Recent Whale Sightings
November 6
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Thu, Nov 6 - Possession Sound/Saratoga Passage (T36/T36Bs, T99B, T137s)
12:49 - One just passed Camano Island State Park boat launch. Northbound fast.
12:28 - Approaching Camano Island State Park. -Berna Avunca
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12:34 - They have spread a bit. Some still sticking close to Whidbey. They are rounding East Point, still northbound. Weather is deteriorating. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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11:55 - Passing northbound by Seawall Park, mid channel. -Lucy Miller
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11:30 - Between Sandy Point and Langley Marina northbound Whidbey side. -Marilyn Armbruster
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11:35 - They have passed Sandy Point, Whidbey side. Still northbound. T36Bs are also here.
11:11 - At least 137s are here. I have 137D. They are very stealthy moving north between Whidbey and Hat. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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10:35 - Orca sighting from Clinton/Muk ferry lanes, no idea which ones. Link to FB reel. -Dori Cart
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08:43 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 08:53 to relay report [orcas approx. here 47.864073, -122.435751 (center of Possession Triangle)].
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08:15 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 08:53 to report: 08:15hrs: PUYALLUP [ferry] reports they have come to all-stop to facilitate safe passage of a pod of 5 orcas transiting southbound just outside of Apple Tree Cove.
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UNIDENTIFIED SPECIES -
Thu, Nov 6 - Hood Canal
17:00 - They have been staying around the fishing trawler in the Port in Hoodsport. All day. [would be unusual for orcas to stay in
one spot all day with no other reports, so leaving open possibility of other species -RH].
13:43 - There are orcas in Hoodsport on the Hood Canal hanging around the fishing vessels at the Port, looks as though we've seen 3 or 4 so far. -R.B. Milam
November 5
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Wed, Nov 5 - Holmes Harbor
16:15 - Three to four orcas about one mile south of Greenbank Beach, one-half mile off the Greenbank shoreline, heading north towards Greenbank Beach. -/ Martha Poppy Sinclair
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Wed, Nov 5 - Sinclair Inlet
10:30 - Single orca reported in Sinclair Inlet, 200 feet off Bremerton Marina dock -Chelsey Buffington, WDFW
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Wed, Nov 5 - South Puget Sound (T36/T36Bs, T99B, T137s)
13:00 - Right at the beach, lots of splashing, look to be heading into Case Inlet. [Viewed from Dougall Point.]
12:57 - At least 3 orcas at the north end of Harstene Island. -Cammy Malm LaRiviere
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12:20 - Swiftsure departing 12 individuals heading south at this location along shore. For sure T137 T99 and friends [approx. 47.319459, -122.818453 (E shore of Stretch Island, Case Inlet)]. -Tony Tilt, PSE
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11:45 - Spotted from Allyn pier heading south. Swiftsure following. North end of Stretch Island. Saw two fins and a tail slap. Distance and weather making it hard to spot. -Megan Grahl
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11:28 - And a quick update, killer whales, numbers unknown, north end of Case Inlet, breaching, possible hunt -Grayden Kelbert
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09:19 - A neighbor on the Dana Passage side of Johnson Point sent a message they had orcas (3-5) in front of their place and head to the point. Reported at 08:50. They did a dive and neighbors have lost sight of them. I am watching from the east side and not seeing them. Our winter seal lions, who reside close to the point are still noisy. This is a spot where they often choose to go north or into Pickering Passage. -Joan Ahre
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MINKE WHALES -
Wed, Nov 5 - Hood Canal
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Randy Jones
Date of Sighting: November 05, 2025
Time: 11:45 AM
Species seen: minke
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Seabeck just past stavis bay
Direction of travel : south
Behaviors observed: traveling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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UNIDENTIFIED SPECIES -
Wed, Nov 5 - Henderson Bay
12:28 - He is still hanging around Henderson bay! Still seeing blows. The fog is rolling In, will keep updating as long as I can!
11:25 - Single unknown species in Henderson Bay. I've seen several blows, Can't get a good view to identify. Viewing from Purdy Spit, but it seems it [is] starting to head south. [approx. 47.361783, -122.661803 -Josine Lowey
November 4
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Tue, Nov 4 - Rosario Strait - On the ferry back to Anacortes and just saw an orca between Decatur and Blakely Islands. -Andy Putvin [WSSJI]
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Tue, Nov 4 - Port Susan/Possession Sound (T46s minus T46D)
13:50 - Flipped back northwest north of the Mukilteo ferry terminal.
13:00 - Off Everett Naval station southbound.
11:46 - Taking the east side of Hat.
11:38 - Spread over a mile exiting Port Susan heading south towards Hat Island, unclear which side of the island they’ll take (right now looks like could be either or both).
10:45 - The OBI/CWR team have the T46s southbound here [approx. 48.100707, -122.377976]. Just the 3 of them so far, no 46D. -Orca Behavior Institute
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09:30 - Southbound.
09:17 - SB [southbound] near Warm Beach. Direction change, so uncommitted. Mid to mainland side. -Thomas [PSWW chat]
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07:43 - At least 3, NB [northbound] 1 mile out from Sunny Shores. -Patrick [PSWW chat]
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07:18 - Orca NB [northbound] Tulalip Shores closer to Camano. Looks to be a male. More than one. -Jake [PSWW chat]
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Tue, Nov 4 - Puget Sound (T36/T36Bs, T99B, T137s) - T99B Holly, T36B Tattertip surfacing, T36B1 Bhotia, T137A Jack, T36 Flapjack - T137D Wright, T99B Holly, T36B4 Auk, T36B Tattertip -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network - What a lovely day following the T137’s, T36/36B’s and T99B! Link to more photos. -photos by Jennifer Swenson, November 4, 2025
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-photo courtesy of Robert Kyle, November 4, 2025
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T137 Loon - T137 sneaking through Carr Inlet and approaching Purdy earlier this afternoon. -photos by Mollie Segall, November 4, 2025
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16:37 - They are all still grouped up and very slowly south/southwest towards Pitts Passage and the north tip of McNeil Island. They are definitely moving closer to the McNeil side.
16:20 - Passing Horsehead Bay southbound still. All seem to be together again -April Basham
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16:06 - Still heading south [approx. 47.287859, -122.704471].
15:50 - South of Kopachuck 4-5 heading south. -Duffy Lord
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15:53 - South[bound]. Mid channel.
15:32 - Viewing from Kopachuk. -Claudia Marsh
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15:31 - Between Kopachuck and Key Center, approx. mid channel? Trending south slowly, at least 4-5, at least one male and I believe one young one.
15:18 - Watching from Kopachuck, southbound behind Cutt's Island. At least one male, at least 2 individuals. -Soarin Lykins
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15:00 - Observed 4 total from Purdy Spit, one is a large male. Last views of distant spouts maybe heading towards Minter. -T.L. Stokes
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14:30 - At least 3 orcas [T137s, T36/36Bs, T99B] in Henderson Bay - saw them leaving the bay. Link to FB video. -Heather Benjamin
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14:49 - After some brief surface activity on the Key Peninsula side of the channel in Purdy, seeing lots of blows heading further south into Carr.
14:17 - 3 orcas hunting south of the Purdy Bridge.
14:09 - Single orca passing Purdy sand spit close to shore, 3-4 others across on Gig Harbor side. All northbound. -Mollie Segall
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14:08 - Saw one from Purdy. -Nori Kimura
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13:50 - Heading north past Cutt Island, west side of channel. -Mackenzie Annette
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13:40 - The group of 4 came in close to a floating dock of seals just north of Kopachuk but then they disappeared again. Im assuming heading north but they are being stealthy with long down times
13:32 - Group of 4+ just popped up on Gig Harbor side of Cutts Island.
13:20 - First group of 3 is almost to Cutts Island. Have not seen anyone else yet. -Jolena Tagg
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13:10 - There are at least 3 I’m seeing but still far out.
13:08 - One male sighted coming into Carr Inlet [approx. 47.292797, -122.728813]. -Mackenzie Annette
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13:06 - Approaching Kopachuck (view point) northbound in Carr some surface activity. -Hannah Marie Munro
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13:05 - Viewing from Purdy Spit. Seeing blows as they head into Henderson Bay. -Torry Chamberlayne
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13:05 - 4-5 spread out heading north in Carr in line between Kopachuck and Home, towards the Key Peninsula side. -Michael Rodenbaugh
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13:03 - All are past HorseHead Bay northbound. Split into 3 separate groups. Spread across both sides of the channel. -Candace Gavin
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T137B Tempest
12:30 - They just passed by my house on Fox Island (Island Blvd about a half-mile from the spit). Traveling up Carr Inlet. -photo by Jake Khuon, November 4, 2025
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12:18 - Group of 4 just popped up in Fox Island side of mid, with a little in tow.
12:12 - Both groups are now travelling north in Carr Inlet. Split on 2 groups. 3 on Fox Island side of channel and rest along McNeil Island side. From Fox Island side. -Jolena Tagg
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12:09 - Sneak group surfaced just inside Carr Inlet closer to Fox Island side heading deeper into Carr. And seeing blows close to Gertrude Island off McNeil as well traveling north into Carr.
12:04 - Second group heading southbound towards Ketron where we’re seeing the other group. Beautiful clarity out there. Update one has come into Carr! -Andrea Facer
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12:08 - These were the individuals that were traveling with the first group that was with T137A [photos of members of T36/T36Bs & T99B]. -Ashley Whitman
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12:04 - Travelling south now.
12:02 - travelling north up Carr Inlet, Fox Island side of mid channel. -Jolena Tagg
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11:57 - Continuing around northwest Fox Island tip into Carr. -Briana Marin
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11:54 - Continuing south passed Fox Island viewing from Grandview Drive. -Cherie StOurs
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11:50 - Trending southwest towards Carr Inlet. -Andrea Facer
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11:47 - Just made it past the Fox Island pier, almost to the tip. -Janelle Avice McDonald
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11:46 - Deep dove and are still southbound passed the Fox Island pier now [video in FB comments].
11:39 - Group approaching Fox Island pier southbound very close to Fox Island side! -Andrea Facer
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11:39 - 3 females still on Fox Island side meandering and slightly heading south, saw Jack already pass Fox Island pier girls have not. Viewing from Titlow beach landing. -Cherie StOurs
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11:37 - I see them from Chambers Bay. -Marco Zeno
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11:37 - Looked like maybe they are heading towards the Fox Island pier. Fox Island side. -Krissy Hopkins
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11:32 - View from Chambers Bay. Fox Island in the background. [video in FB comments]. -Marco Zeno
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Denise Ivie
Date of Sighting: November 04, 2025
Time: 11:32 AM
Species seen: Orcas
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: Circling around Point Fosdick in Hales Passage
Direction of travel : Slow
Behaviors observed: Milling
If orcas, any males?: Unknown
Any unusual markings?: Unknown
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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11:31 - Headed to Fox Island Pier. Watching from Day Island. -Janelle Avice McDonald
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11:19 - Passed Day Island 5 minutes ago. -Nori Kimura
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11:15 - From Titlow [video in FB comments]. -Chelsea Nicole Lederhouse
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11:13 - Both groups have passed southbound under Narrows Bridge -Andrea Facer
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11:05 - First group just passed Narrows, mid channel, heading south. Second group approaching bridge now. -Michalyn Marzocco
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10:58 - Seeing them from Hidden Beach Titlow. -Tiffany Johnson
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10:56 - Seeing blows approach Narrows Bridge as they travel southbound. Viewing from Narrows Park. -Hannah Marie Munro
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10:48 - From the Gig Harbor ferry dock. Moving quickly towards Narrows Bridge. Have seen up to 7. Closer to Tacoma side. -Torry Chamberlayne
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T137A Jack & T36 Flapjack - T99B Holly
10:48 - The little one is porpoising, porpoised right by the boat marker before pushing out towards the Gig side to join the rest of the trailing group.
