare makes it tough to tell exactly. Appear west of mid. Northbound. -Kas Alexis
*
15:27 - Just saw some on the Bainbridge ferry. North of the ferry lane. Ferry slowed down for them to let them pass in front of us. -Janice Goode Gurry
*
15:14 - Approaching Eagle Harbor as viewed from 64th Alki. Still steady northbound west of mid. -Steve Rice
*
15:04 - Northbound approaching Blakely Rocks. Viewing Admiral Hill/West Seattle. -Diana Gragg
*
15:04 - Passing Blakely Rock, west of mid. -Steve Rice
*
14:39 - Somewhere in the highlighted area. Continuing north [approx. 47.565160, -122.470751].  -Samiksha Gulrajani
*
13:57 - Leaders passing east of Blake Island south end.
13:55 - Viewing from Emma Schmitz, group is still south of Blake Island but well north of Southworth dock. -Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network
*
13:46 - Between Southworth and Blake aiming for the east side of Blake. -Mary Hartmann
*
13:42 - On west side of that giant ship going through.
13:41 - Visible on Orca Conservancy live feed! -Amy FowIer
*
13:34 - Looking like they'll continue northbound on the east side of Blake. -Melissa Bird
*
13:32 - Way over on Kitsap side almost to Southworth dock northbound. -Mary Hartmann
*
13:16 - Finally in view from Southworth coming around the corner real close to Kitsap shore! -Melissa Bird
*
13:15 - See blows from 52nd and Oregon exiting Colvos northbound towards Southworth. -Mary Hartmann
*
12:54 - Straight out from Fern Cove. Mainland side.  -Tiffany Russell
*
12:43 - They are about a mile south of Southworth.
12:40 - Mid-channel, grouped up, between Peter Point and Driftwood Cove. Long down times. -Roxane Jackson Johnson
*
12:32 - Approaching Fern Cove on Vashon. Northbound.  -Tiffany Russell
*
12:27 - Just spotted 8–10 orca moving northeast through Colvos Passage just south of Southworth ferry terminal. -Josh Reiss
*
12:13 - Still northbound Vashon side almost to Fragaria.
12:00 - Seeing blows at command point, northbound Vashon side. -Katie Apone
*
12:00 - Seeing blows south of Driftwood Cove, more towards Kitsap side. -Roxane Jackson Johnson
*
11:45 - Nearing Command Point. -Kathi Salmon
*
11:23 - North of Olalla Bay now heading northbound. -Heather Cat
*
11:12 - Olalla. Link to FB video. -Kris McNamar
*
11:04 - Nearly to Ollala Bay Market. Traveling tightly grouped with long dives. -Mollie Segall
*
11:00 - Just passed Lisabuela, still northbound. -Ashley S Whitman
*
10:48 - Kpod, grouped up northbound just about to Lisabuela, island side of mid channel, long downtimes. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
10:43 - Steady northbound toward Olalla - lots of blows and some surface activity seem to be mid channel. -Andrea Facer
*
10:42 - Seeing blows in the distant south from Olalla Bay Market. -Laura Walsh Stewart
*
10:35 - Blows visible from Lisabuela, still grouped together in long downtimes heading north in Colvos. -Ashley S Whitman
*
10:35 - Island side of mid now, approaching Lisabuela, northbound, long downtimes. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
10:30 - Lots of blows and some surface activity. Counted 4-5. Still northbound Colvos mid channel approaching Olalla.  -Lynne Hanson
*
10:29 - Correction blows seen from Olalla Bay, but they’re south still.
10:25 - Blows seen at Olalla Bay. -Heather Cat
*
10:28 - Approaching Ollala, just south of Lisabuela, mid channel, long downtimes, northbound.
10:14 - Now just north of point Richmond, mid to west in channel, northbound.
10:03 - Almost to Point Richmond now, island side of mid channel, northbound, long down times.
09:46 - Nearing Point Richmond, island side still, northbound.
09:35 - Seeing lots of blows in the distance, south of Point Richmond in Colvos Passage, island side of channel. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
09:25 - Heading northbound up Colvos hugging Vashon side. -Lainey B Seims
*
09:22 - Out of sight from the south end. Vashon ferry still trending north. Aiming towards Colvos. Can't tell from my vantage if they're in Colvos proper yet.
09:18 - More grouped up and trending northwest. West of ferry lanes. -Ashley S Whitman
*
09:12 - Many orcas west of ferry lanes, westbound mid channel, angling northwest-ish.
09:14 - Look to be angling towards Colvos.
09:03 - Spread out orcas westbound, some Point Defiance side west of ferry. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
09:10 - See a handful of orcas west in Dalco heading Northwest, not committed.
08:50 - Open saddle! Taken from the Point Defiance ferry.
08:45 - There was a small group westbound past the ferry. Spread out a bit. -Ashley S Whitman
*
08:51 - They're moving eastbound, again.They're still some trailers coming back from the Commencement Bay area.Some have already passed through the ferry lane summer still heading towards the ferry land and the other trailing group is pulling up behind him.
08:41 - A group of orca down here off Dune Peninsula, heading towards Commencement Bay. -photos by David Bennett, January 16, 2026
*
08:25 - Several orcas in Dalco passage. Ferry slowed for them. Two or three to the east of ferry Lanes one or two to the west trending east. -Ashley Whitman
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Fri, Jan 16 - Saratoga Passage
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Laurie Ho
Date of Sighting: January 16, 2026
Time: 3:50 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Saratoga Passage
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: Maybe 1
Any unusual markings?: No seen
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
Fri, Jan 16 - Puget Sound (T36A1s & T137s) - My first time seeing them! I hiked up Titlow Beach and they were in front of Narrows Park closer to the Gig Harbor side! I’m so excited! -photo by Atlas Unmapped, January 16, 2026
*
T137A Jack - From Titlow today. -photo by Sharon Predoehl, January 16, 2026
*
T137A Jack - Got to experience a successful hunt by the T137s. Jack gave a little show to celebrate. Link to more photos. -photos by Daniel Walsh, January 16, 2026
*
T36A1 Tierna - T137B Tempest - As they passed by Point Robinson. -photos & IDs by Marla Smith, Orca Network, January 16, 2026
*
Today was something else! I had been feeling a little under the weather at the start of this morning. I was able to muster the strength to get out to go see if I could find the whales. Unfortunately, I spent nearly 8-9 hours always being two steps behind the whales and missing them. Never, in my entire history of chasing whales, have I ever struggled so much keeping up. I finally ended my search at the Fox Island bridge. We waited and waited while we lost light. As I was ready to call it quits and walk away, my friend turned me around because T137A and his sister (most likely) were trailing behind the main group. They passed under the bridge and I caught a very very dark video of it. Link to FB video. -Kat Martin
*
T137s pass by Point Robinson! I wasn’t expecting such a close pass by and it was an incredible treat! Link to FB videos. -Olive Tabbs
*
Off Alki. Link to FB video.  -Fei Cheng
*
Dream shot with The T137s. Link to FB video. -Duangjai Vasantana-Berntsen
*
17:32 - Tough to see but Jack finally passed under Fox Island Bridge. Viewing from the bridge. Link to FB video. -Torry Chamberlayne
*
17:27 - Viewing from Cromwell heading toward Fox Island Bridge.
17:08 - Exiting Wollochet Bay hugging the Cromwell side toward Fox Island. Link to FB video.
17:00 - This was Jack and his companion hunting a seal at in Wollochet Bay today. Link to FB video.  -Lainey B Seims
*
16:44 - They’re headed westbound just past Wollochet Bay. On the Gig Harbor side. -Justin Foster
*
16:35 - Definitely out of sight from Titlow, saw Jack and one other going up past Point Fosdick [approx. 47.251296, -122.596233]. -Morgan Dale
*
16:30 - Seems they’re heading into Hale Passage toward Fox Island Bridge - trending west near Wollochet. -Andrea Facer
*
16:27 - They are headed south towards Fox Island Pier. -Paul Davis
*
16:16 - Looks like they are heading toward the Fox Island bridge. They are not to watch it quite yet. -Barb Pritchard Hulbert
*
16:15 - Milling about just south of the bridge, Gig Harbor side. -Steve Gardner
*
16:08 - On they are just both of Titlow heading south. -Paul Davis
*
16:05 - Jack and one other is about a half mile behind further east. Almost to Titlow. -Ashley Fry
*
15:57 - Four traveling together south mid channel in front of Narrows Park. -Colleen Henckel
*
15:51 - Just northeast of the east “Tacoma side” tower of the Narrows Bridge. -Jason Cook
*
15:51 - Passing under the bridge now. -Steve Gardner
*
15:48 - Viewing from Narrows Park approaching the bridge southbound seems mid-ish but maybe east of mid. -Andrea Facer
*
15:40 - We can see them mid channel southbound towards the bridge. Viewing Hidden Beach-Titlow. -Jason Cook
*
15:30 - Appears to have resumed southbound towards the Narrows. Approx. 2 miles to the bridge. On Gig Harbor side. -Olivier Maltais
*
15:14 - They are milling in front of us at the Five Mile Bridge Viewpoint. -Paul Davis
*
15:14 - Perfect viewing from bridge viewing point in park. -Andrew Soberman
*
14:53 - Hugging Point Defiance heading southbound into Narrows about halfway to Salmon Beach. -Lainey B Seims
*
14:38 - Close to shore at tip of Point Defiance trending toward Narrows.
14:36 - Longer down times. heading west mid channel. Viewing from Owen. -Taryn Hensley
*
14:38 - Anthony’s but they are fast and went south. I think I saw 3.