10:47 - Southbound in Narrows traveling in two groups, T137s more Tacoma side to mid-channel, T99s if T99B Holly is traveling with her pod more towards the Gig Harbor side and a little behind T137s. -back of camera photos by Ashley S Whitman, November 4, 2025
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10:41 - Still viewing from old Gig Harbor ferry dock. They have proceeded south into the Narrows grouped up. Seeing 6-7 of them. -Torry Chamberlayne
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10:29 - Barely caught the dorsal fin (near trees) sorry for shaky video [video in FB comments - from Owen Beach]. -Sela Lincoln
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10;20 - They are close to the ferry dock on Vashon [approx. 47.327138, -122.518594]. -Torry Chamberlayne
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10:34 - 4, passed the point at Point Defiance heading southwest in Narrows slowly. It was beautiful. T137A was leading, then slowly logged in the water facing north while waiting for the rest of the *leading group* (updated for records). When they met up, they continued slow southbound travel.
10:14 - At least three or four orcas moving with a westbound with a purpose. Could be the heat distortion but they look like they're porpoising. Headed into Dalco. Viewing from Point Defiance Park. -Ashley S Whitman
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10:12 - Viewing from old Gig Harbor ferry dock. Seeing blows at the south tip of Vashon. They seem to be rounding the corner to head up Colvos but may be too soon to tell. -Torry Chamberlayne
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10:05 - From Gig Harbor old ferry landing. Breaching and milling near Dash Point State Park. -Diana Frick
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19:49 - Just passing Quartermaster close to island side. Long down times. -Mandy Michelle
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09:50 - Traveling west to the tip of Murray’s [Maury] Island.
09:47 - Long down time now.
09:43 - Very surface active appears to be traveling south closer to Vashon.
09:42 - Spotted from the Dunes In Tacoma mid channel by sailboat. -Tiffany Johnson
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09:25 - Appear to be mid Gold Beach from Browns Point. Headed south. At least four. -Blake Kremer
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09:30 - There is a large male and I think at least 3-4 females and at least one baby.
09:13 - More whales than I originally saw. Appears to be a very small baby in the group as well.
09:09 - Correction still east of the pier. Surface active at the moment.
09:05 - Viewing from Dash Point pier straight out closer to Vashon/mid. -Mandy Michelle
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Charles Sarver
Date of Sighting: November 04, 2025
Time: 09:00 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: Near Point Defiance and Gig Harbor
Direction of travel : South
Behaviors observed: Traveling south didn't hang around long surfaced a few times. It was around 9am this morning
If orcas, any males?: Couldn't tell
Any unusual markings?: Dint see any. I was a distance away
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I also saw them last Tuesday as well as they went around Vashon Island
Photos available?: No
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08:45 - From Browns Point lighthouse I can barely see them spouting, moving to the west apparently towards Point Robinson. -Blake Kremer
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08:44 - Just went past south end of Redondo board walk, deep dives.
08:32 - Straight out from Redondo boardwalk closer to Saltwater Park. -Lesley Freilinger
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Maya Lorey
Date of Sighting: November 04, 2025
Time: 8:36 AM
Species seen: Orcas
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: South of Des Moines marina right by Saltwater State Park (saw from Woodmont Beach)
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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08:10 - I last saw them around here traveling south, 2-3 whales [approx. 47.362023, -122.337231].
07:55 - Just spotted two killer whales traveling south east from Des Moines marina. -Mandy Michelle
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HUMPBACK WHALES -
Tue, Nov 4 - Haro Strait
12:08 - At least one is still milling in front of Lime Kiln.
11:17 - Humpback surfaced just south of Lime Kiln. Actually two humpbacks! -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
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MINKE WHALES -
Tue, Nov 4 - Haro Strait
08:07 - baleen [minke] whale spotted on Lime Kiln live cam. -Alyssa Kelley [WSSJI]
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UNIDENTIFIED SPECIES -
Tue, Nov 4 - Dalco Passage
I heard a few blows at Owen Beach before the orcas entered Dalco. First thought was that there was a baleen whale logging in the waterway somewhere. -Ashley S Whitman
November 3
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Mon, Nov 3 - Admiralty Inlet (J Pod, K Pod, Greater L4s) - As the Southern Residents passed by Lagoon Point. -photos by Bonnie Gretz, November 3, 2025
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16:16 - I’m sitting at West Beach County Park and with good binoculars I can see them breaching and splashing! Very close to the peninsula.
16:05 - Looks like they’re due west, close to the peninsula side. -Nadya Zawaideh
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15:37 - Exiting the sound - viewing from Libbey Beach. -Deb Barge
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14:49 - They are heading north right now.
14:40 - Watching from Admiralty Head Lighthouse at Fort Casey. Lots of surface activity, mid channel. -Patti Voeller
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14:36 - More clear calls, including S16s, and whistles after ferry has docked at Coupeville. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
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14:35 - Approaching the hydrophone dock and Point Wilson lighthouse! -Deb Barge
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14:33 - Very loud calls on the hydrophone. -Kathleen Cage
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14:33 - That must be who I am seeing now - well behind the others. Big male slowly northbound mid channel-ish.
14:20 - Still slowly northbound, mid channel/shipping lanes. Might be headed more west bound but starting to leave out of my viewing area [approx. 48.129601, -122.724893]. -Jennifer Fulton Carpenter
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14:18 - All SRKWs north of ferry. The Salish went WAY south of route to avoid them. Good job Captain! Classic Blackberry (J27) in the rear. -Sarah Geist
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14:18 - Hearing faint S01s, S16s, whistles.
14:13 - Suddenly the ferry noise drops as their speed decreases from 13 to 6 knots! (Maybe they should go slow(er) for the *whole* crossing when SRKWS are within a few km!?)
13:53 - Just heard a few S10 (aka "excitement") calls! -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
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14:09 - Bradley Coombe, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 14:36 to report: 14:09 SALISH Vessel reports slowing for 15-20 whales. Orca are in the general PT>COUP route area near the Midchannel Bank.
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13:53 - So many! Pretty spread out; tail lobs; spy hops; sailboat passing on their left (west) of them [approx. 48.138826, -122.711623]. -Jennifer Fulton Carpenter
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13:50 - Lots of calls on Port Townsend hydrophone still. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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13:49 - At least 11 far off in the distance from Point Wilson Lighthouse. Few breaches, can only see with binoculars [approx. 48.160960, -122.728210]. -Bridget Brown
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13:48 - Multiple actually- at least 6 grouped together - slowly northbound.
13:46 - Two orcas- mid shipping lanes; north bound. -Jennifer Fulton Carpenter
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13:43 - Lots of call types and whistling audible on the Port Townsend hydrophone. -Scott Veirs
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13:41 - So much vocalization right now on Port Townsend hydrophone! -Lynn Asbeck
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13:29 - Getting louder again, with lots of noise from the ferry too.
13:24 - Calls have gotten quieter but still audible on Port Townsend hydrophone. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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13:21 - I don’t know if it’s one of this group but lone orca headed quickly south in Admiralty in shipping lanes. About here [approx. 48.136981, -122.702776]. -Jennifer Fulton Carpenter
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13:17 - Spread out just south Fort Worden and Fort Casey to north of Bush Point. -Tracey Carrillo
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13:10 - Calls and clicks heard on Port Townsend hydrophone. -Hannah Marie Munro
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13:05 - Hopped the ferry to Coupeville. Still trending north but slowly. Very spread out. -Joe Griffin-Harte
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13:04 - Currently really loud on Port Townsend hydrophone! -Jennifer Taylor
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13:04 - Lots of calls on Port Townsend hydrophone! -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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13:04 - I’m seeing lots of surface activity south and east of the lighthouse. Look toward Fort Casey (on Whidbey) but west of mid channel. East of the sailboat. -Amy Smith Norris
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13:00 - Increasingly louder and more calls and even clicks heard on Port Townsend hydrophone. -Jennifer Fulton Carpenter
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12:54 - They’re louder on Port Townsend now. -Cheryl Harmon
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12:47 - Hearing calls on Bush Point hydrophone! -Hannah Marie Munro
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13:02 - Wow it’s incredible on Port Townsend!
12:47 - Super active right now on Bush Point!
12:45 - Hearing them too!! ! [on Bush Point]. -Emily Horton
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12:43 - Came on here to say I’m hearing some faint calls on Port Townsend again. -Jennifer Fulton Carpenter
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12:49 - Hearing them on Port Townsend, too! They must be all spread out across the triangle.
12:40 - Hearing them on the Bush Point hydrophone. -Cheryl Harmon
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12:18 - Bradley Coombe, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 12:33 to report: 12:18 KENNEWICK Vessel reports pod activity. A group of 6-7 orca 1/4 mile East of Marrowstone Point traveling in an East to West direction.
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12:17 - Large group appears to be foraging with lots of directional changes. Just south of Port Townsend ferry lanes. Closer to Marrowstone. Another group north of ferry lanes with lots of surface activity. No clear direction. -Amy Smith Norris
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11:55 - Faint calls and/or whistles heard on Port Townsend hydrophone, but mostly masked by noise from outbound containership. Interestingly, it's usually the Washington State Ferries that radiates the most underwater noise in Admiralty, but on this crossing with the WSF Salish nearing its closest point of approach (CPA) to the hydrophone at Fort Worden, I mostly heard the containership. This tells me that even when slowed way down (to 12.4 knots from a typical cruising speed of ~20kt) per Quiet Sound's guidance, the containership bound for China (MSI 351819000) remains the most intense source of noise pollution for the SRKWs = Southern Resident Killer Whales
12:11 - With clear SRKW calls before and after all this noise from global and local sources, it's a good assumption that members of all three pods experienced what Orcasound - Listen for Whales listeners just heard (and rightfully complained about!). Link to audio recording. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
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12:09 - Still seeing blows and breaches mid channel halfway between Marrowstone Point and Keystone. -Joe Griffin-Harte
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12:08 - Hearing them on the Port Townsend hydrophone -Jennifer Fulton Carpenter
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12:01 - Seeing blows and breaches from the Point Wilson lighthouse closer to Whidbey side, but still trending north Port Townsend ferry just passed them. -Joe Griffin-Harte
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11:56 - Listening to the Port Townsend hydrophone while I drive out that way and still hear them. -Bridget Brown
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11:54 - On the ferry. See a bunch of splashing south of the ferry still. -Steve Czerniak
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11:55 - Now group further north has flipped south.
11:49 - Just that group flipping north and south, but now slowly trending north. Dingy now with them.
11:43 - Group of at least 5 still milling off Fort Flagler. -Amy Smith Norris
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11:45 - Southern residents spread here-ish [approx. 48.103761, -122.653566 (2 mi. E of Ft. Flagler)]. Multidirectional. -Sarah Geist
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11:40 - I believe I'm still hearing SRKW calls, but also there are river otters in the mix intermittently Port Townsend. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
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11:30 - There are still at least 5 just south of Flagler!
11:24 - Still at least 5 south of Flagler.
11:13 - Passengers on ferry to Coupeville should have a great view now! -Amy Smith Norris
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11:28 - Hearing calls on the Port Townsend hydrophone. -Orca Network
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11:17 - Can confirm Js Ks and Greater L4s all here. -Orca Behavior Institute
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11:15 - Viewing from Admiralty Lighthouse with binos. Seeing dorsals & mini breaches mid channel south of ferry lane. Monster cargo ship appears to be heading in their direction -Susan Moore
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11:00 - You can hear them faintly on the Port Townsend hydrophone now. -Amanda Hulstein
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11:01 - Those heading to Flagler, you still have time. Leaders should be visible from Fort Worden now.
10:52 - Now spread between Port Townsend ferry lanes and just south of Flagler. Slowly northbound. West of mid. Too many to count around research dingy.
10:50 - Trailers still south of Flagler.
10:32 - Approaching Fort Flagler. Northbound. This group west of mid now.
10:10 - Viewing from a mile north of Lagoon Point. Still steadily northbound with lots of surface activity. East of mid. -Amy Smith Norris
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10:01 - Trailers past Lagoon Point… got to see some breaching, tail slapping, spyhopping and foraging… a few mid channel! -Bonnie Gretz
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09:50 - Foraging out from Lagoon. Lots of direction changes.
09:33 - Leaders are past south Lagoon Point. Mid to other. Some trailers are Whidbey side of mid. Surface activity with some foraging. Steady northbound still. -Sarah Geist
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09:25 - Still hearing them on Bush Point -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Christopher Thornton
Date of Sighting: November 03, 2025
Time: 9:09 AM
Species seen: orca
Number of animals seen:
Where seen: Bush Point, Freeland WA midchannel
Direction of travel : trending N
Behaviors observed: Milling around, surface active with some breaching. Based on numbers, presume them to be resident pod.
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Christopher Thornton
Date of Sighting: November 03, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM
Species seen: Large pod of orcas spread out in Admiralty Strait, midchannel off Bush Point. Ba
Number of animals seen:
Where seen: Midchannel off Bush Point in Admiralty Strait
Direction of travel : trending N
Behaviors observed: Milling around, surface active with some breaching. Based on numbers, presume them to be resident pod.
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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08:59 - A few louder calls now on Bush Point. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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They are passing the yellow channel marker on both sides at Bush Point.
08:53 - Lots of breaching. Mid channel. Bush Point.
08:48 - Approaching Bush Point, some surface activity northbound. -Michele Tosh Brodsky
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08:53 - Pretty sure heard faint calls on Bush Point, possibly K pod call. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
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08:51 - Hearing calls Bush Point. -Jen Prewitt
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08:45 - Viewing from mid Marrowstone looking south. Tons of breaches. Spread out. -Susan John
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08:43 - Heard two more calls. -Bridget Brown
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08:44 - More calls on Bush Point hydrophone.
08:33 - Calls on Bush Point. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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08:33 - Just heard them on Bush Point hydro. -Emily Horton
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08:33 - Hearing them now on Bush Point, Js. -Shari Tarantino, Orca Conservancy
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08:30 - Trailers moving steadily north, 1-2 miles south of Bush Point, Whidbey side, spread out, no surface activity, just committed travel mode. -Howard Garrett, Orca Network
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08:18 - Viewing from Bush Point. Leaders? are at the south tip of Bush Point, large spread north/south and east/west northbound.
08:01 - Viewing from Shore Meadow. Multiple whales, surface active mid channel past Foulweather northbound. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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08:01 - I see a couple more now, steady northbound.
07:55 - Two fins now continue northbound. Breaching. Whidbey side of mid.
07:43 - Now a fin, northbound near Double Bluff.
07:34 - I just saw a breach out from Useless Bay, behind a huge vessel, not sure what orca, but definitely an orca. -Susan John
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14:00 - 04:50 - Orcas on Sunset hydros. -Tracey Carrillo
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04:15 - Calls on Sunset -Amanda Austin
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HUMPBACK WHALES -
Mon, Nov 3 - Haro Strait
08:30 - Humpback at Bellevue Point headed towards Lime Kiln, close in. -Paul MacMahon [WSSJI]
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MINKE WHALES -
Mon, Nov 3 - Admiralty Inlet
12:48 - Baleen whale headed north in Admiralty- appears to be just east of ferry lanes. (12:55)- I’ve seen it twice - first headed south in Admiralty but wasn’t sure what I saw. Confirmed whale headed south and east of ferry lanes on second sighting in same location above. Minke? No spout. Small dorsal. [approx. 48.144707, -122.652299] -Jennifer Fulton Carpenter
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11:45 - I watched a minke around here, north of the ferry lane heading north but closer to shore near Fort Casey. It was right around the time the large cargo ship was passing through. I saw it surface 6+ times before I lost track of it because I was distracted by SRKWs. Very possible it flipped south after the container ship and ended up here. -Sarah Plane
November 2
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Sun, Nov 2 - Puget Sound (J Pod, K Pod, Greater L4s) - L110 Midnight - Point Robinson was epic! -photo by Craig Craker, November 2, 2025
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My first Point Robinson pass. Link to more photos. Link to more photos - part two. -photos by Kelly Dawson, November 2, 2025
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L105 Fluke - The only way I could describe today is “pure adrenaline with JKL pods”. Link to more photos. Link to FB video. -photos by Kat Martin, November 2, 2025
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Southern Resident Spyhops! Link to more photos. -photos by Molls Segall, November 2, 2025
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K16 Opus -ID by Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout - L110 Midnight - With J, K, & L Pods. Link to more photos. -photos by Jami Cantrell, November 2, 2025
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L72 Racer - Could not have asked for a better experience for my first ever SRKW pass at Point Robinson! Link to more photos. -photos by Amy Fowler, November 2, 2025
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L110 Midnight - J, K, L Pods. Link to more photos. -photos by Jolena Tagg, November 2, 2025
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K16 Opus - All of J Pod, K Pod, and some of L Pod (not L12s/L54s) from Vashon Island today. Link to more photos. -photos by Hongming Zheng, November 2, 2025
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From Point Robinson. Link to more photos. Link to FB video. -photos by Sarah Geist, November 2, 2025
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K16 Opus - L125 Element, L116 Finn, L86 Surprise, L106 Pooka -IDs by Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute & Rachel Haight, Orca Network - It was J, K, and part of L pod. 59 Southern Resident orcas making their way down south in Puget Sound. Link to more photos. -photos by Amber Stanfill, November 2, 2025
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From Owen Beach. -photos by Amber Irvine, November 2, 2025
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J, K, and L Pods as they moved through Dalco Passage and milled for multiple hours, all in view of Dune Peninsula. Link to more photos. Link to more photos with the ferry. -photos by Matthew Pfab, November 2, 2025
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Link to more photos & FB videos. -photos by Bee Lorenzen McVicker, November 2, 2025
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Most of all three pods were present resulting in a total of about 59 orcas traveling together. Link to more photos. -photos by Mike Maddox, November 2, 2025
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J47 Notch - Point Robinson. Link to more photos. Link to more photos - part two. -photos & ID by Cindi Crowder Rausch, November 2, 2025
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Point Robinson. Link to more photos. -photos by Danielle Lanxon, November 2, 2025
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J, K, & L pods in Puget Sound. Link to more photos. -photos by April Basham, November 2, 2025
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J38 Cookie -The fall colors were incredible. Link to more photos. -photos by Kyle Anderson, November 2, 2025
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Such an incredible day so many will never forget. Link to more photos & FB videos. -photos by Cherie StOurs, November 2, 2025
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From Point Defiance Park. Link to FB video & more photos. -photos by Sean Lacsamana, November 2, 2025
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From Dune Peninsula. -photo by Lisa Kollmansberger, November 2, 2025
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Near the Point Defiance/Tahlequah ferry. -photo by Mark Stewart, November 2, 2025
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Seeing the Southern Resident Orcas from the Point Defiance Dunes today felt surreal. Link to more photos. -photos by Two girls take on the world, November 2, 2025
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From the visit to Point Robinson. Link to FB video. -Caroline Martin Matter
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All three pods (J, K, & some of L) of the endangered Southern Resident Orcas. Link to Youtube video. -Mike Maddox
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What an exciting afternoon and evening! From Vashon. Link to FB video. -Joe Smith
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J, K, and L Pods passing Point Robinson. Link to FB video. -Annette Messitt
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From the Tahlequah ferry. Link to FB video. -April Basham
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This was from Ruston Point this evening! Link to FB video. -Bethany Wegner
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From Point Robinson. Link to FB video. -Kristen George
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Watched most of this amazing event from the bridge over the entrance to the ferry in Point Ruston... and then as the sun set down at Dune Peninsula. Link to FB videos. -Mark Goddard
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Link to FB video. -Lydia Stewart
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Ruston. Link to FB video. -Sam Ryan
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J, L, K, Pod. Link to FB video. -Rebecca Searcy
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Mount Rainier and orcas at the same time today at Dune Peninsula. Link to FB reel. -Sela Lincoln
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As they passed Point Robinson southbound. Link to FB videos. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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Absolutely beautiful pass from Point Robinson! Link to FB videos. -Andrea Facer
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An update on IDs: J-Pod, K-Pod, and the Greater L4s present today = 59 whales. Not technically a superpod with the L12 and L54 sub-groups missing, but still an incredible day! -Orca Behavior Institute
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19:48 - Sometimes there's a silver lining in ferry delays or not making it on a ferry. Just listened to so many blows, breaches, tail lobs traveling east to west in Dalco. They started out close to the Tahlequah ferry dock and trended West, slowly getting fainter as they traveled and as planes moved through and the ferry arrived. Could still hear them at 19:40 as I walked back to my car to prepare to get on the ferry. [video in FB comments]. -Ashley S Whitman
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18:19 - I went & checked all of Ruston but couldn't hear anything because of traffic. Back at Dune, just outside the gates, & blows are still audible, though further out! Wouldn't it be cool to have a hydrophone down here so we know how long they stay? -Melissa Bird
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18:05 - While the ferry back from Vashon to Tacoma was dark, we could still hear blows on the voyage across. -Jami Cantrell
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17:30 - Can't see them but surrounded by audible blows at Dune. -Melissa Bird
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17:27 - Ferry is still moving towards Vashon, but slowly. -Sandy Karwhite
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17:20 - Foraging back and forth in ferry lanes. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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Beautiful breach from the ferry earlier. What a day. [video in FB comments]. -Kat Martin
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17:18 - 2 crossing ferry lines now almost to Owen’s Beach but hugging Vashon side. Losing visibility. -Jen Prewitt
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17:17 - As light fades quickly, members have the ferry stopped for the third time, & everyone is still spread out from deep in east end of Commencement Bay to far west side of Dalco Passage, foraging behavior. -Melissa Bird
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17:01 - A few members off west end of Dune, this side of mid channel, Eastbound. Others on the Vashon side westbound. Multiple groups in Commencement Bay foraging all over. -Melissa Bird
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17:00 - There are a few still milling west of the ferry lanes in front of Colvos Passage. -Kelly Kauffman Wisniewski
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16:57 - ~6 orcas in Commencement Bay! To the right of the Point Ruston boat. -Tenaje Calloway
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16:53 - Correction. Still members off west end of Vashon near Colvos Passage & a few westbound in Ferry lanes.
16:49 - Lone bull eastbound off Ruston, others further out, I believe everyone is east of ferry lanes now. Actively foraging. -Melissa Bird
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16:42 - Group of 5-6 orcas in the ferry lane at Tacoma/Vashon as seen from Point Ruston. -Andrew Leisner
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16:38 - Ferry to Point Defiance stopped as surrounded by orca. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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16:35 - Orcas seen an hour ago very close to shore on Vashon Island. -Greg Hoeksema
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16:32 - They are playing around at Point Ruston. Had ferry at a stop again. Going all directions. Viewing from Ruston [video in FB comments]. -Da Is
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16:28 - Three members RIGHT off Dune with calf!