14:29 - They are at Point Defiance right now. -Ste Sta
*
14:22 - Sighted at Dune Peninsula.  -Mark Causby
*
14:22 - Seeing them at Dune Peninsula now. -Bevan Kloppel
*
14:21 - Two traveling directly in front of Dune heading west. -Colleen Henckel
*
14:21 - At Dune. They are near us moving west. -Paul Davis
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: lex barnard
Date of Sighting: January 16, 2026
Time: 2:15 PM
Species seen: orcas
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Dalco Passage 47°18′24″ N 122°30′38″ W
Direction of travel : 355 degrees NW, brisk pace
Behaviors observed: traveling
If orcas, any males?: unknown
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Biggs, likely the T137s and T361As traveling towards Colvos Passage and Narrows from Point Robinson direction unknown.
Photos available?: No
*
13:29 - They came through pretty fast around the point. They're mid channel southbound, south of Point Robinson, they're kinda split into 2 groups. It looks like 2 are off to the right closer to Vashon and 3 or 4 to the left more mid channel. -David Bennett
*
13:25 - About 3 or 4 [approx. 47.378881, -122.372577]. -Brian Stevens
*
13:22 - Beautiful pass at Point Robinson, very close in to shore, loosely grouped, southbound.
13:13 - Just about to Point Robinson, close in, southbound. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
12:35 - Seeing them north of KVI Beach, southbound Vashon side of channel. -Ellen Weir
*
11:37 - Seeing distant blows from Emma Schmitz. Trending southwest towards Vashon. In line with the Vashon terminal. Traveling in East Passage. 
11:29 - Viewing from Emma Schmitz. The 137s have pushed more mid channel in line with the south end of Blake. Quickly traveling south.
11:24 - Viewing from Constellation. Traveling sb. East of mid channel.
11:17 - Beginning to travel towards Lighthouse and Constellation.
11:09 - Still milling about at Alki. 137s have moved down the beach slightly. Viewing from 64th and Alki. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
T137A Jack - T137B Tempest, T36A1 Tierna, T137 Loon, T137A Jack -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network
11:22 - T137s passing Constellation Park. -photos by Robin Sinner, January 16, 2026
*
10:43 - Milling. -Izzy Edwards
*
10:39 - They’re at Alki right now. -Chris Huynh
*
10:25 - Still milling viewing from Alki. This looks like Jack and the 137s. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
10:15 - Still viewing from main Alki Beach. Milling. Amazing breaches about 20 minutes ago from Jack! My first time seeing him, thanks for the ID! -Izzy Edwards
*
10:12 - Still milling about after a hunt. Viewing from Alki Beach.
10:01 - This group is milling (maybe even hunting) very close to shore at Alki Beach. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
09:49 - Ashley called to report 4 orcas hunting near northside Alki Point, reporting breach after breach while on the phone.
*
09:07 - Still between Alki and Blakely Rocks. Incredible spy hopping. East side. -Diana Gragg
*
09:05 - ~5 orcas were feeding outside of Alki Beach/s of ferry lanes for about 15 minutes. -Jennie Tang
*
08:58 - watching from the Inn at the Market above Pike Street and swing lots of breaches just off Alki, must be a great show if I can see it from here! -Michael Rodenbaugh
*
08:56 - Southworth fast ferry just passed them. They're off Alki Point hanging to the southbound side of the two tugs. [approx. 47.580472, -122.427896]. -Troy Victor Violette
*
08:30 - Southbound approaching Eagle Harbor viewing from top of Bonaire Drive. -Diana Gragg
*
08:17 - There are still a couple orcas between Magnolia Viewpoint and Wing Point, right in the ferry lane right now. -Jamin King
*
Fri, Jan 16 - Puget Sound (T124A2s)
10:49 - Continuing southbound midchannel. Passing Maury Island. Have only spotted 2 at a time so far.
10:37 - Southbound from south side of Three Tree Point.
10:25 - Past Three Tree Point. Southbound. Mid channel. -Daria Etchings
*
09:45 - Still headed South, off Seola Beach. -Ron Cage Billiet
*
09:30 - Passed closely by 98th St end. -Steve Rice
*
09:17 - Viewing from Lincoln Park. This group is east of mid channel and is at Fauntleroy ferry terminal. Southbound in East Passage. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
08:59 - Lowman Beach. They appeared to be hunting for a minute. -Daniel Walsh
*
08:55 - Seeing blows north/beginning to approach Lincoln Park. East of mid. Viewing from Lincoln Park. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
08:32 - Just watched 3-4 orcas, no males, southbound well east of traffic lanes at Emma Schmitz viewpoint. -Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network
*
08:31 - Seeing fins from Emma Schmitz sb east of mid channel. Traveling. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
07:47 - single orca reported as viewed from Duwamish Head, Elliott Bay. No direction or specific location of the orca.   -[WA app]
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: John Barrickman
Date of Sighting: January 16, 2026
Time: 7:40 AM
Species seen: Orcas
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Elliott Bay, 200 yards off W Seattle boat launch
Direction of travel : W until they got to the green channel bouy, then they turned south…
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: Don’t think so
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: N
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Fri, Jan 16 - San Juans
09:54 - Humpback off northern most point of Orcas Island headed west! -Megan L Patton [WSSJI]

January 15
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Thu, Jan 15 - Admiralty Inlet (J Pod)
21:48 - 21:58 - After exiting Admiralty Inlet, they were audible on the Lime Kiln Hydrophone around 21:48. More clearly heard at 21:58. -OrcaOwl [SSCH]
*
17:00 - Relaying report many orcas, lots of surface activity, appear to be northbound currently. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
16:56 - Holy moly I was watching the ferry for a bit out our windows because I thought they had slowed!! I must have seen the last trailers of the group. Might be visible with binoculars from either Ebey’s or Fort Worden. They were roughly here when I saw them briefly: [approx. 48.124683, -122.720436 (1 mi. E of Port Townsend)].
16:35 - Just saw maybe 3 orcas - at least one adult male- headed north in Admiralty about mid channel. I’m wondering if the people on the Coupeville to Port Townsend ferry saw them. Could maybe see them from Fort Casey here soon (with binoculars.) -Jennifer Fulton Carpenter
*
16:28 - The WSF just reported orcas between Keystone and Port Townsend. About 20 to 30 whales. -Julia Christopherson
*
16:26 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 16:37 to report: 1626hrs: Vessel KENNEWICK reports they've slowed to maintain a safe distance from a pod of 20-30 orcas heading in a southerly direction, located mid-channel in the traffic separation scheme
*
13:15 - Went back and saw them on Skunk Bay cam. -Samiksha Gulrajani
*
Thu, Jan 15 - Saratoga Passage (K Pod) - A sunny Thursday afternoon with K pod. All pictures taken from shore on Camano Island. Link to more photos. -photos by Serena Tierra, Orca Network, January 15, 2026
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16:46 - Lead approaching Onamac Camano side. -Aaron Gill
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16:30 - Northbound passed Hidden Beach. Mid-channel to Camano side. Spread out. -Michele Tosh Brodsky
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16:24 - Seen one heading northbound in front of Cama Beach. -Aaron Gill
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16:03 - I think they have all passed the Camano Island State Park boat launch northbound.
15:42 - Spread out northbound north of Baby Island. Some Camano side of midchannel, others closer to Whidbey. I'm not seeing any more to the south. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
15:30 - A few are moving west/northwest, northwest of East Point. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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15:27 - Leaders northbound between the south end of Camano Island State Park and Fox Spit -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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15:25 - Fins coming into view from Camano Island State Park. Northbound. -Tamara Kelley, Orca Conservancy
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15:19 - Northbound south of East Point, Whidbey side of midchannel. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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15:07 - Watching group of orcas midchannel Mabana. -Duane Beekly
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14:53 - Spread out north to south, most are midchannel between Mabana and Bells Beach.
14:46 - Northbound midchannel to Whidbey side off Mabana, just north of the boat launch. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
14:39 - More passing Saratoga woods, northbound. They may be getting closer together. -Michele Tosh Brodsky
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14:30 - 4 northbound Whidbey side of mid near Saratoga Woods. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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14:28 - At least six northbound midchannel off Summerland.
14:18 - More coming now, line of sight to the north end of Langley from Summerland bluff.
14:13 - At least one northbound midchannel off Summerland. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
14:05 - Another group of 6-ish came around Sandy Point, look to be more Ks, guessing only K pod is here from what I'm seeing.
13:53 - I just arrived to Sandy Point, whales are super spread in singles. Cindi has photos of K pod, unsure if Js are here yet. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
13:37 - Can confirm open saddles. Big spread northbound from Sandy Point. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
13:25 - Mid channel northbound between Whidbey and top of Hat. -Michele Tosh Brodsky
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12:43 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 12:49 to report: 1243hrs: [KITSAP] Captain reports 6 orca northbound, spread out through the channel, at the Mukilteo>Clinton ferry route crossing.  
*
12:17 - Closer to Whidbey side.
12:15 - Two or more orcas mid channel at the Clinton/Mukilteo ferry crossing heading north. -Denny
*
GRAY WHALES -
Thu, Jan 15 - Saratoga Passage
16:13 - Gray north of Baby Island, looks like it's heading into Holmes Harbor.
15:27 - Gray northbound between Fox Spit and Baby Island, midchannel.
15:18 - Gray midchannel between Camano Island State Park and Fox Spit, I think northbound.