16:27 - J41 & J62 I think? Giving us and someone on a kayak, a good pass! Link to Youtube video. -Melissa Bird
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16:27 - Spread out foraging south of Tahlequah ferry terminal. -Nikol Damato, Orca Network
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16:22 - Can view with binoculars on hill on Waterview Street. -Melissa Martin
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16:19 - Point Defiance Marina! -Lydia Stewart
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16:14 - Viewing from Owens Beach. All spread out south of Vashon and some closer to Commencement. -Torry Chamberlayne
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16:14 - [video in FB comments]. -Sela Lincoln
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Heather Gorton
Date of Sighting: November 02, 2025
Time: 4:15 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 15
Where seen: Dalco Passage 47.3217649°N, -122.5115158°W
Direction of travel : Unknown direction of travel
Behaviors observed: Milling, they stayed in the area for at least the three hours we were there
If orcas, any males?: Unknown
Any unusual markings?: Unknown
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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16:09 - Spread allllllll over Dalco Passage foraging. Some still eastbound for Commencement Bay almost off Point Ruston. -Melissa Bird
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16:07 - Looks like they're very spread out but heading towards Owen. Some are still back here in the ferrylanes . Viewing from Point Ruston. -Da Is
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Alyssa Craig
Date of Sighting: November 02, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM
Species seen: Orcas
Number of animals seen: 7
Where seen: Off Point Defiance Park between Vashon Island and Tacoma
Direction of travel : West and east
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: Unsure
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: It was my first. It was awesome. There were so many and they split up to cover a huge area.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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16:01 - BEAUTIFUL pass from the ferry as they forage in the ferry lanes. -Jami Cantrell
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16:00 - Orcas as Point Ruston right now. -Sela Lincoln
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15:57 - Viewing from above Point Ruston at least a half dozen spread out between Point Ruston and Quartermaster Harbor. -Ed Rickert
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15:57 - Still in ferry path too. -Cindy Swenson
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15:55 - Whale soup out in front of Dune. Some have split & are eastbound towards Commencement Bay, others are Westbound & past ferry terminal. Others foraging off Quartermaster Harbor entrance. -Melissa Bird
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15:55 - Westbound passing Tahlequah dock [video in FB comments]. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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15:54 - Now swimming south towards Commencement. -Cindy Swenson
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15:49 - Tons of orcas on the south end of Vashon by the ferry they’ve been hunting and there’s at least 6 to 7, maybe two pods? -Madison Lutz
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15:48 - Very surface active, large group passing Point Ruston westbound, almost to ferry terminal in Dalco Passage. -Matthew Pfab
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15:47 - Streaming across Vashon shore westbound spread from ferry terminal to at least Quartermaster Harbor. -Melissa Bird
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15:47 - Tons of orcas on the south end of Vashon by the ferry. -Madison Lutz
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15:46 - Approaching ferry lanes. Large group going past Vashon observing from Point Ruston. -Da Is
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15:45 - West bound by the tip of Vashon, near the red and white boats. -Kolea Caverly
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15:45 - 1st few seconds of this video is incredible. Turn your phone to watch! From Dune Peninsula. Link to Youtube video. -Melissa Bird
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15:43 - Swimming west towards ferry line. -Cindy Swenson
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15:39 - From Dune leaders have crossed entrance to Quartermaster westbound. -Melissa Bird
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15:39 - Trailers still between Maury and Vashon. By yellow buoy. -Tracey Carrillo
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15:25 - Viewing from Browns Point, one of the groups passing by the mouth of Quartermaster still heading south. -Torry Chamberlayne
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15:20 - In front of Maury there are lots of boats by them. Viewing from Point Ruston. -Da Is
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15:13 - Saw a brief blow from Dune Peninsula near Piner Point on Maury. Orange research vessel is in the area. -Lisa Kollmansberger
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15:06 - Straight out from Point Robinson by a white sailboat. Approaching south tip of Maury. -Taryn Hensley
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15:04 - Viewing from Browns Point seeing them still south bound hugging Vashon side about here [approx. 47.366304, -122.420934]. -Torry Chamberlayne
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15:03 - Coming up on Piner Point Maury Island close to Vashon side all business steady pace southbound, very little surface activity. -Melissa Bird
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15:01 - Passing Gold Beach as seen from above the Ram on Ruston. -Eileen Mccaffery-Lent
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14:44 - A bunch of them are straight across from Dash Point pier on the Vashon side [approx. 47.378319, -122.398444]. -Amanda Aird Penland
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14:42 - Close to Maury as seen from above the Ram. And still north of Gold Beach. -Eileen Mccaffery-Lent
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14:40 - All groupings passing Maury Marine Park now. Southbound. Still Vashon side. -Annette Messitt
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We had a blast seeing the orca at Point Robinson - on the left side of the point. -Caroline Martin Matter
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14:15 - All passed Point Robinson southbound incredible incredible! Link to FB videos. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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14:15 - They are past Point Robinson now. Still headed southbound. -Annette Messitt
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14:15 - All three separated groups have passed Point Robinson and still heading south. VERY surface active, spy hops, tail slaps and breaches. Epic Point Robinson pass!! -Torry Chamberlayne
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14:04 - All are southbound at Point Robinson fast pace spread out mid-west and east of mid. -Tracey Carrillo
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14:03 - Finally seeing them at Saltwater in Des Moines! To the right of the yellow buoy. -Ashley Fry
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14:00 - Viewing from Des Moines pier. super spread out and really close to Vashon side. Moving steadily forward Point Robinson. -Torry Chamberlayne
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13:48 - A big group (5+) appear to be heading from KVI toward Point Robinson. Others still blowing and breaching near the tower. -Lucas Dambergs
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13:45 - One group getting splashy between Point Robinson and radio tower, seeing several more lazy surfacing to the right of them. -Amy FowIer
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13:45 - In the time took to construct that some are to the south of the red circle.
13:40 - From Des Moines w/some elevation: SRKWs are in slow mode. Those that are traveling are southbound look to be in resting. There some nice groups. Research boats appear spread from south of KVI and to the south well north of Point Robinson. Still looking hopeful but more patience needed from those waiting at Point Robinson. Map is rough general spread, of research anyhow, with whales towards south end of red circle and at least middle [approx [approx.47.406231, -122.397445]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
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13:42 - They are all near Vashon. Some have moved a bit east towards us but none are in any hurry to make a move south. Some still milling. -Laura Carpenter
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13:41 -I see them, too, also spy hops and tail slaps. -Lucas Dambergs
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13:39 - Blows visible with naked eye looking northwest from Point Robinson. I’ve seen a few that seem to be facing toward us and getting closer, but no one is moving anywhere quickly. -Amy FowIer
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13:35 - Some are still southbound, some facing north. Hanging out around KVI area-ish. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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13:34 - Lots of blows could be hunting- close to Vashon KVI area . They’ve been in the same area for a while. -Andrea Facer
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13:33 - Viewing from Des Moines Pier. Near 2 research boats -Sean Lacsamana
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13:44 - [From] Des Moines split some southbound.
13:32 - Flipped northbound. -Tracey Carrillo
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13:36 - They are milling near the tower. Now seeing blows directly behind the research boats.
13:25 - Seeing many (10+) blows to the right of KVI tower as seen from Point Robinson. -Lucas Dambergs
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13:29 - They’re heading north. There are at least 6 months [males?].
13:20 - There’s a pod of orcas near Des Moines. -Hailey Woodbury
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13:23 - At least 15 spread out in front of Des Moines Pier. Starting to head south again.
13:19 - Some north and some south. Starting to split up again.
13:13 - Still visible at Des Moines Marina. Milling. No longer heading south. Lots of breaches and spy hopping. -Laura Carpenter
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12:59 - Lots of blows and fins to the right of the radio tower near the shore between Portage and Ellisport. -Amy FowIer
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12:52 - I would get yourself ready to go at Point Robinson. I suspect they’ll be here within a half hour. They’re still southbound. We see a ton of blows with two research boats. -Kat Martin
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12:48 - Seeing blows and fins from Point Robinson somewhere around here [approx. 47.421328, -122.427616]. -Amy FowIer
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12:34 - Leaders coming up on Point Robinson Lighthouse. Very spread out now. Longer dives. Southbound. [Viewed from] Des Moines Marina pier. -Laura Carpenter
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12:23 - Viewing from Three Tree Point. Closer to Vashon, near research boat/yellow buoy. -Sean Lacsamana
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12:23 - Viewing from the cove, still heading south. They are just north of KVI Beach with the research vessel near by. -Caldwell Rohrbach
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12:14 - Many, many SRKW spread out in singles and groups. Some very close in to island shores, now south of Dilworth, continuing southbound and surface active. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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12:13 - We are viewing from Point Robinson and can see a research vessel with some whales under the three towers. The whales are so close to Vashon, it seems, they could kiss it and take it to dinner. Still coming south, it seems. -Kat Martin
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12:09 - Viewing from Seahurst Park. Seeing a group north of KVI splashing around. Vashon side of channel. -Hannah Marie Munro
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11:54 - Leaders in line with KVI towers as viewed from Three Tree Point. CORRECTION: Dilworth, not KVI. -Steve Rice
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11:52 - SRKW viewable from East Passage cam. -Leo Vert
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11:49 - Just coming into view at KVI. I can see surface activity north of Dilworth. A few are close to shore. -Megan Stuart Chapin
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11:39 - From high elevation:SRKWs still spread and still continue southbound travels north of Dilworth but heading that way. They are spread mid channel and either side of. Some more east of/mid have stalled, possibly foraging? Breaching and other surface active behaviors. Others continue southbound travels. Map is approximate area [47.487296, -122.424271]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
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11:27 - Still visible from Lincoln Park. Very spread out but active breaches. Still southbound hugging Vashon shore -Laura Carpenter -photo by Ty Rogers, November 2, 2025
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11:23 - More whales or a second pod following closely behind.
11:21 - Research both and a pod of about six just south of Winghaven Park, south of the Vashon north end ferry dock. -Tammi Pickett
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11:20 - Ressies still wide spread. I believe all are south of Faunt/Vashon ferry lanes now, including at least two trailing males, that one east of mid and the other mid. Three research boats out here. CWR/OBI now up with leaders. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
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11:16 - Seeing some spread out groups now past ferry lanes. Group of about 5-6 with at least 1 male off of Dolphin Point, southbound, a couple other groups more mid, southbound, in East Passage. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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11:09 - 3 breaches by Vashon ferry dock view from Lincoln Park. -Mary Hartmann
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11:09 - Just saw them pass on the [Orca Conservancy] webcam! -Carina McGough
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11:07 - Some breaching mid channel south of Vashon ferry. Viewing from Lincoln Park.
11:02 - Another group approaching the Vashon Terminal. Southbound. West of mid. -Hannah Marie Munro
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11:00 - Seeing them on the East Passage live cam. -Andréa Tardif
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11:00 - Who believe are leaders are through/south of ferry lanes now with Sears researchers. Others spread wide back and across, again male on east side others mostly mid to west side. All steady southbound East Passage in mild chop. CWR/OBI research boat back and possibly another. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
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10:54 - Can confirm they are southbound in East Passage. Vashon side.
10:46 - Seeing fins approach Vashon ferry terminal. Southbound. Watching from Lincoln Park.