14:56 - Gray midchannel off Fox Spit. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
Thu, Jan 15 - Saratoga Passage (CRC531 Gretchen)
14:00 - Last seen from Mabana going northwest. Lost visual. -Linda Raines Tyner
*
13:12 - Still feeding just south of Mabana boat launch.
12:50 - Gretchen still feeding, now south of Mabana boat launch.
12:18 - Offshore whale is moving south, just north of Mabana now.
12:10 - Just saw a blow from a second gray midchannel looking north. Line of sight to Hidden Beach but the whale is much closer than that.
12:05 - 531 feeding north of Mabana boat launch. Link to more photos. -photos by Serena Tierra, Orca Network, January 15, 2026
*
11:40 - Gray whale is still feeding off Mabana boat launch. -Linda Aitkins
*
10:09 - Gray [whale] feeding off the Mabana boat launch again. -Gary Leonard
*
Thu, Jan 15 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch) 
14:40 - Right out front of Langley Seawall. -photo by Kim Parry, January 15, 2026
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09:00 - 09:40 - Little Patch feeding and has moved on northbound from Fox Spit. Out from the Whidbey shore possibly heading towards Baby Island. Link to FB video. -Marilyn Armbruster

January 14
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Wed, Jan 14 - Saratoga Passage/Holmes Harbor (J Pod & K Pod) - A foggy Wednesday morning with Js, Ks, and gray CRC531 Gretchen. All pictures taken from shore on Camano Island. Link to more photos. -photos by Serena Tierra, Orca Network, January 14, 2026
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J & K pods of the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales, had us humans on Whidbey scrambling at every turn. The best part of the day was when the 42 orcas were in Holmes Harbor. Link to more photos. -photos by Sarah Geist, January 14, 2026
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For brief moments this evening, sun came out over Saratoga Passage. Photographed from various spots on east side of Whidbey, J & K Pod. Link to more photos. -photos by Hongming Zheng, January 14, 2026
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K20 Spock - What an amazing day when Js and Ks visited Saratoga Passage with a short pit stop in Holmes Harbor. The setting is what I always dream of, glassy calm waters, and it was breathtakingly beautiful. It was also lovely to have a close pass from one of my favorites, K20 Spock. Link to more photos. Link to FB videos. -photos by Rachel Haight, Orca Network, January 14, 2026
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Absolute serenity with J and K pods in Holmes Harbor. Everything was silent except their breath and echoing percussive. Bliss. Serene bliss. Link to more photos. -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, January 14, 2026
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Taken from the bluff in Saratoga Beach neighborhood noon-ish. They were headed back out of Holmes Harbor. Link to more photos. -photos by Lori Christian, January 14, 2026
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J and K pod up and about early... ran down to Hidden Beach, missed them, went further north, they flipped, then to Holmes Harbor/Freeland Park, distant views of large groups of blows, finally got a decent look at Baby Island, then back to Hidden Beach, with two large groups going by about mid-channel... so lovely! -photos by Bonnie Gretz, January 14, 2026
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After a foggy start, perfect lighting conditions and calm seas prevailed enabling whale watchers to enjoy to the full a majestic procession of members of J and K pods (endangered Southern Residents) in and around the waters of Saratoga Passage and Holmes Harbor. Their charismatic presence was heightened by the sound of their distinct exhalations as this often tightly grouped unique population of whales traversed the inland waters, spreading their special magic to admiring spectators on shore  -Sandy Pollard -photos by Richard Snowberger, January 14, 2026
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This year, we’re working on a new viewing platform from Meerkerk Gardens to look out at Holmes Harbor and Baby Island at observe the scenic beauty and marine life. K and J pods said hello! Link to FB video.  -Meerkerk Gardens
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Jpod & Kpod exiting Holmes Harbor Whidbey Island. Link to FB video. -Duangjai Vasantana-Berntsen
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From this morning at Camano Island State Park. Link to FB video. -Thomas McKane
*
18:46 - I hear them heading I think south 1.5 miles north of Hidden Beach hear lots of breaths and some splashing. Link to FB video. -Aaron Gill
*
16:30 - Very spread out, multidirectional in the area between the Camano Island Yacht Club, Penn Cove, and Crescent Harbor. 
16:13 - A group was briefly porpoising northbound, midchannel north of Camano Island Yacht Club.
15:58 - Northbound again off the yacht club, midchannel.
15:48 - Southbound now, the group I'm watching is Whidbey side of midchannel south of Long Point. Can still hear blows and surface activity from Camano.
15:41 - They seem to be trending west towards Whidbey, maybe southwest, across from Camano Island Yacht Club.
15:16 - Hearing lots of blows and some breaches off Camano Island Yacht Club, the ones I'm watching seem to still be milling. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
15:09 - Leaders appear to be slowly flipping southbound midchannel and some milling or spreading into Skagit Bay.  -Howard Garrett, Orca Network
*
15:02 - Slowly northbound midchannel, north of Camano Island Yacht Club.
14:44 - Trailing group is northbound midchannel just south of Camano Island Yacht Club. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
14:36 - Seeing a few pass Jill's house mid channel. A bit south of Long Point. -Bonnie Gretz
*
14:26 - Trailing group is south of the yacht club, grouped up northbound midchannel. Beautiful glassy water, can hear blows from both groups.
14:23 - Some are still milling/foraging off Camano Island Yacht Club, spread out.
14:11 - Seem to just be foraging, slow trend north.
14:09 - More are surfacing facing south, Camano side of midchannel.
14:05 - Two males off Camano Island Yacht Club, possibly foraging. One facing southwest, the other facing northeast. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
13:44 - Link to FB video. -Aaron Gill
*
13:53 - Northbound spread out from midchannel to Camano side, some are straight out from Camano Island Yacht Club.
13:38 - Northbound midchannel south of Camano Island Yacht Club. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
13:05 - They are approaching Onamac Point, midchannel. -Berna Avunca
*
12:50 - Two large groups passing Hidden Beach more Camano side but beautifully visible northbound. -Bonnie Gretz
*
12:38 - Big group is passing Hidden Beach northbound.
12:19 - Viewing from Camano Island State Park - two groups one is milling about between Baby Island and Hidden Beach and the other is approaching Hidden Beach. -Linda Aitkins
*
12:00 - Exited Holmes Harbor passed Baby Island appearing to head north? -Marilyn Armbruster
*
12:00 - Leaving the harbor headed north. They’re together now. The calf sure is cute.
11:55 - They look to be angling toward Wonn at the moment. -Dan Gulden
*
11:51 - Almost to entrance of Holmes Harbor. -Michele Tosh Brodsky
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11:51 - Approaching Baby Island from the south side just inside Holmes Harbor northbound. Link to FB video. -Marilyn Armbruster
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11:46 - Eyes on them from Mohawk! -Fell Cheston
*
11:45 - Lead group is just south of Saratoga Beach northbound.
11:38 - Mid harbor… just north of Dines. So much surface action! Incredible. -Dan Gulden
*
11:30 - Northbound about mid nearing Dines Point.
11:24 - Made it to near Honeymoon Bay then flipped northbound in Holmes Harbor. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
11:24 - So many Orca in Holmes Harbor right now. Heading south. -Lori Christian
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: William Schafer
Date of Sighting: January 14, 2026
Time: 11:10 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 15
Where seen: Holmes Harbor
Direction of travel : south then north
Behaviors observed: traveling, spy hopping, surface activity (hunting?)
If orcas, any males?: 1 -2 mature males
Any unusual markings?: too far away
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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11:07 - Seeing fins from Freeland Park southbound. -Bonnie Gretz
*
11:03 - Beautiful looks southbound past Dines Point. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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10:58 - Spread out from nearly Dines Point to south of Baby Island. Ton of surface action!
10:52 - Spread out mid harbor heading south. Maybe 7? -Dan Gulden
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10:45 - Southern Residents heading into Holmes Harbor, background of video is Greenbank. Link to FB video. -Marilyn Armbruster
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10.38 - Just south of Baby Island at least four southbound, mid channelish. -Sandy Pollard
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10:47 - Entering the harbor. Very spread out. Difficult to get a count. -Dan Gulden
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10:47 - Orca spotted off Baby Island. -Alexis Lynn
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10:40 - Appears to be up to 10 orcas spread out between Baby Island and Greenbank shoreline, and also spread out north to south. All seem to be heading slowly south into Holmes Harbor. -Martha Poppy Sinclair
*
10:36 - From the bluff at Camano Island State Park, I can see one male southbound north of Baby Island. Looks like he's aiming more towards Saratoga than Holmes Harbor -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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10:35 - Relaying reports they're southbound entering Holmes Harbor. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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10:23 - Viewing from the Greenbank Farm they are moving with purpose south.
10:10 - Viewing from Hidden Beach. Baby baby K47! -Liam Doucet
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09:55 - One passed on Whidbey side northwestbound. Viewed from high bank Baby Island Heights. Link to FB video. -Marilyn Armbruster
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09:45 - This morning saw them about 100 meters or so off shore from Camano Island State Park. There were sea lions swimming near by. -Eric Moss
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09:46 - Possible trailer passing now Camano side of midchannel, I don't hear any other south of us.