10:36 - Viewing from Lincoln Park. pod remains super spread out. Southbound. West of mid (at least the group I am seeing). Research vessel nearby. -Hannah Marie Munro
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10:35 - I’m at south end Emma Schmitz Park and see orcas widely spread, in singles to small groups, from male on east side to most other mid and west side of channel. North of Fauntleroy/Vashon ferry lanes at least back to Tillicum Village. All steady southbound. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
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10:26 - Super spread out. From Southworth, still seeing some up north left of Smith Cove and down through maybe Lincoln Park area? Still southbound [approx. 47.528840, -122.434449]. -Amy FowIer
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10:24 - Group north end of Blake Island research boat with them. Traveling south. Viewing from Lowman. -Mandy Michelle
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10:18 - Seeing on Orca Conservancy live cam. Very active male. -Tracey Carrillo
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10:16 - Viewing from Southworth ferry, seeing fins very spread out as far north as yellow buoy off Blake. Just saw one male surface a couple times facing north but everyone else has been heading south. -Amy FowIer
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10:13 - Visible from Mee Kwa Mooks off of Blake Island. -Ted Webber
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10:12 - On the Vashon ferry and can see the research vessel to the north of us. Unsure of direction at the time but the whales are definitely west of mid. -Kat Martin
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10:11 - Viewing this group from Lowman close to a red channel marker. -Mandy Michelle
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10:05 - Some whales approximately south end of Bainbridge. West of mid. Southbound. -Hannah Marie Munro
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10:03 - Viewing from Emma Schmitz. Lots of whales spread out. West of channel. Red research boat with the leaders. -Aaron Berg
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09:57 - Leaders approaching Blake Island. Southbound. Same spot. -Hannah Marie Munro
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09:56 - Mike with two females (maybe Alki and Echo) just left of the yellow buoy as seen from Constellation Park. -Daniel Walsh
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09:45 - Leaders are passing south end of Bainbridge. Still viewing from Constellation. Southbound. Slightly west of mid. Hanging out with research vessel.
09:40 - Approximately around Blakely Harbor. Southbound. Research vessel is with them. Viewing from Constellation.
09:29 - Seeing leaders from Constellation Park. West of mid channel. Southbound. -Hannah Marie Munro
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09:24 - They’re probably a mile from first to last, the southernmost ones approaching Restoration and northernmost ones still off Tyee about a mile east. All heading south.
09:15 - Whole bunch of them on the Seattle/Bainbridge ferry crossing. Ferry is stopping. They are headed south approximately a mile east of Bainbridge approaching Restoration. -Zachary Heistand
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09:18 - Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: TACOMA is dead stop en route to BI. Surrounded by pod.
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09:21 - Still in ferry lane Bainbridge milling lots of them spread out near green marker.
09:08 - Right by mouth of Eagle Harbor headed southbound seeing from Alki. -Clare Glo
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09:07 - Just spotted two headed west toward Bainbridge just north of the Bainbridge Island ferry lane. -Bonnie Bakeman Harrison
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09:06 - Viewing from Alki. At least 2 males. Approx 4-5 total. -Aaron Berg
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09:05 - Viewing from Magnolia Park. Still just north of Bainbridge ferry lane. Seem to be still heading south mid channel. -Steve Czerniak
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09:04 - Saw a second hand report that some are as far south as Elliot Bay & went into the bay. Unconfirmed. -Melissa Bird
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09:10 - Research boat seems closer to this side (West) off Eagle Harbor Bainbridge Island now.
09:06 - Research boat with them off Magnolia. Some breaches mid channel.
08:52 - At Rockaway on Bainbridge Island seeing lots of blows and fins, some line of sight with West Point light and some mid channel, some off Magnolia. Appear southbound. -Michelle Goll
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08:52 - Seeing blows just north of Bainbridge ferry lane. View from 55th and Manning West Seattle. Outer Elliott Bay. -Mary Hartmann
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08:30 - I think they are rounding West Point still southbound but I’ve lost view.
08:14 - Continuing southbound, many whales spread out into multiple groups (looks like SRKW). Some breaching and surface activity. Perhaps heading slightly west towards Skiff Point.
07:49 - Several whales heading south in mid channel, just east of Shilshole. Evergreen container ship heading north in (what looked like from shore) directly in their path. -Jeff Carlson
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07:09 - Just north of Shilshole east of the lanes, southbound. -Ryan Johnson
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05:04 - Many calls on Sunset Bay! -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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03:41 - Loud calls!
03:30 - Just turned on the hydrophone and calls are still going -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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HUMPBACK WHALES -
Sun, Nov 2 - Haro Strait
11:45 - Two humpbacks passed Lime Kiln northbound. -Cindy Hansen [WSSJI]
November 1
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Sat, Nov 1 - Puget Sound (J Pod, K Pod, Greater L4s) - Js in the sunset from earlier this evening. By the time the whales were northbound, it appeared that Js were the leading group. Or at least members of J Pod. I could confirm IDs of J47, J40, J45, J63, and J26. -photo by Tamara Kelley, Orca Conservancy, November 1, 2025
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Good to see you again, Southern Resident Orcas. Taken from West Point Lighthouse. Link to FB video. -photos by Sean Lacsamana, November 1, 2025
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21:26 - Whales active on Beach camp hydrophone -Jaime Schmidt Cheeka
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21:23 - Lots of loud calls. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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20:59 - Calls and clicks from Sunset Bay. -Hannah Marie Munro
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20:45 - Calls continue loud and spectacular. -Kathleen Cage
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20:45 - Hearing a nice variety of calls after the ferry noise died down. Thanks to all the Orcasound - Listen for Whales listeners who have been tagging the live stream! Here is a highlight bout from 19:20-20:00: Link to audio recording. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
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20:21 - Hearing calls from all 3 pods tonight: Js, Ks, Ls. -Orca Behavior Institute
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20:10 - Louder calls and clicks now. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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20:09 - Hearing louder calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone.
20:04 - Hearing faint calls on the hydrophone. -Hannah Marie Munro
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19:38 - Hearing calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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19:37 - Super chatty on Sunset Bay hydrophone!! -Amy FowIer
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19:30 - Orca Sound Beach Camp at Sunset Bay. Lots of calls. -Cherie StOurs
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19:20 - Active calls on the Sunset Bay Hydrophone! -Katharine Anne Morales
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18:02 - Just south of Kingston terminal, west side of channel, northbound. -Nikol Damato, Orca Network
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17:57 - Viewing from Richmond Beach, trailing north just passed the buoy with a flashing light. -Leo Vert
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17:55 - Lead group was a bit surface active short time ago, now loosely grouped making their way north now out from Kingston. Trailing group just now north of mid channel yellow buoy Kayu Kayu/Prez Point. All northbound.
17:39 - Trailing group just about at Jefferson Head transect Richmond Beach. Middle channel steady northbound clustered together. Dozens of illuminated blows and lots of big guys. So lovely in golden setting sun. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
17:25 - Final trailing group is now out of view north of Sunset Hill. -Christina Devantier
*
17:15 - Lead group (~30+) approaching Jefferson Head transect Richmond Beach east of mid channel steady northbound. 2nd group of at least equal number trailing 1/4-1/2 mile. Also steady northbound. Ton of whales out here. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
17:12 - Seeing a large group from Richmond Saltwater Beach, last surface the appeared to be angling east with a northern travel trend. -Tamara Kelley, Orca Conservancy
*
16:55 - Viewing many blows from Richmond Beach park, close to Bainbridge. Northbound. -Denise Joines
*
16:50 - I see several large tight groups. Lead group approx even with Faye Bainbridge and two other larger groups to the south maybe 1/4 mile? All steady northbound middle channel. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
16:50 - Viewing from Sunset Hill, 30+ whales steady northbound east of mid channel. Looks like Ls might be in the mix too. -Orca Behavior Institute
*
16:46 - Still northbound at a good clip, line of sight Golden Gardens to Port Madison.
16:41 - Directly out from Golden Gardens, midchannel, northbound. -Nikol Damato, Orca Network
*
16:42 - Just passing Fay Bainbridge still heading north. -Steve Czerniak
*
16:34 - Seeing fins and blows straight out from Shilshole just south of Golden Gardens beach. Whales are close to Bainbridge side northbound. -Annika Hipple
*
16:33 - Viewing from Fay Bainbridge Park. Just north of West Point still heading northbound mid channel. -Steve Czerniak
*
16:20 - North of West Point now still northbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
16:01 - I’m over by Magnolia viewpoint and caught them for a second. -Lucy Larkin
*
15:56 - Still viewing from Discovery Park. Northbound now. Closer to Bainbridge. -Sean Lacsamana
*
15:54 - Turned back north.
15:49 - Viewing from Magnolia Park. About 10-12. Just a bit north of the park. Heading south. -Brad Dufour
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Hannah Liu
Date of Sighting: November 01, 2025
Time: 3:44 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 10
Where seen: North of Elliot Bay around the traffic separation marker
Direction of travel : N and S
Behaviors observed: Hunting
If orcas, any males?: Yes at least 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
*
15:26 - Viewing mid channel from West Point lighthouse. -Sean Lacsamana
*
15:34 - Now I'd say slowly southbound.
15:23 - Viewing from Skiff Point on Bainbridge. There's a group milling slightly southeast of the yellow channel marker. No clear direction. -Rita Hlavacek
*
15:07 - Southbound passing West Point Discovery Park -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
15:00 - Lots of orca southbound Discovery Point -Samiksha Gulrajani
*
14:29 - I’m viewing from Sunset Hill, 10+ orcas south of Port Madison (slowly southbound) near the shipping lane. -Jessica Ann
*
14:25 - Viewing from Sunset Hill making their way slowly sound bound. -Tyler Weck
*
14:01 - Viewing from Sunset Hill. 15+ fins slowly trending southbound slightly east of mid channel. -Kas Alexis
*
13:52 - Viewing from Sunset Hill. Honestly probably better at Sunset Hill so you’re up above them. -Kassidy Grandorff
*
13:43 - Some milling, some slowly trending southbound.
13:33 - Viewing from Sunset Hill. Approx. 10 fins.east of mid. -Deb Cronheim
*
11:42 - Pod mid Sound heading south. Viewed from Shilshole Marina. -Gail Joice
*
09:33 - Clearing up a little and seeing fins, multi directional and tough to tell trend due to my viewpoint.
09:30 - Viewing from Daybreak Cultural Center - super foggy but seeing breaches directly north of me. So appears as if at least some are east of mid out from Sunset Hill. -Kas Alexis
*
05:29 - Faint calls on Sunset Bay. -Linda Raines Tyner
*
05:16 - Calls getting louder.
05:02 - Hearing faint calls again after a quiet period.
04:00 - Still hearing them, a bit louder now. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
03:23 - Still on Sunset Bay. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
02:32 - Calls on Sunset Bay. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
02:19 - On Sunset. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
00:51 - Calls are louder, sounds like Js and Ks
00:44 - I think I hear Js in there too
00:33 - K calls are back!
00:29 - Calls have quieted, and there’s a lot of wave and wind noise, but echolocation clicks are still audible.