09:41 - Still steadily streaming past the state park, another pair came in close, others midchannel, all northbound. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
09:40 - Still seeing fins north of East Point, northbound. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Janett Wingett
Date of Sighting: January 14, 2026
Time: 9:36 AM
Species seen: Orcas
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Saratoga off Breezy Point
Direction of travel : Nb
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?: Travelling
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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09:30 - Trailers past East Point. Slow northbound with a 3+ mile spread north/south/east/west. -Sarah Geist
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09:28 - Spread out group passing the south end of Camano Island State Park, can hear blows in all directions. Mostly northbound, a few have surfaced facing south. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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09:17 - Leads just passed Camano Island State Park Camano side. Headed north fast. -Berna Avunca
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09:07 - Small group just passed the south end of Camano Island State Park close in, others passing now midchannel, hearing surface activity south of us too -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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09:05 - Passing East Point in singles/pair. K20 & K45 close to Whidbey, all still northbound, verrrry spread out. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Mike Brady
Date of Sighting: [corrected date January 14, 2026]
Time: 9:00 AM
Species seen: orca
Number of animals seen: 10
Where seen: Camano state park. Camano Island, Washington
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: traveling
If orcas, any males?: 1 for sure, Very large dorsal fin and close to the shore line
Any unusual markings?: didn't see any.
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: The group was dispersed some. Some close to shore, while others were 200 yards out in Saratoga strait. The group was about 200 yards around each other, with the large male closest to the shore and me.
Photos available?: No
*
08:58 - Approaching Camano Island State Park northbound on Camano side.
08:38 - A few passed after my last update, still northbound.
08:30 - All the orcas I can see have passed Mabana northbound, mostly midchannel. Fog is rolling in.
08:20 - Some are mid to Camano side a bit south of Mabana. Others were further out in line with Langley Marina.
08:09 - Orcas visible from Mabana, between Summerland and Pebble Beach from my perspective. Also a gray feeding off Mabana. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
07:56 - Passing Langley marina. Still northbound. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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07:54 - There's a few off Summerland, northbound Camano side of midchannel.
07:50 - Seeing some northbound between Sandy Point and Pebble Beach. Hearing blows from others that sound closer to me. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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07:49 - Group of 6 just came by more Whidbey side, big breaches near Camano Head, large spread. All northbound still in Saratoga Passage now north of Sandy Point/Camano Head.
07:40 - Seeing them now, seems like leaders more Camano side, seeing some more Whidbey side near Sandy Point, all northbound. Many, many whales!
07:34 - Sound spread out, some north, some across, some south. Saw some splashed but not quite light enough for me to see clearly.
07:32 - Hearing many blows in Saratoga Passage from Sandy Point.
04:15 - Last heard calls/echolocation around this time. There was lots of echolocation and intermittent calls, sometimes loud, in the hour or two prior.  -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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04:18 - First time hearing them! -Ernie Yip
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04:07 - More calls. -Mary Hartmann
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04:00 - Loud calls. -Kimberly Fritz
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03:57 - Some loud calls.
03:53 - Still hearing some echolocation, some calls.
03:38 - Possibly hearing echolocation still. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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03:00 - Beach camp is going nuts! Crazy vocals. Nice and loud. -Linda Hahn
*
GRAY WHALES -
Wed, Jan 14 - Saratoga Passage (CRC531 Gretchen)
08:38 - Still feeding off Mabana. 
08:05 - CRC531 feeding off Mabana boat launch. Link to more photos. -photo by Serena Tierra, Orca Network, January, 14, 2026
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Wed, Jan 14 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch)
15:00 - Milling back and forth [approx. 48.101509, -122.512547 (1 mi. E of Baby Island)]. It’s so calm out. Many of you know I am hard of hearing but I hear him. Link to FB video. -Marilyn Armbruster
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13:30 - He is off Whidbey Shores heading north up towards Baby Island. -Sommer Bowlin
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08:50 - CRC53 Little Patch feeding south of East Point. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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08:28 - I’ve got a gray just south of East Point! Very close to shore. -Cindi Crowder Rausch

January 13
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Tue, Jan 13 - Puget Sound (J Pod & K Pod) - Calf is J63 - Went to bed last night thinking of all the adulting I was going to get done today, and woke up to start my shift with the news of surprise Southern Resident orcas in the neighborhood! Link to more photos. -photos by Marla Smith, Orca Network, January 13, 2026
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Some J & K Pod moments. Link to more photos.  -photos by Jasmine Speaks, January 13, 2026
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Taken from shore at Lisabuela - J & K Pod. Link to more photos. -photos by Hannah Marie Munro, January 13, 2026
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Southern Residents pass in Tacoma WA. Link to FB video and more photos.  -photos by Donnie James Gagldari, January 13, 2026
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Orcas in Colvos Passage today. Passing by Lisabeula Park, Vashon Island. Link to FB video. -Richard Rogers
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Videos from Southworth. Southern Residents J & K - any time with them is precious. Was grateful to see them pass by. Link to FB video. -Kristen George
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K pod serving spy hopping at Alki. Link to FB reel. -Duangjai Vasantana-Berntsen
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23:34 - Calls getting louder again. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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23:07 - Hearing calls on Sunset Bay, I assume K pod because my cat is very interested in the sounds! -Amy FowIer
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23:02 - Train and orcas [on Sunset Bay hydrophone]!! -Bernadette Ireland
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22:48 - Nice clear calls now.
22:26 - Still hearing them on Sunset Bay. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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22:00 - More frequent and louder calls now. 
21:32 - Boat noise has gone down so can hear more calls now.  -Joe Dreimiller
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21:25 - A few louder calls now. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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21:08 - [Orcas on Sunset Bay] Right now. -Breezie Gibbens
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20:46 - Calls and echolocation clicks on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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20:45 - Calls audible on Sunset Bay the past ten minutes. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
20:44 - Faint call at Sunset. -Duangjai Vasantana-Berntsen
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17:15 - Watching from Alki, the 2nd group is northeast bound south of the Bainbridge Seattle ferry lanes. I’m looking out from Alki and they are in line with the West Point lighthouse. -Sean DeLellis
*
17:08 - Right outside the ferry entrance moving more quickly north still.
17:06 - Getting close to the ferry entrance/exit.
16:58 - Still northbound close to Bainbridge.
16:51 - Big group found northbound off of Alki right in front of fast ferry [approx. 47.573449, -122.469266]. -Clare Glo
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16:50 - Traveling northbound along east side of Bainbridge. way west channel.
16:22 - 16:25 - Lots of fins, northbound travel. huge breach at the end!! research boat still tagging along. -Taylor White
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16:22 - Orcas off the portside from Seattle to Southworth on the fast ferry!! We are at a crawl. Closer to West Seattle. -Marcy Goldstone
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16:21 - A few SRKWs passed through the Kitsap fast ferry lanes heading towards Alki. The captain did a phenomenal job following the laws and guidelines -Mollie Segall
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16:14 - Tail lobs just ahead of research boat. Viewing from Myrtle Edwards. -Taylor White
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16:06 - Leaders south of Alki heading northbound. -Lainey B Seims
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16:05 - From Emma Schmitz Park, northernmost group is passing Manchester with research boat(?) following. Second group moving north from south end of Blake Island, closer to shipping lanes. -Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network
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16:04 - Wow! Massive double breach on north side of Blake!  -Colleen Paul
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Josh Reiss
Date of Sighting: January 13, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Just east of Blake Island
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?: Could not tell.
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Spotted from Alki beach with binocs. 8-10 people there with binocs and telephoto lenses. At least two fins possible more seen just off the east part of Blake Island.
Photos available?: No
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15:39 - Several visible on Orca Conservancy camera! Love having this feed to watch while I’m stuck in the office. -Amy FowIer
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15:38 - Viewing from Vashon/Fauntleroy ferry, northbound east side of Blake.
15:31 - Viewing from docked ferry at north Vashon. Visible in line with Blake Island, and Ks still south of Blake. Northbound. -Nikol Damato, Orca Network
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Mary Thornton
Date of Sighting: January 13, 2026
Time: 3:32 PM
Species seen: Orcas
Number of animals seen: 11
Where seen: North end of Colvos Passage heading north
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: Travelling
If orcas, any males?: 4 to 5 smaller orcas, juveniles some with 2-3 , my guess
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
15:31 - On Orca Conservancy livestream now. -Sophia Newton
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15:26 - Viewing from the terminal first group trending northbound east side of Blake.
15:21 - Leaders exiting Colvos viewing from Vashon terminal. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
15:14 - Spread two groups approx. [47.509042, -122.486664]. Northbound. Trail group more west side of channel. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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15:10 - At least 6 orcas headed north down Colvos Pass (mid passage) almost to the Southworth Vashon ferry route. -Colby Nicole Gateman
*
15:01 - Tight group of Ks just north of Fern Cove, steady northbound, k47 clearly visible. Research boat following.
14:56 - Another tight group northbound past Fern Cove, looks like Ks.
14:51 - At least one smaller group tightly grouped up, northbound past Fern Cove, can hear their breaths across the water! About mid. -Nikol Damato, Orca Network
*
14:51 - North of Fern Cove now, Vashon side.
14:50 - Passing Peter Point, Vashon side. -Roxane Jackson Johnson
*
14:45 - First group visible from Fern Cove, south of cove, mid to island side, at least two males in group, northbound. -Nikol Damato, Orca Network
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14:37 - Sightings northwest Vashon Island, about 7+! -Heather Chavez
*
14:33 - Just passed Olala on Vashon side. Two small groups [approx. 47.457697, -122.519781]. -Tammi Pickett
*
14:09- Both groups directly out from Anderson now, 2nd group is travelling very tightly.
14:02 - First group directly out from Anderson Point, vashon side of mid. 2nd group out from Prospect still. Longer downtimes, moving slowly
13:49 - Almost directly out from Prospect Point (private beach) Vashon side of channel, research boat travelling with. -Jolena Tagg
*
13:39 - Orcas now north of Lisabuela, island side of mid channel, headed northbound.
13:25 - Passing Lisabuela now, northbound in two groups, members of Js closer in the Island side, members of Ks closer to mid.
13:03 - Two groups slowly northbound now just south of Lisabuela, mid channel to island side of for the first group, second group more mid -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
12:55 - They are passing Point Richmond Drive Gig Harbor now, northbound. -Steve Mccann
*
12:53 - Viewing near Ollala Bay Market and approaching slowly mid channel. -Colleen Henckel
*
12:52 - Group now past Point Richmond, some foraging with directional changes but mostly northbound mid channel. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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12:42 - Viewing from a pull off on a hill past Ollala can see blows here next to what seems to two vessels heading north [approx. 47.383829, -122.537316]. Not sure if one is research vessel or not. -Jami Cantrell
*
12:22 - Two groups, approaching Point Richmond, mid to island side of channel, slowly northbound, research boat is with the whales.
12:10 - Seeing a group south of Point Richmond, east of mid, northbound. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
11:44 - Viewing from Gig Harbor old ferry dock, group is at the last house and looks to be committed north into Colvos. Slightly spread. Roughly here [approx. 47.333760, -122.529585]. -Jolena Tagg
*
11:40 - Still viewing from the ferry lead group pointed towards Colvos, second group trailing. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
11:37 - More orcas spotted at Point Defiance Park now. Link to FB video.  -Tatiana Mendoza
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11:33 - Pointed toward Gig/Colvos, steady travel in at least two groups. Several deep dives. -Morgan Dale
*
11:32 - Now headed towards Colvos. -Dallas Braham
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11:30 - Young orca peaking out off Vashon. -photo by Ryan Dicks, January 13, 2026
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11:29 - All groups now past ferry lanes, steady westbound.
11:17 - First group now in the ferry lanes, mid channel, steady westbound, second group passing Dune, also westbound, island side of mid channel.
11:11 - Second group behind first group, more island side of mid, westbound now just past Quartermaster Harbor. 1st group now mid channel approaching the ferry lanes -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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Tue, Jan 13 - Puget Sound (J Pod & K Pod) - It was a perfect day to follow Jpod & Kpod I was hoping to have my Point Robison moment but it was not my day. A fews of us went and wait for them at Tahlequah ferry terminal around 10:45 am the leader came out around to corner from East Passage along with Mt.Rainier. Jpod was in traveling mode. Kpod slow down showing K47 how to fish in Dalco Passage then they are slowly traveling into Colvos Passage. It was an amazing sight to see them came around the corner of Lisabuela Beach as 2 big tight group with no surface activities just traveling together. Once they came out from Colvos Passage Jpod continues to travel NB while Kpod decide to gave us a little surface activities at Alki Beach. Link to FB video. -Duangjai Vasantana-Berntsen
*
11:15 - Orcas near Owen Beach. 4+ orcas headed west. -Peter Hapeman
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11:11 - J & K Pod, Vashon Island/Point Defiance. Link to FB video. -Rebecca Searcy
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11:10 - Large tight group drifting west in front of Quartermaster Harbor.
11:05 - Group of ~8 approaching Quartermaster Harbor westbound. -Jill Clogston
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11:05 - Large group north of large barge off of Dune, grouped up headed westbound. -Orca Network
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Seeing 11 of them bunched together from Dune Peninsula earlier was awesome! -Craig Craker
*
11:03 - There are [some out from] Quartermaster Harbor. -photo by Dallas Braham, January 13, 2026
*
10:59 - Seeing many spread out groups just east of ferry lanes in Dalco Passage, some foraging with trend west. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
10:50 - Leaders near ferry terminal. -Oscar Brown
*
10:45 - Viewing from Dune Peninsula, several including male grouped, moving westbound. Pretty far out still. -Jill Clogston
*
10:43 - Seeing them from Tahlequah ferry terminal beginning to enter Dalco. Vashon side of channel. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
10:42 - Starting to become visible to naked eye from Dune to the left of yellow marker. -SummerLee Blankenship
*
10:39 - Spotted from Browns Point lighthouse, about midchannel. Look pretty committed southbound, headed to Dune to catch them there. -Morgan Dale
*
10:35 - Sight from Dash Point Lighthouse across to Maury Island 8 of them. -Mike Savoia
*
10:30 - Orcas passing yellow channel marker near Quartermaster Harbor. -Oscar Brown
*
10:25 - A second group now at the south tip of Maury. Southbound. Close to island side.
10:25 - Viewing from Woodmont, just north of Redondo. Southbound.
10:15 - I see a group at the south tip of Maury Island. -Ali Saccone
*
09:40 - Members of Kpod in here too!
09:35 - Members of Jpod at least! Others with them, need to review photos, beautiful pass at Point Robinson, close in to island side, southbound, spread in 4-5 groups. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
09:35 - Calls on MaST now. -Tracey Carrillo
*
09:18 - At least 8 approaching Point Robinson, very vashon side, just about to us. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
09:12 - I can see dorsal fins from Des Moines Marina. -Bridget Gallagher
*
09:11 - Some very island side, south of KVI approaching Point Robinson.
09:07 - Some surface activity, seeing at least 8 very spread out east to west just north of KVI, mid channel to Vashon side of, southbound.
09:05 - Others near yellow channel buoy which is just north of KVI, mid channel, trending southbound. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
09:00 - Past Three Tree Point heading towards Point Robinson lighthouse. -Danielle Casalett Dewey
*
08:59 - Seeing at least 2 steady southbound, south of Three Tree Point, east of mid. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
08:58 - 2 whales seen from 3 Tree Point behind/on side of boat heading towards lighthouse. One big with a small one.  -Danielle Casalett Dewey
*
08:55 - Southbound seeing 5 orcas spread out. Tow boat in area just starting to pass them. More mid channel.
08:52 - Southbound 2 orcas adult and juvenile closer to Three Tree Point southside. -Sandhya Ballal
*
08:42 - Three whales off south west tip of Three Tree Point heading toward Vashon. -Kathryn Boris-Brown
*
08:41 - About 10 orcas 3 Tree Point area closer to Vashon heading south very spread out water very calm -Teresa Ann Wright
*
08:20 - Hearing from friends viewing at the north end of Vashon, they are very spread out headed southbound passing south of Glen Acres, some on the Vashon side, some closer to Three Tree, southbound. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
08:05 - See some dorsals on cam. -Jct Guarnes
*
08:00 - Those are orca dorsals in the water
07:57 - I think stragglers might be visible on Orca Conservancy live stream? -Sophia Newton
*
02:37 - They are chatty!! -Katie West
*
02:44 - Seas have gone quiet, calls are still faint.
02:34 - Vessel noise significantly decreased, hearing clear calls & echolocation again.
02:30 - Vessel noise continues but maybe slowly decreasing finally... hearing faint calls still.
02:19 - Faint call amidst the loud vessel transiting through currently.
02:08 - Vessel noise now, calls more intermittent.
02:00 - Background noise has quieted, many calls loud & clear, chatty!
01:57 - Louder calls.
01:49 - Calls & echolocation continue.
01:43 - Maybe Ks? Hearing some echolocation as well.
01:42 - Calls getting louder. Sounds like SRKWs.
01:37 - Calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Tue, Jan 13 - Haro Strait (T49A2 & T87)
10:30 - Two male orcas are eastbound from the Canadian side/Baynes Channel. -Christin Carruthers [WSSJI]
*
Tue, Jan 13 - Saratoga Passage (T90s) - T90D Kanga & T90 Eagle - T90B Piglet & T90 Eagle - T90s in Saratoga Passage. Link to more photos. -photos & IDs by Sarah Geist, January 13, 2026
*
T90D Kanga, T90B Piglet, T90 Eagle, T90C Tigger - T90B Piglet & T90C Tigger - What a beautiful moment today in Saratoga Passage with this awesome group of transient orcas the T90s. Link to more photos.  -photos by Kim Parry, January 13, 2026
*
15:22 - They are north of there now. 
15:07 - We’ve got ‘em at Davis Landing. Close to shore, still northbound. -Wendy Custer Chambers
*
13:54 - May be east bound.
13:47 - Still hanging out in the Saratoga triangle. No direction. Not really visible from anywhere public. 
13:10 - Pointed towards Crescent Harbor. Seriously, so slow. Loooong downs.
13:00 - They’ve moved out a bit. Harrington Lagoon. Still slow northbound. LONG downs. -Sarah Geist
*
12:25 - Relaying report they are close to Whidbey still northbound near Race Lagoon. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
11:50 - Heading north closer to Camano mile or so north of Cama. -photo by Aaron Gill, January 13, 2026
*
11:50 - See at least 3 northbound - way north of Hidden Beach - under water swimming.
11:44 - Seeing orca northbound north of Hidden Beach. -Linda Aitkins
*
11:25 - Between Hidden Beach and Cama cabins. Long downs.
11:13 - Viewing from Hidden Beach. They’re Camano side of mid. Almost to the houses north of Camano Island State Park. Can hear their blows in the quiet. Slow northbound.
11:00 - They have moved back to Camano side. Approaching Camano Island State Park. -Sarah Geist
*
10:47 - 3 females northbound north of Baby Island, not sure where the male went. 
10:40 - 3-4 orcas now Whidbey side of midchannel north of Fox Spit, still northbound
10:22 - At least two orcas, including a male, northbound Camano side of midchannel south of Camano Island State Park. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Kelli Mazur
Date of Sighting: January 13, 2026
Time: 9:30 AM
Species seen: Orcas
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: (48.0895686, -122.4229972 [.5 mi. W of Mabana])
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
*
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES -
Tue, Jan 13 - Central Puget Sound  - [Js & Ks were much further north at this point, it’s possible the calls carried that far or perhaps another group of orca were around; I heard calls but couldn’t confirm ecotype -RH].