00:18 - Calls now audible on Sunset Bay! Sounds like Ks. -Tamara Kelley, Orca Conservancy
*
Great tagging, Tamara Kelley et al.! Here's a preliminary recording from the Sunset Bay hydrophone, maintained by Orca Conservancy and hosted by Beach Camp at Sunset Bay! Welcome back SRKWs = Southern Resident Killer Whales! Link to audio recording. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Sat, Nov 1 - Haro Strait
16:25 - Humpback east of 10 Mile Point, headed south. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
October 31
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Fri, Oct 31 - Haro Strait (L Pod)
14:06-14:09 - Nice catch by Fred Horn of SRKWs = Southern Resident Killer Whales on the Orcasound - Listen for Whales hydrophone at Orcasound Lab (south of Roche Harbor in Haro Strait)! Link to audio recording. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
*
11:00 - On a private charter with Giles marine mammals class, exiting Prevost Harbor encountered all or most of L Pod. -Thomas Igo [WSSJI]
*
Fri, Oct 31 - San Juans (J Pod)
14:20 - Approaching Cattle Pass. -Cindy Hansen, Orca Network [WSSJI]
*
14:02 - JPod southbound in San Juan channel, 30 minutes ago. -Giles Zissou [WSSJI]
*
12:35 - Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 12:39 to report: YAKIMA Captain reports a pod of 16 Orca heading SB in San Juan Channel near Reid Rock. -
*
Fri, Oct 31 - Admiralty Inlet (J Pod & K Pod)
23:09 - Nice combination of calls, including S01s and S16s, coming through noise from southbound tug. I'm thinking J+K. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
*
23:08 - Calls right now Bush Point. -EJ Tilt
*
23:06 - Faint whistles and calls at Bush Point. -Jourdan Rae
*
22:46 - Can confirm Js and Ks acoustically. -Orca Behavior Institute
*
22:39 - Still hearing faint calls, but here's a preliminary SRKW bout for this event at Bush Point, for those who missed the live stream - Link to audio recording. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
*
22:40 - Calls getting louder on Bush Point.
22:33 - Faint calls on Bush Point hydrophone. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
22:25 - Many loud calls on Bush Point hydrophone. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
22:08 - Still hearing calls in vessel noise. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
*
21:53 - On the Port Townsend hydro now! -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
22:11 - Less static noise, hearing calls on Bush Point
22:02 - Still some loud calls & more faint calls.
21:53 - Loud calls! Listen to Port Townsend hydrophone.
21:42 - SRKWs heard on the Port Townsend hydrophone! -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Fri, Oct 31 - Possession Sound
15:20 - A fin was spotted inside the Hat Island Marina entrance, not sighted since however. -Lori Christopher
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Blake H
Date of Sighting: October 31, 2025
Time: 2:09 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 6
Where seen: Everett, WA. Port of Everett, couple hundred yards south of the navy pier
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed: They were just hanging around. Tail slapping and cruising around
If orcas, any males?: At least one male, possibly 2
Any unusual markings?: Not close enough to identify
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Was able to see them from the pier at the marine terminals at the port of Everett. Seemed to just be just hanging out. Definitely one male, maybe two. Looked to be about 5 or six in this group
Photos available?:
*
Fri, Oct 31 - Sinclair Inlet/Port Orchard (T38C & T38E) - The pop up at Illahee State Park. -photo by Amber Irvine, October 31, 2025
*
Orca sighting at Enetai Beach. -photos by Wendi Morse, October 31, 2025
*
T38E Hocker & T38C Borrowman - T38C Borrowman - T38C and 38E from deep in Gorst to Bachmann Park. Link to more photos. -photos by Jolena Tagg, October 31, 2025
*
T38E Hocker & T38C Borrowman - T38C Borrowman -From Ross Point and Bachman Park. Link to more photos. -photos by Jami Cantrell, October 31, 2025
*
15:10 - Got orca mugged at Illahee. After a deep dive they popped up on the north side of the pier, heading north on mainland side of channel.
14:40 - After terrorizing some sea lions off Bachmann they are still travelling northeast, closer to Bremerton shoreline. Unsure of which direction they are committing yet; last look looks north up west side of Bainbridge. -Jolena Tagg
*
14:40 - They seem to be headed towards Illahee for now. -Jami Cantrell
*
14:30 - At Bachmann when they took on about 50 sea lions. -Jami Cantrell
*
14:24 - Out from Bachmann midchannel, heading northeast. -Jolena Tagg
*
14:14 - They are next to PSNS [Puget Sound Naval Shipyard]. -Gallegos Ang
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Shalyn Green-Gaden
Date of Sighting: October 31, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen:
Where seen: Sinclair Inlet
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed: Hunting
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: We saw an eagle dive down then the orca popped up
Photos available?: No
*
13:51 - At the shipyard now
13:44 - Right in front of Westside Viewpoint Park, Bremerton side. Headed toward the shipyard. -Kimmie Lesher
*
13:11 - Closer into Gorst now, maybe? Doing deep dives and directional changes while under. -Jolena Tagg
*
13:05 - They’re milling in front of Ross Point. -Jami Cantrell
*
12:54 - Milling out from Ross Point after a successful hunt. -Jolena Tagg
*
12:46 - Just out from the buoy across from Ross Point. Milling. -Mollie Segall
*
12:29 - Midchannel exiting Gorst. -Jolena Tagg
*
12:00 - Deep in Sinclair Inlet past Navy yard. -photo by Mark Reddish, October 31, 2025
*
11:29 - Just in front of the Annapolis pier now.
11:19 - Just saw them here-ish. Headed back towards Manette Bridge/Bremerton marina [approx. 47.562700, -122.610133]. -photo by Nick Fieseler, October 31, 2025
*
10:45 - They went under the Manette Bridge but changed their minds and headed back out. They are closer to Bremerton Marina. -Catherine Alvarado Soto
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Leigh Novak
Date of Sighting: October 31, 2025
Time: 10:38 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Traveling from Port Washington Narrows toward Sinclair Inlet, spotted near Manette Bridge
Direction of travel : North to South, casual pace
Behaviors observed: Traveling, breaching, appeared circling at one time
If orcas, any males?: don’t know
Any unusual markings?: don’t know
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: The orcas came from the Port Washington Narrows and veered toward the Sinclair Inlet, very close to the Bremerton Marina. I didn’t see whether they eventually headed east toward Rich Passage.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
photos by Leigh Novak, October 31, 2025
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Wendi Morse
Date of Sighting: October 31, 2025
Time: 10:32 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Heading south past Enetai Beach to Bachman Park in Manette
Direction of travel : South and slow
Behaviors observed: They were actively hunting sea lions .8 miles south of Enetai beach
If orcas, any males?: Unknown
Any unusual markings?: Unknown
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Amazing!
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
10:10 - lots of directional changes. They headed back north towards Point White mid channel but I’ve lost them now-maybe they turned again.
09:45 - Headed toward Bremerton. Right on fast feet route.
09:43 - There are 2 by the day marker at Waterman Point. -Chelsea Freniere
*
09:56 - Looks like they're headed back north towards Point White pier. Fast ferry had to pause briefly to let them by. -Rita Hlavacek
*
T38C Borrowman & T38E Hocker
08:26 - Two orcas hanging out in front of the house! Heading south to Point White dock Bainbridge Island. Hugging the Bainbridge shoreline [videos in FB comments]. Link to FB reel. -photo by Jennifer Leigh, October 31, 2025
*
Fri, Oct 31 - South Puget Sound
13:00 - They [orcas] just passed by the west side of Squaxin island a few minutes ago, just saw the fins. -Dave Baxter
*
Thu, Oct 31 - South Puget Sound (T99s & T137s) - T137D Wright - T99B Holly & T137D Wright -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network - T137s within 20 yards of Owen Beach Promenade hunting. Link to more photos. -photos by Cherie StOurs, October 31, 2025
*
T137A Jack - east of Riviera Marina, Anderson Island. Link to more photos. -photos by Hongming Zheng, October 31, 2025
*
A very very distant dorsal from Old Ferry Landing. -photo by Mollie Segall, October 31, 2025
*
18:20 - They're more mid-channel heading north towards the East Passage.
18:11 - Just saw them here at Dune. They were heading north. Deep dive & disappeared. -David Bennett
*
18:06 - Really special day, my first orca sighting - this was at Dune Peninsula. Shortly before they dove deeper and disappeared. 3 of them (I think), not sure which ones, I lost track of which group this was at this point [video in FB comments]. -Maddie Rokni
*
18:00 - Directly west of Tacoma Yacht Club, potentially heading east towards Dune, but unsure on direction. -Michalyn Marzocco
*
18:04 - Wow heading east by the promenade they were within 20 yards of the promenade hunting all four.
17:46 - Viewing from Owens Beach promenade seeing 1 female heading northeast in Dalco. -Cherie StOurs
*
17:52 - Just passed Owen Beach [video in FB comments]. -Chelsey Roos
*
17:44 - Viewing from Gig Harbor old ferry dock seeing them here west of the ferry seem to be milling [approx. 47.326935, -122.526602]. -Torry Chamberlayne
*
17:44 - Visible from Owen Beach! 2 I think. -Sarah Harrison-Woods
*
17:32 - First group mid channel, north of Point Defiance, heading north between Vashon and Gig Harbor. -Michalyn Marzocco
*
17:28 - Last visual mid-channel heading towards Point Defiance.
17:13 - I see them their mid channel on the north side of the Narrows Bridge. -Marsha Stitt Lewis
*
17:12 - Second group just passed Narrows Bridge heading north moving fast.
17:00 - Viewing from Narrows Park. First group went under the bridge. -Torry Chamberlayne
*
16:53 - Currently passing under Narrows Bridge moving quickly! -Laura Walsh Stewart
*
16:43 - Heading north towards Narrows Bridge on Gig Harbor side. -Andrea Reinicke
*
16:18 - The T99s have passed the Fox Island Pier northboumd towards the Narrows. I assume they split from the 137s at my last visual near Johnson Point it appeared thats what they were doing. -April Basham
*
16:15 - Viewing from Fox Island pier, a group just passed Fox Island pier head north but angled toward Hales however direction not confirmed. -Torry Chamberlayne
*
16:14 - At least 3 orcas heading north past the Fox Island pier. Trending toward the Narrows. Closer to Fox Island. -Mary Davis Pubols
*
14:00 - We saw dorsal fins headed south, just south of Zittle’s Marina on Johnson Point. We came to Nisqually Reach hoping to meet them but haven’t seen them here for the last 50 minutes. Maybe they turned around? -Bevan Kloppel
*
13:25 - At my last sighting it looked like most, if not all, were heading towards Nisqually Reach.
13:06 - Split into three groups spread across case and southbound.
12:56 - Several passing Joemma State Park, split across the channel. -Mollie Segall
*
10:49 - I've got at least two off the east side of Treasure Island (aka Reach) headed south. -Rachel Rowland
*
09:00 - 09:45 - Case Inlet in Victor. Orca quite curious about the geoduck divers in the water. Quite a show hunting, slapping. But moved south about 09:45. [video in FB comments]. -Beverly Lynch McCallum
October 30
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Thu, Oct 30 - South Puget Sound (T38C & T38E)
17:39 - Hoping this is the right thread - two orcas are northbound in Carr, approaching Kopachuck/Cutts Island. -Deanna Foster Goldberg
*
16:14 - In Carr Inlet, north end of Fox Island, just south of the Spit, still pretty close to Fox Island. Headed south at a pretty good clip, just saw fins. -Michelle Anderson Khuon
*
14:13 - There are 2 orcas off DeMolay Sand Spit park right now. They came in from the south [end of Hale Passage], turned around offshore of the spit and were headed south again [in Hale Passage] -Jessica Cote
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Ed Burrough
Date of Sighting: October 30, 2025
Time: 1:50 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Hale Passage, near south shore, near Nearn Point
Direction of travel : West
Behaviors observed: jumping, playing, rolling, near one dock
If orcas, any males?: yes, one
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: included a female and one juvenile
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
12:15 - Pair of orca, perhaps 3 in front of Raft Island. -David Paly
*
10:57 - T38 C and E now northbound Carr Inlet Key Peninsula side approaching Penrose State Park. -April Basham
*
10:10 - Two orcas seen close to I believe Pitts Island southbound in Carr Inlet. -photo by Jennifer Swenson, October 30, 2025
*
10:07 - I saw T38C 100% with the white on the right side of the dorsal in front and one smaller one to back up Candi’s report. -April Basham
*
10:02 - Seeing at least 2 for sure just north of Pitts Passage. Mid channel and milling. -Candace Gavin
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Melissa Sherwood
Date of Sighting: October 30, 2025
Time: 8:48 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: North end of Carr Inlet on the east side of N Bay observed from the Allyn waterfront on our way to the High Sterl Bridge so
uncertain of the exact time
Direction of travel : N
Behaviors observed: Appeared to be racing each other
If orcas, any males?: Both had tall dorsal fins so assumed to be male
Any unusual markings?: They were across the Bay
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Were they really racing each other? Do they do that? Or just in a hurry to get to a food source.