*
07:30 - Listening to them on MAST for the past 15 minutes or so.  -Ashley S Whitman
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06:37 - Hearing calls on MAST. -Sarah Geist
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GRAY WHALES -
Tue, Jan 13 - Saratoga Passage
11:11 - This whale may have moved deeper into Elger Bay. I've been scanning from the state park for about 20 minutes and haven't seen anything.
10:18 - This was a gray, saw a blow just south of Elger Bay.
10:10 - I heard a few blows from the bluff at Camano Island State Park, not sure if it was an orca or gray. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
Tue, Jan 13 - Saratoga Passage
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Luanne Seymour
Date of Sighting: January 13, 2026
Time: 9:16 AM
Species seen: Gray
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Sandy Point near Whidbey side
Direction of travel : East
Behaviors observed: Milling and diving
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
Tue, Jan 13 - Possession Sound
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Beverly Yoshioka
Date of Sighting: January 13, 2026
Time: 11:06 AM
Species seen: Gray
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Off Witter Beach south of Sandy Point headed north/milling
Direction of travel : NE
Behaviors observed: Traveling/ milling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
Tue, Jan 13 - Possession Sound
14:53 - West of the Snohomish River mouth. Lots of birds with it. Legion Park would be a good viewing spot. I'm on Rucker Hill looking north.
14:30 - Possession Sound – Single large cetacean, likely gray whale, feeding. Fluke and pec visible. -Amy Willoughby

January 12
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Mon, Jan 12 - Discovery Bay (T49A2 & T87)
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Lori Fehrs-Grey
Date of Sighting: January 12, 2026
Time: 4:30 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: 48°06'27.1"N 122°53'45.7"W (Discovery Bay just southeast if Protection Island at the tip of Cape George jetty)
Direction of travel : Traveling south into Discovery Bay
Behaviors observed: breaching and milling for 5-10 minutes, then submerged and presumably continued south into the bay.
If orcas, any males?: Both males.
Any unusual markings?: Didn't see them well enough.
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Amazing!
Photos available?: No
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Darrell and Lorna Smith
Date of Sighting: January 12, 2026
Time: 4:10 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Location: entrance to Discovery Bay, observed from the Cape George Marina about 400 yards offshore between the Marina and Protection Island.
Direction of travel : Traveling together S at speed of about 3-5 knots
Behaviors observed: Appeared to be hunting.
If orcas, any males?: 2 males
Any unusual markings?: From the distance, through binoculars, we could see grayish saddle patches, and noted that the large prominent dorsal fins of both individuals appeared slightly rounded only because the fin tips nodded slightly sideways, apparently to opposite sides.
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Lorna and I (Darrell) are fish and wildlife bios with a great interest in marine mammals, but not specialists. Lorna is a current WDFW Commissioner. We were equipped with binoculars and only our cell phones. Video was taken with an Apple 16 Pro Max cell phone at 15x digital. ). See video I've forwarded. --Two apparent males about same size with long prominent dorsals which appear a little more rounded because the fin tips were bent slightly to the side. One with tip bent to the right, and the other appeared bent in opposite direction - to left. -- Notable behavior: About 15 minutes prior to our Orca sightings, we had first noticed an unusual grouping of 6 nearby harbor seals in a rocky area just off the Cape George beach with their heads out of the water milling around in 10-25 ft of water (not a haul-out area). Several minutes later we noticed the 2 Orcas 300-400 meters distant from us milling around and deep-diving over a small area 300-350 ft depths between the Cape George Marina and Protection Island. Ten minutes later, they began swimming southerly towards Beckett Point at a pace of 3-5 knots (see video I've emailed). After a few minutes they dove and abruptly disappeared from our view but surfaced much closer, to "within 100 meters" from to the Cape George shoreline south of the Marina and again "disappeared" as noted by other shoreside observers we talked to a few minutes after these events. None of us noted any unusual splashing or other more active behavior.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
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
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T49A2 Jude & T87 Harbeson -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network -photo by Darrell and Lorna Smith, January 12, 2026
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GRAY WHALES -
Mon, Jan 12 - Saratoga Passage (CRC531 Gretchen)
12:45 - She has stopped feeding and moved offshore a bit. Milling off Mabana boat launch.
12:15 - 531 still feeding off Mabana boat launch -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
12:06 - Gray feeding off Mabana. -Charvet Drucker
*
11:33 - Gray [whale] feeding off the Mabana boat ramp. -Gary Leonard

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]
*
GRAY WHALES -
Sun, Jan 11 - Saratoga Passage (CRC531 Gretchen)
12:45 - Gretchen has left the Langley seawall, heading southbound quite quickly lots of tail flukes. -Kim Parry
*
CRC531 Gretchen
11:44 - Gray feeding at Langley. Possibly Gretchen. -photo by Joy Brungardt, Orca Network, January 11, 2026
*
10:55 - Slowly moving north.
10:43 - Pretty sure it’s Gretchen still feeding out in front of Langley seawall. -Kim Parry
*
09:14 - Gray whale just north of Langley seawall. Very close to shore. -Steve Czerniak
*
Sun, Jan 11 - Possession Sound
11:22 - Both still feeding in the delta. Not better viewing from Howarth dog park. Still pretty far out.
10:26 - Moved closer together. Both feeding. Link to FB video.
10:11 - 2 grays in the delta. One closer to Jetty Island. One south of Priest Point
10:07 - One gray spotted so far in the delta. Just south of Priest Point. Viewed from Mission Beach. Feeding. -photos by Jaime Shields, January 11, 2026

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
*
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]
*
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES -
Sat, Jan 10 - Malaspina Strait, BC
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Olivia N
Date of Sighting: January 10, 2026
Time: 9:04 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen:
Where seen:
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I can hear tons of orca vocals on the Raincoast Foundation Sunshine Coast Listening station livestream on Youtube.
*
GRAY WHALES -
Sat, Jan 10 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch)
13:54 - Moving north still [approx. 48.054872, -122.439661 (2 mi. NW of Langley)]. -Summer Staley
*
13:00 - Right in front of Langley seawall northbound. -Kim Parry
*
12:50 - He’s now trending northbound.
12:45 - Last 45 minutes 12:00 to 12:45 he’s been just hanging out off shore north of Sandy Point. 
12:16 - He’s moved off shore a bit.
12:05 - Going out to burp! Link to FB video.
11:30 - Little Patch feeding at pinned location on map [approx. 48.034258, -122.384974 (.5 mi. W of Sandy Pt.)]. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
CRC53 Little Patch
11:02 - Little Patch still feeding closer to Sandy Point.
09:47 - Still feeding between Sandy Point and Langley marina.
09:46 - Doing feeding loops.
09:07 - Still feeding but much closer to Sandy Point now. -photos by Jaime Shields, January 10, 2026
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Jaime Shields
Date of Sighting: January 10, 2026
Time: 8:49 AM
Species seen: Gray
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Just outside of Langley marina
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?:
*
Sat, Jan 10 - Possession Sound
10:00 - Viewing from Priest Point, see [gray] whale off Jetty Island. -Glynis Frederiksen
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Monica Tyler
Date of Sighting: January 10, 2026
Time: 9:12 AM
Species seen: Gray
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Between Hat and Jetty, much closer to Jetty
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed: Milling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Sat, Jan 10 - Haro Strait (CRC-17674 Mogul) - CRC-17674 Mogul - Humpback in Haro Strait. Link to more photos. -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, January 10, 2026
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CRC-17674 Mogul - We went back north [in Haro Strait] and quickly ended up finding a humpback whale! I believe the name of the whale was Mogul, a whale documented initially in 2018. -photo by Kat Martin, January 10, 2026
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11:47 - Humpback spotted near them as well [off Gordon Head], moving north. -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
*
A quick video as they approached Southworth today! Link to FB video.  -Mollie Segall
*
18:55 - Hearing calls on Sunset Bay. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
18:48 - Hearing faint calls on Sunset. -Joe Dreimiller
*
17:49 - Presume it's these orcas chatting on Sunset Bay hydrophone! Link to audio recording. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
16:47 - West of Edmonds ferry terminal, still east of mid and heading north -Amy FowIer
*
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
*
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
*
16:18 - Heading north of Richmond Beach. -Erika Woodley
*
16:14 - Viewing from Kayu Kayu headed north. -Lori Ormerod
*
16:14 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 16:37 to relay report of [orcas approx. 47.7696, -122.41677].
*
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
*
15:58 - Viewing from Richmond Beach seeing blows to the south east in the channel traveling north. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
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
*
15:49 - Group of 6-ish are now slowly trending northwest, group of birds following them visually. -Elissa Martin Story
*
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
*
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
*
15:13 - Saw two from Carkeek northbound moving quick a few moments ago. -Terra Rose
*
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
*
14:45 - Viewing from West Point. Seeing splashes near green buoy at Golden Gardens. East of mid. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
14:31 - Visible from Shilshole. Mid channel northbound. Link to FB video. -Jill M Rotset
*
14:28 - Orcas seem to be spreading out and moving east of mid channel. Approaching Shilshole northbound. -Sue Surowiec Larkin
*
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
*
14:15 - 6 to 10 orcas northbound heading toward West Point from the south. -Brent Cullimore
*
13:51 - Moving north past Eagle Harbor pretty quick. One boat following behind them -John Patrick Darmody II
*
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
*
13:43 - Viewing with binos from West Point. Seeing blows approximately at Eagle Harbor. Traveling north. West of mid. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
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.
*
13:35 - Almost directly in front of Bainbridge ferry terminal, as seen from Alki Beach west end.  -Annika Hipple
*
13:30 - Approaching Blakely Rocks. Viewing top of Bonair WS. -Diana Gragg
*
13:24 - I see some midway between Alki Lighthouse and Restoration Point. -Jamin King
*
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
*
13:13 - Watching from Constellation Park. They are headed towards South Beach. North of the Bremerton fast ferry lane. -Sean DeLellis
*
13:12 - Off southeast Bainbridge approaching Restoration Point west of mid channel view from Constellation -Mary Hartmann
*
12:29 - Working their way up Blake Island northbound.  -Jeremy Robin
*
12:15 - Slow northbound just saw 5 blows approaching Tillicum Village.
12:06 - See blows southeast Blake island view from Constellation Park. -Mary Hartmann
*
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
*
12:00 - Blows on east side of Blake as viewed from Magnolia Park. -Colleen Paul
*
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
*
11:57 - Lots of blows north of Southworth ferry. Viewing Emma Schmidt. -Diana Gragg
*
11:55 - Seeing blows north of Southworth. Spotted from Constellation Park. Too far away to get a number. North bound. -Patti Waterfall
*
11:52 - See them on Orca Conservancy live cam. -Jct Guarnes
*
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
*
11:33 - Seeing blows towards the north end of Colvos as they approach Southworth ferry terminal. Still a little ways out. -Mollie Segall
*
11:30 - We waited for these beauties…. Colvos Passage, Southworth. Link to FB video.  -Jill Yakowenko
*
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
*
10:45 - Passing Command Point headed north mid channel. -Mark Reddish
*
10:00 - Passing Olalla Bay mid channel. -Diane Swanson Van Auken
*
09:29 - Large group of orcas, just north of Point Richmond in Colvos [Passage]. Heading north. -Johnathan Salter
*
GRAY WHALES -
Fri, Jan 9 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch & CRC531 Gretchen)
15:22 - They’re both mid channel maybe a mile off Camano shoreline, maybe angled towards Camano a bit. Just south of Mabana.
15:15 - I’m pretty positive both went south, but one is for sure doing so. Woke up and are doing long dives. Heading to Langley.
14:55 - Definitely one has turned south. Can’t tell if the other is still with them.
14:45 - At least one of them has turned around and are trending south. From Mabana they’re south side of Bells.
14:30 - Still northbound slow. Straight out from Bells Beach Whidbey side.
14:15 - They’re hanging out with each other, very very slow northbound. Look to be napping.
14:10 - Second one did a nice fluke, looks like Gretchen.
14:00 - There’s two. Just caught sight of the second blow.
13:45 - Looks like Little Patch to me. Dude is back and forth same spot.
13:20 - Moved to Mabana, he’s basically straight out from here, Whidbey side [approx. 48.070349, -122.451971].
12:58 - Seeing what looks to be a blow somewhere a bit north of Langley. Probably feeding grey whale based on intervals. Don’t have a precise location but I think it’s around the Saratoga Woods Trail area [approx. 48.066597, -122.452918]. -Sam Wallace
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Fri, Jan 9 - Haro Strait
15:58 - One humpback heading north near Pile Point. -George Hamilton [WSSJI]
*
UNIDENTIFIED SPECIES -
Fri, Jan 9 - Admiralty Inlet
13:47 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 13:53 to relay report: 1347hrs: Alert noted for an unidentified whale east of Point Wilson. No quantity or direction of travel noted.

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
*
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
*
I caught up with the J and K pods as they passed by Ebeys Landing. Link to FB videos. -Mel Nasby
*
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
*
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
*
11:33 - Watched from Fort Warden. They are moving fast northbound, almost to the western tip of Whidbey now. -Joe Griffin-Harte
*
11:27 - Leaders are approaching Fort Warden, 2 or 3 of them. The rest are a bit behind. -Ashton Mead
*
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
*
11:10 - Starting to see them with binoculars from Fort Ebey. Mid channel, northbound. -Ashton Mead
*
Here’s a video of the surface activity we observed. Link to FB video.  -Joyce Catalano
*
11:06 - Surface activity mid channel close to Fort Worden. -Bonnie Gretz
*
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
*
09:32 - Orcas northbound past Bush Point. Whidbey side of strait. -Christopher Thorton
*
09:10 - Currently on SkunkBay live stream!
09:06 - I just saw them on the livestream! -Olivia Newton
*
09:09 - I saw them on there! -Sara Darnell
*
08:45 - I see blows northbound in Admiralty, off Double Bluff from my perspective. -Susan John
*
06:57 - Hearing [orca] calls on the Sunset Bay hydrophone.  -Hannah Marie Munro
*
06:18 - Hearing them! -Amy Fowler
*
05:54 - Still hearing them [orca calls]. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
05:01 - Hearing JPod on Sunset Bay hydro right now. -Kimberly Fritz
*
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
*
02:16 - Lots of clear calls and clicks.
00:54 - Calls on Sunset Bay. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Thu, Jan 8 - San Juans
17:00 - WSF Tillikum reports one orca northbound at Upright Head. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
*
Thu, Jan 8 - South Puget Sound (Presumably T36/T36Bs, T37/T37Bs, T37As including T37A1)
15:18 - A group of 6 or so orca just passed to the north of Squaxin headed towards Harstine Bridge in Pickering Passage! Link to FB videos. -Ellen Dieken
*
14:30 - Three groups passing between Hunter Point and Squaxin Island towards Hope Island/Carolyn Beach. -Jim Chamberlin
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14:22 - Per Kim, seeing 3 groups. First group now closer to Cooper Point, other two groups are females a bit behind. -Katie Lassiter
*
14:20 - Headed east [approx. 47.160859, -122.895925]. -Paul Davis
*
14:17 - Seen from Zangle Cove. Still heading north mid channel. Appears to be at least 5 - one male, potentially 2 juveniles. -Katie Lassiter
*
14:15 - Out of the inlet. Midchannel. Hard to tell which direction they’re committing to. -Marie Wils
*
14:10 - North[bound]. They are doing slow surfacing series - I think all groupings have passed Boston Harbor.
14:03 - One of the groups passing Boston Harbor lighthouse. This is directly across from me. FAR away and misty conditions. Some of you peeps on here might see yourselves. -back of camera photo by Kim Merriman, January 8, 2026
*
14:06 - They're headed north. Appears to be a second group! I can see them without my monocular.
15:58 - Viewing from Boston harbor. Mid channel. -Alisha Hopkins
*
13:41 - There may be three different groupings I lost them heading south after Gull Harbor/Burfoot Park which are across from me. A friend is above Budd Inlet and could see three groupings at first that might have accounted for more than 10 whales. I am waiting for them to exit Budd heading north and as they pass by Cooper Point on the west side of Budd with Burfoot Park on the opposite side - the eastern shore. Next up would be Boston Harbor unless they hang a west and come toward me and Eld Inlet. -Kim Merriman
*
13:29 - Minutes ago, 5-6 orcas headed north from Olympia. -Jane Foote
*
13:26 - Heading north, seeing at least 5. seen on the west side of Budd across from Squaxin Park. -Shane Mud
*
13:17 - Just briefly saw them from North Point and looks like maybe they are headed out. -Lisa Caranna Brown
*
13:08 - At Squaxin Park (formally Priest Point) across the way. 3. They went north. I saw them again at Boston Harbor, then had to rush off for school pick up. -photo by Danika A Barber, January 8, 2026
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13:45 - I had to leave, but last confirmed sighting from me was at 13:45 from the country club. Looked like they were milling near Burfoot, possibly northbound. At least 7 adults, two are males, and throughout Budd inlet they were splitting into 2-3 smaller groups a few hundred yards apart from each other
13:24 - Still in Budd Inlet, parallel to the country club.
13:12 - Heading north
12:47 - Seen from country club on Cooper Point. Heading south slowly, at least 2 adults and maybe one calf?? They’re hugging the Squaxin Park side of the sound. -photo by Rachel Paquin, January 8, 2026
*
12:47 - Just north of Tugboat Anne’s. -Chris Hamilton
*
12:39 - Just barely south of Gull Harbor, but closer to west side of inlet, they just passed those A frame marker things, still leisurely heading south. we saw three. One of them looked like probably a baby. -Terry Jansen
*
11:45 - Orcas heading slowly south into Budd Inlet. Passing Boston Harbor Marina and Burfoot Park into Budd entrance. -Kim Merriman
*
GRAY WHALES -
Thu, Jan 8 - Saratoga Passage
16:35 - Gray whale spotted in front of Hidden Beach parking lot. Two spyhops seen. -Andrea Ballestero
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Thu, Jan 8 - Spieden Channel
15:30 - Humpback westbound Spieden Channel. -Edenonthe Salishsea [WSSJI]

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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Wed, Jan 7 - Puget Sound (J Pod & K Pod)  - K37 Rainshadow - J44 Moby - Critically endangered J and K pods snuck into Puget Sound. Link to more photos. -photos by Ashley Whitman, 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
*
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
*
17:01 - Visible with good eyes and/or binoculars (which i have neither of) from Southworth. -Laura Walsh Stewart
*
17:00 - At least a dozen orcas tightly grouped northbound in Colvos 1 mile south of Southworth terminal close to west shore. -Tim Ferris
*
16:15 - Northbound in Colvos leaders now north of Fragaria. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
16:12 - Just passed Command Point. Colvos Passage. -Mark Reddish
*
15:35 - Spread in groups, mid to Vashon side of channel, approaching Lisabuela, northbound not in a hurry. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
15:27 - Northbound leaders nearly out from Lisabeula. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
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
*
15:00 - From the Chetzemoka, baby breach K47 I believe. -Cherie StOurs
*
14:48 - Staying pretty close to Vashon northbound into Colvos Passage. -Sean DeLellis
*
14:40 - Viewing from Tahlequah ferry looks like the SKRWs are turning north into Colvos Passage. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
14:35 - There’s a larger group northwest travel right around here [approx. 47.330399, -122.522111]. -Sean DeLellis
*
14:29 - One is near ferry. The rest are westbound. -Paul Davis
*
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.