I wonder if anyone in the Victor side of the bay reported them.
Photos available?: No
*
08:18 - 2 or 3 orcas passing down Carr Inlet [southbound]. Right now in front of Minter Creek. -Laura Chandler
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Thu, Oct 30 - San Juans
12:31 - Single humpback. Northeast side Spieden Island. Northwestbound. -photos by A, October 30, 2025
October 29
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Wed, Oct 29 - Active Pass, BC (L Pod)
11:15 - L pod (thanks to R. Hayden for the ID) entered Active Pass and swiftly went eastward on a fast tide. Some tail slapping and much porpoising. Photos taken from the shore of Galiano Island. -photos by Karoline Cullen, October 29, 2025
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Wed, Oct 29 - South Puget Sound (T99s & T137s) - T99C Barakat - From Arcadia Boat Launch & Walker Park in Shelton. Link to more photos. -photos by Becky Adams, October 29, 2025
*
18:10 - Just passed Libby Point, heading out (about 10 minutes ago). -Allison White
*
18:06 - Libby Point eastbound. -PS Osborne
*
18:02 - They just passed Church Point, thru the curve and heading into mouth. -Susan Hoover
*
17:47 - They are just now leaving Hammersley Inlet. -Brianna Sheetz
*
17:35 - Headed past Walker Park towards Arcadia. -Ronald Copenhagen
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Brittany Chase
Date of Sighting: October 29, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Hammersley Inlet (Miller Point)
Direction of travel : E (Headed towards Church Point)
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: Unsure
Any unusual markings?: Unsure
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I think I saw 4-5 of them in the pod.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org -photo by Brittany Chase, October 29, 2025
*
Wed, Oct 29 - Hammersley Inlet (T99s & T137s)
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Drew Hart
Date of Sighting: October 29, 2025
Time:
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen:
Where seen: Cape Horn (Hammersley Inlet)
Direction of travel : NE
Behaviors observed: traveling, hunting
If orcas, any males?: Yes
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: There was also a gray whale swimming past Cape Horn heading towards Shelton / Oakland Bay, but I did not get it on camera.
Photos available?:
*
16:59 - They're trending back out of Oakland Bay but still in past the marina.
16:36 - They're still deep in Oakland Bay. -Robyn Riley
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Trevor Robison
Date of Sighting: October 29, 2025
Time: 4:45 PM
Species seen: See video emailed
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Oakland Bay, exactly where Taylor shellfish received approval for 50 acre shellfish farm refuting residents arguments against
that there are whales in Oakland bay.
Direction of travel : N
Behaviors observed: Hunting.
If orcas, any males?: 1
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Concerned for the whales since this is the site Taylor Fish farm received approval to build a 50 acre shellfish farm refuting our documented sightings of the whales with their own experts since we did not use this website to report sightings. Reporting so our sighting is documented and concern validated.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
16:43 - [approx. 47.199759, -122.996679]. -PS Osborne
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Brian Lagerberg
Date of Sighting: October 29, 2025
Time: 4:40 PM
Species seen: orca
Number of animals seen: 6
Where seen: Oakland Bay. WA. Traveled north and then returned south
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed: hunting
If orcas, any males?: Very large, straight dorsal on one
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?:
*
16:05 - In Oakland Bay. -Marilee Grevstad
*
16:05 - In Oakland Bay. -PS Osborne
*
16:06 - They just rounded the corner to Oakland Bay about 5 minutes ago.
15:50 - They passed Walker Park. -Amanda Maratta
*
15:42 - In Hammersley currently. -Josh Kinch
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Robin Mitchell
Date of Sighting: October 29, 2025
Time: 3:30 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: Hammersley Inlet
Direction of travel : West
Behaviors observed: traveling
If orcas, any males?: Yes
Any unusual markings?: Couldn’t tell
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Possibly one juvenile present, but couldn’t tell for sure
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org -photo by Robin Mitchell, October 29, 2025
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Drew Hart
Date of Sighting: October 29, 2025
Time: 3:28 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: between Cape Horn and Libby Point
Direction of travel : West towards Shelton and Oakland Bay
Behaviors observed: traveling, hunting
If orcas, any males?: 1
Any unusual markings?: No
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
15:23 - Just past Church Point. -Susan Hoover
*
15:22 - Just past Church Point.
15:19 - As they passed by the deck in Hammersley. -photo by Susan Hoover, October 29, 2025
*
15:11 - Here [approx. 47.206137, -123.003062] in Hammersley headed west towards town. -PS Osborne
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Brittany Chase
Date of Sighting: October 29, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: Hammersley Inlet, Miller Point heading towards the direction of Oakland Bay
Direction of travel : W
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: Unsure
Any unusual markings?: Unsure
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I saw the pod from a distance, you could see their fins point out of the water and water shooting up—there’s a good chance they’ll come back my direction again later.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
15:01 - They are still in Hammersley Inlet headed towards Shelton.
14:28 - I can confirm the T137s and at least T99s have joined back up and are headed into Hammersley Inlet [video in FB comments]. -April Basham
*
14:15 - Passed between Hope and Steamboat islands heading northwest. Long dives and slow surfacing series. -photos by Kim Merriman, October 29, 2025
*
14:13 - Just passed the west side of Hope Island heading north. -Michele Neary
*
14:08 - Can see them coming around Hope Island from Arcadia. -Woosi Wildwood
*
13:55 - Hunter Point towards Hope Island/Carlyon Beach (looks like six). -Jim Chamberlin
*
13:42 - Headed north. Or north east. [approx. 47.163885, -122.916058].
13:30 - [photo] Taken from Boston Harbor. They are headed north along the west side. -photo by Ken Nylin, October 29, 2025
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Jeana Callicoat
Date of Sighting: October 29, 2025
Time: 1:30 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 8
Where seen: Budd inlet. Heading north past Copper Point and along the eastside of Steamboat
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: Milling then traveling
If orcas, any males?: Yes, at least one
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
1:30 - Budd Inlet mid channel-ish. Past Boston Harbor. Northbound. 4 dorsals. -Valerie Hines
*
13:25 - East of Cooper Point in Budd Inlet now, have been going back & forth changing directions. Currently moving toward Boston Harbor. -Barbara Whitten Boyd
*
13:20 - Exited Budd Inlet going north and did a deep dive. Look to be on a hunt just outside of Boston Harbor Marina. -photo by Kim Merriman, October 29, 2025
*
13:18 - At least three on the westside across from Boston Harbor. -Melinda Reiman
*
Orcas in Budd Bay by Olympia. Possibly a mom and young one as well as one or two others. -Kris Van Gorkom
*
12:51 - Salt Spit. 3 orcas. Across from Burfoot. They were heading north. -Carissa Sentelik
*
12:45 - T137s and T99s in Budd Inlet. Link to FB videos. -Mariah Keller
*
12:44 - They’re milling/feeding barely south of Burfoot. I count 5, maybe 6.
12:33 - Currently just west of the sailboat that’s headed north.
12:28 - I see 3 headed north - well south of Burfoot right now. -Kayley Richards
*
12:05 - They are in the middle of Budd Inlet now heading towards Burfoot -Sasha Cavanagh
*
11:12 - Seeing them north of west bay marina in Olympia. headed back north towards Boston Harbor marina. They are on the west side of Budd Inlet. Northbound. -Jennifer Stromsdorfer
*
10:00 - Just past Dover Point heading to Boston Harbor marina. 2 maybe three they were moving fast towards Olympia. -Nicolas Hardy
*
08:00 - Just confirming that they passed the Anderson Island Riviera Marina, moving south with purpose after three popped up close to shore. WMina Myers hauled it over when the island notice went out and just caught them and got an adorable photo of a tail wave. -Belen Bilgic Schneider
*
07:31 - Orcas spotted by Anderson Island dock, heading towards marina. -Dorothy Brinz
October 28
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Tue, Oct 28 - Puget Sound (T38E & T137s) - T137A Jack - From the encounter this morning. Viewing from the Narrows Bridge looking south. Feeling blissful. Link to more photos. -photos by Jen Prewitt, October 28, 2025
*
T137A Jack - An amazing visit yesterday at Tacoma’s waterfront from the T137’s. The weather held out so lots of people were already out enjoying the day but they got an extra surprise when the orcas showed up! Link to more photos. -photos by Cherie StOurs, October 28, 2025
*
T137A Jack - T137A the star of the afternoon today in Dalco Passage. Link to more photos. -photos by April Basham, October 28, 2025
*
T137A Jack - Predation warning: Jack clearly wasn’t told not to play with his food! Location: Point Defiance to Tahlequah ferry. -photos by Hannah Marie Munro, October 28, 2025
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T137A Jack - Then managed to get to Dune Peninsula just in time to see a very surface active Jack, breaching back and forth before he and the rest of the group headed out! Link to more photos. -photos by Jennifer Swenson, October 28, 2025
*
T137A Jack - I started running to get a better view while swapping batteries at the same time got my lens up just in time to capture T137A Jack breaching. Over and over. So happy! Link to more photos. -photos by Amber Stanfill, October 28, 2025
*
T137A Jack from Owen Beach. Link to more photos. -photos by Hongming Zheng, October 28, 2025
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Taylor Stanis
Date of Sighting: October 28, 2025
Time: 3:51 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Point Robinson, Vashon
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed: Travelling
If orcas, any males?: 1
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Possibly 2 adolescents
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org -photos by Taylor Stanis, October 28, 2025
*
15:17 - This group are milling mid channel. Quite a bit south of Three Tree Point still. Viewing from Portage. -Mark McGough
*
14:52 - Viewing from Des Moines Marina. The pod is northbound. West of mid channel. Approaching (if not already to) KVI. Long down times. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
14:32 - Main group of about 4 north of Point Robinson now, west of mid, closer to island, loosely grouped with long downtimes, Jack trailing them by about a mile T137s plus one other, assuming T38E but can’t confirm, need to look at the image bigger on computer later.
14:16 - Seeing dorsals approaching Point Robinson off of Maury Marine Park, northbound, closer in to island side. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
14:15 - Appear to be heading towards Point Robinson.
14:13 - Single fin south of Point Robinson, possibly milling? -Audrey Holloway
*
13:28 - Message from Candace Gavin, these whales are headed north up East Passage.
*
13:05 - Last spotted them here at red point [approx. 47.332161, -122.450219], off of south Maury Island. Direction unknown.
12 55 - Slowly trending east close to Vashon Island at red point on map [approx. 47.326711, -122.494749]. -Jas Minka
*
T137A Jack
13:00 - Viewed from Dunes. -photos by John Ward, October 28, 2025
*
12:51 - Seeing blows on the Vashon side east of the ferry terminal. Viewing from the Marina. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
12:49 - T038E in the mix. -Ling Yifan
*
12:30 - Viewing from Owens Beach Promenade, amazing hunt! Link to FB video. Link to FB video.