*
14:11 - Point Defiance ferry is having a tough time finding a way to sail past them [in Dalco Passage]. -Meg McDonald
*
14:04 - Seeing surface activity from Owen’s Beach. -Sean DeLellis
*
13:58 - From Gig Harbor looking through Dalco, they appear to be heading into Commencement Bay, Ruston side. -Sandy Karwhite
*
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
*
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
*
13:27 - Lots of splashing and tail thrashing. Front of tanker.
13:22 - Spouting near tanker by Quartermaster. -Tiffany Russell
*
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
*
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
*
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
*
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
*
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
*
From Point Robinson. Link to FB video. -Jami Cantrell
*
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
*
11:36 - Possible echolocation clicks on the MaST hydrophone?? -Jourdan Rae
*
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.
*
10:56 - SRKW on cams. -Tracey Carrillo
*
10:32 - Male now (~10:32) on the Orca Conservancy cam. -Amy FowIer
*
10:25 - Got K37 passing just south of Glen Acres, southbound, seeing many others very spread out. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
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
*
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
*
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
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Wed, Jan 7 - Puget Sound (T36/T36Bs, T37/T37Bs, T37As including T37A1) - A pod going south through the Narrows. Just south of the bridge, more to the Tacoma side-headed past Titlow Beach and Day Island! Link to more photos. -photos by Joy Beardsley, January 7, 2026
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T36B4 Auk & T36B Tattertip - T37B3 Slice & T37B1 Lance - From Point Robinson. Link to more photos. -photos & IDs by Jolena Tagg, January 7, 2026
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T36B1 Bhotia - As the Bigg’s passed by Point Robinson. Link to more photos. -photos by Hongming Zheng, January 7, 2026
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T36 Flapjack - T36B Tattertip & T36B4 Auk - 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. Link to more photos. -photos by Cherie StOurs, January 7, 2026
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14:30 - At Chambers Bay. Link to more photos. -photos by Mariella Munoz, January 7, 2026
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14:24 - Just saw 3 from Fox Island Fishing Pier. Followed by 4 on the far side. -Dianne Brueckner
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14:20 - Orcas heading south just passed by the Fox Island fishing pier. 4 or 5 close to the pier and at least 2 were more mid channel. -Pattie LaRue Warr
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: lorena borrayo
Date of Sighting: January 07, 2026
Time: 2:17 PM
Species seen: orca, possibly Biggs
Number of animals seen: 7
Where seen: south of Narrows Bridge, going towards Fox Island fishing pier
Direction of travel : South
Behaviors observed: traveling, breaching
If orcas, any males?: at least one. one possible baby orca too?
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
14:13 - Possibly moving towards Chambers Bay. Mid channel moving swiftly.
14:08 - Southbound towards Fox Island Pier.
14:00 - As they were headed southbound towards Fox Island Pier. I was standing on our bulkhead on Day Island. They sure were moving quickly! Link to FB video. -Karen Caldwell
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13:55 - Trailing members have passed under Narrows Bridge southbound they were much closer to Tacoma side but started to cut more mid channel toward Gig Harbor side as they fought the current. Spread out. -Andrea Facer
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Tiarrah Vasbinder
Date of Sighting: January 07, 2026
Time: 1:40 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Near the Narrows Bridge! Towards Tacoma
Direction of travel :
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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13:30 - Viewing them from Narrows Bridge Park right under the middle of the Narrows Bridge Heading southbound. -Two girls take on the world
*
13:17 - Large group spread in 3 sub groups through the Tacoma Narrows across from Salmon Beach at 13:10 - Mid channel and southbound. One spyhop and a couple of tail slaps. Total estimated number of individuals 12-14. -Stace Gordon
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12:55 - Second grouping also moving towards the bridge at the point and closer to the Tacoma side. 
12:54 - Sounds like one group is moving fast towards the Narrows while the others are still out in the area between Gig Harbor and Point Defiance. She said second group was center and spy hopping and no definite travel direction. 
12:51 - My mom just saw them from her house in Gig Harbor. They are heading towards the Narrows Bridge. -Brianna Schroeder
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12:20 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 13:30 to report: [CHETZEMOKA vessel] reported seeing six orca at 1220hrs near TAHL on the south end of Vashon.
*
12:19 - Nearing the ferry. Lost sight of the other grouping.
12:13 - Some are now past tanker at Quartermaster heading towards ferry lanes. South bound.
12:11 - Some in the middle of both tankers. Milling? Direction unknown.
12:08 - Mouth of Quartermaster near tanker. Likely southbound still but need more eyes on them. -Tiffany Russell
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12:00 - On the Chezmoka ferry as they came through heading south. -Cherie StOurs
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11:03 - The Ts have all passed Point Robinson southbound. -April Basham

T37B1 Lance
10:50 - 10:54 - Transient’s very close pass at Point Robinson. Link to more photos and FB video. -photos by Hannah Marie Munro, January 7, 2026
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Wed, Jan 7 - Puget Sound (T36/T36Bs, T37/T37Bs, T37As) - T37A1 Inyo - T37B1 Lance - Ts passing Point Robinson. Link to more photos.  -photos by Ashley Whitman, January 7, 2026
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09:49 - Seeing a group of transients, about 5-8. One male and one calf in the group, passing just south of Glen Acres, very west in channel, quickly southbound. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
09:14 - Pod is traveling tightly packed together
09:13 - See them on Orca Conservancy live cam. -Jct Guarnes
*
09:13 - Leading group slightly south of FAU ferry terminal. Pushed off to be more mid-channel. Still grouped up. Southbound in East Passage.
09:01 - Viewing from Fauntleroy terminal group continues southbound east of the channel. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
08:58 - Southbound maybe slightly mid of marked location but definitely east side of mid [approx. 47.523052, -122.418710]. There were at least 8-10 in this group. Looking at my photos dorsals seem more like transients. Pictures are farther out so it’s hard to tell. But dorsal shapes don’t seem like rezzies for leaders.  -Jami Cantrell
*
08:53 - Southbound quickly in line with north Vashon view from Lowman Beach. -Mary Hartmann
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08:37 - Viewing from Emma Schmitz pod is east of mid traveling southbound. Grouped up tight. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
08:30 - Spotted a few by Alki lighthouse heading south about 2 minutes ago. -Karen Davis
*
08:28 - Beautiful pass at Constellation. -Diana Gragg
*
07:46 - Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: Master on the WENATCHEE reports 5 orca in the SEA/BI Ferry lanes, south bound, off Alki point.
*
GRAY WHALES -
Wed, Jan 7 - Saratoga Passage
08:26 - Gray feeding now off the Mabana boat ramp. Fairly close to shore. -Gary Leonard

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.
*
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES -
Tue, Jan 6 - Rosario Strait - This reel of these whales popped up in my Facebook feed tonight! Link to FB reel. -Amy FowIer
*
13:13 - Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: Master on the Kaleetan reports a small pod of 3 orca south bound in Rosario Strait [approx. 48.524315, -122.747482]
*
GRAY WHALES -
Tue, Jan 6 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch) - Little Patch today from Hidden Beach. Link to more photos. -photos by Kim Parry, January 6, 2026
*
14:51 - But trending northbound.
14:44 - He’s in the cove. Mid cove feeding now. Hidden Beach. Link to FB video.
14:28 - He has moved back off shore and is moving north out from parking lot 3-400 yds.
14:15 - He has been moving now and south of Hidden Beach Parking Lot and housing community. Link to FB video.
13:30 - 14:00 - Watching a grey straight out from Hidden Beach parking lot just milling in the same spot. 400-500 yds out? Link to FB video. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
Tue, Jan 6 - Saratoga Passage
13:15 - Heading north 1.5 miles north of Hidden Beach Whidbey side. Link to FB video. -Aaron Gill
*
12:45 - [gray whale] seen at Hidden Beach, moving northbound -photos by Sydney Fox, January 6, 2026

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
*
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
*
GRAY WHALES -
Sun, Jan 4 - Saratoga Passage
10:34 - Grey whale feeding off Langley Whale Park. Heading out into the channel -Christopher Thornton
*
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
*
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
*
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
*
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
*
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
*
09:40 - Saw some fins along with the blows but too far away for an ID. -photo by Jaime Shields, January 4, 2026
*
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?:
*
Sun, Jan 4 - North Puget Sound
10:01 - Gray whale heading south at Possession Point. -Matthew Litke
*
MINKE WHALES -
Sun, Jan 4 - Dalco Passage
13:02 - [minke] right by Point Defiance. -Annie Ryan
*
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
*
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
*
12:45 - Ks widely spread off Salmon Bank heading E/SE [east/southeast]. -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
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]
*
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
*
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
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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?: NB