12:30 - Orcas in the South Sound today in hunt mode! Jack was a happy orca! Viewing from Owen Beach Promenade. -Cherie StOurs
*
12:30 - One of the many breaches from Jack, viewed from Dune. -Amber Stanfill
*
12:09 - Hunting orcas! Closer to Point Defiance ferry lane. Poor little seal. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
12:09 - They threw a seal in the air. -Patricia Sanchez
*
11:57 - Eastbound approaching ferry lanes viewing from Wilson Way Pedestrian Bridge. Ferry made an announcement over loudspeaker. Cool to hear from far away. -Ed Rickert
*
11:55 - Orcas headed east into Dalco. Viewing from the Point Defiance and Tahlequah ferry. They are all spread out. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
11:50 - Heading east in Dalco Passage, mid channel, traveling fast. -Michalyn Marzocco
*
11:37 - Jacqueline called to report 4 orcas hunting/circling near southwest tip of Vashon drifting slowly west. Includes large male.
*
11:06 - Looking at T pod I believe heading east out of Narrows towards Point Defiance. -Martha Stitt Lewis
*
11:00 - Still generally around Salmon Beach. Have been milling in the same area for a while now. Very very slowly making some northbound progress. -Candace Gavin
*
10:32 - Orcas hunting and feeding in the Narrows between Salmon Beach and Point Defiance.
10:18 - Slowly moving east towards Point Defiance mid channel.
10:09 - Still in front of me. Slow moving mid channel. In front of red land marker.
10:05 - Got em, entitled pod moving towards Salmon Beach direction. Haven't seen the for a few minutes so that was last direction I observed. -Marsha Stitt
*
09:48 - From the passenger seat while crossing Narrows Bridge can confirm they are north of the bridge and generally moving northbound. They are moving very slowly. -Candace Gavin
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Dorene DeMars
Date of Sighting: October 28, 2025
Time: 9:39 AM
Species seen: Orcas
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Narrows Bridge
Direction of travel : N
Behaviors observed: Travelling
If orcas, any males?: 1
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?:
*
09:39 - Seeing blows north of Narrows Bridge, closer to Gig Harbor side, but unsure on direction. -Michalyn Marzocco
*
09:33 - Directly south of bridge now. -Kami Huynh
*
09:32 - Three are now north of Narrows. -Jake Johnson
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Stacey Ogle
Date of Sighting: October 28, 2025
Time: 9:24 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Narrows 1/2 mile South of the bridges heading North
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: Milling, traveling
If orcas, any males?: ?
Any unusual markings?: ?
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
09:47 - They just went under the bridge, haven’t seen them in about 5minutes.
09:19 - Switched directions heading south away from the bridge appear to be in front of Titlow.
09:12 - Still milling and fishing mid channel. -Jen Prewitt
*
09:06 - Milling right before the Narrows, south side -Michalyn Marzocco
*
08:55 - Appears to be 4 animals holding center channel.
08:47 - Center channel coming straight for the bridge.
08:44 - At the Narrows Bridge now, one sighting. -Jen Prewitt
*
08:45 - Going under the Narrows heading north. -Tiffany Johnson
*
07:33 - Orcas passed by Fox island fishing pier heading north, mid channel. -photo by Pattie LaRue Warr, October 28, 2025
*
Tue, Oct 28 - South Puget Sound
08:30 - Four orca dorsal fins spotted south end of Harstine Island, one very tall!. Northeast back into Dana Passage [approx. 47.159676, -122.877328]. -Valerie Hines
*
08:00 - Three to four orcas heading south in Dana Passage, south end of Harstine Island. -Brenda Hites-Willis
*
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES -
Tue, Oct 28 - Rosario Strait
12:00 - I caught a glimpse of them briefly around noon. I only saw two individuals. They were moving slow nearer Lopez shore. A huge tanker went by and they disappeared, then reappeared on the southern end of Lopez barely in view. I lost them after that. They started picking up speed after the tanker. Long time between breaths. Weather was rough. Left around 12:30. -Caitlyn Blair
*
10:48 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 10:57 to report: [SAMISH] vessel reports spotting a pod of 4-5 orcas traveling southbound in Rosario Strait
October 27
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Mon, Oct 27 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T46B1s, T49C, T251, T252, T253s) - T252 - T49C Nielson
13:15 - Trending west
12:56 - Six orca here [approx. 48.281976, -123.302629 (10 mi. S of Victoria)]. Southbound. -photos by A, October 27, 2025
*
Mon, Oct 27 - South Puget Sound (T99s & T137s; T38C & T38E may have been with)
17:54 - Just saw at least 3, including one male going south on the northwest side of Anderson Island. -Diane Henderson
*
17:51 - We changed locations, heard them when we arrived but never got eyes on them and they went silent. There is a good chance that they turned around.
17:27 - I have at least 6 westbound in Balch Passage, close to Eagle Island now. I think we have a little one and I believe two big boys but not 100%. -Belen Bilgic Schneider
*
17:05 - Here-ish [approx. 47.204514, -122.605643 (1 mi. S of Fox Is.)] directionally seem to be millingish, maybe a bit northbound. Edit southbound.
16:24 - Lead group is starting to cross over directionally towards the Fox Island side going south viewing from the west wall. -Jami Cantrell
*
15:40 - Looks to be the T137s milling at the mouth of Pitt Passage but slowly southbound. -April Basham
*
15:00 - T99s quickly passing a friends house near Henderson Bay, north of Green Point, southbound midchannel. -Jami Cantrell
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Craig Stack
Date of Sighting: October 27, 2025
Time: 2:40 PM
Species seen: Orcas
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: southbound Carr Inlet passing Cutts Island
Direction of travel : southbound
Behaviors observed: Traveling fast
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
14:34 - Still viewing from Purdy Spit, appear to be traveling more south now.
14:08 - Viewing from Purdy Spit. Have eyes on them through binoculars. Can’t quite see just yet with the naked eye. Closer to Key Peninsula side. Correction: CAN see blows with the naked eye. -Torry Chamberlayne
*
14:00 - 6-7 blows on the Key Peninsula side of the channel, appear to be northbound towards Purdy and north of Minter. -Mollie Segall
*
13:35 - Five are on the Key Peninsula side just south of Minter Creek headed north. -Randy Witter
*
13:30 - Just spotted him north of Cutts Island. Viewing from Kopachuck. There are two. -photo by Krissy Hopkins, October 27, 2025
*
12:49 - Single juvenile male orca heading north in Henderson Bay towards Purdy.
13:24 - Now 3 heading south past Raft Island, 200 meters off shore. -Davis Paly
*
12:15 - One lone orca, male, northbound in Carr Inlet. Steady travel mode, mid channel, approaching Kopachuck -Jennifer Swenson
October 26
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Sun, Oct 26 - Haro Strait (K Pod) - Clips from K Pod's Haro Strait visit today. Link to Youtube video. -Fred Horn
*
17:05 - Lots of surface activity. -Mary Hartmann
*
17:03 - They surfaced again! -screenshot by Kim Merriman, October 26, 2025
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Courtney White
Date of Sighting: October 26, 2025
Time: 4:50 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 6
Where seen: Whale Museum livestream
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
16:01 - They are on Lime Kiln Lighthouse Webcam The Whale Museum now. -Patti Trosper
*
15:30 - K-Pod crossing Haro heading for the west side of San Juan Island. -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sun, Oct 26 - San Juans (T49As including T49A1) - T49A3 Nat - T49A Nan - Caught up with the T49As including Noah T49A1 (and Charlie T49A6) off Waldron Island. They successfully hunted 2 seals. Got a few “kool-aid” red water shots. Link to more photos. -photos by Jaime Shields, October 26, 2025
*
Sun, Oct 26 - Rosario Strait (T34s & T37s) - T34A Pachamama & T34A2 Amaru - Right between Blakely and Cypress Islands in the ferry lanes on our way back we ran into the T34 and T37s coming together including a little pumpkin (T34A2 Amaru). Link to more photos. -photo by Jaime Shields, October 26, 2025
*
Sun, Oct 26 - South Puget Sound (T38C, T38E, T99s, T137s) - T99B Holly - T137 Loon - At Purdy Spit and Carr Inlet. Link to more photos. -photos by Randy Witter, October 26, 2025
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T99C Barakat - T137D Wright - My first T-party with 137s, 99s & 38[C & T38E]. Link to more photos. -photos by Aura Lea, October 26, 2025
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At Ruston Waterfront. Link to more photos. -photo by Jim Parson, October 26, 2025
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Orca off Purdy. Link to FB reel. -Karen Cole
*
18:38 - Whelp. I saw 4-5 fins and lots of splashing. Looked away to post and now they’re gone.
18:22 - Looks like they’re hunting between McNeil and Eagle! -June Isler
*
17:38 - Passing Gertrude Island now. -Laura Kozar Batanian
*
17:21 - Saw 2 (maybe 3) between McNeil and north end of Fox Island, closer to McNeil, headed south. -Michelle Anderson Khuon
*
17:15 - Blows north of McNeil and also directly midchannel between Fox and McNeil. Split into two groups. Can't confirm direction. -Mollie Segall
*
17:07 - Blows just north of McNeil - seem to be headed between McNeil and Fox Island. -Andrea Reinicke
*
16:19 - Southbound past Kopachuck now. Should be good viewing from Maple Hollow Park right about now. -Rita Hlavacek
*
16:04 - Still heading south, passing Glen Cove now. Midchannel but seems closer to Gig Harbor side. -Torry Chamberlayne
*
16:00 - Approaching Horsehead Bay and continuing south. There are a couple boats near them for reference.. -Randy Witter
*
15:53 - I think they are all here [38C, 38E, 99s, 137s]. -Ryan Dicks
*
15:50 - Viewing from Kopachuk, seeing about here still moving south but not quickly. -Torry Chamberlayne
*
15:50 - Kopachuck State Park watchers should be able to see them now just past Cutts Island.
15:45 - Halfway between Raft and Cutts Islands.
15:20 - Approaching Allen Point headed south. -Randy Witter
*
15:22 - Heading south mid channel towards Raft Island viewing from Key Peninsula side. -Alexa Mercurio
*
15:01 - Actually just saw some spouts very far away, from the gas station across the way! -Soarin Lykins
*
14:48 - I believe there are 4 or 5 orcas here in Henderson Bay. They are on their way to Fox Island. Very slowly. The young ones have their own schedule and parents seem to go back and forth to get them. (Sounds familiar?) -Alejandro Campos
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Dennis Arneson
Date of Sighting: October 26, 2025
Time:
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 6
Where seen: Henderson Bay by the Purdy Spit
Direction of travel : SW
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: 2
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 -photo by Dennis Arneson, October 26, 2025
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14:31 - Trailers are exiting Purdy Spit. -Robyn Riley
*
14:26 - Just saw them a few minutes ago from Purdy Spit. The whale watching boats were there too. -Jaycee Conti
*
14:15 - T137, T137B, T137D, T99B, and T38E are working south slowly from my last map spot. T137A and 38C are following behind them. My last map post as we depart the scene.
14:10 - T99s, T137s, T38C and T38E are all north of my map spot [approx. 47.376181, -122.640508 (far N end of Henderson Bay)]. Some of them just made a kill. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
13:56 - Both whale watch boats are entering the bay. Viewing from Purdy Sand Spit County Park. They are on the other shore so far. -Robyn Riley
*
13:38 - Some of the T99s at my map spot [approx. 47.347437, -122.677541 (.75 mi. SE of Minter)], and 5-6 others are up near Minter near shore. All northbound. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
13:30 - Four on Key Peninsula side just south of Minter Creek headed north. Three mid channel with two whale boats in tow. -Randy Witter
*
13:24 - Northbound and very spread out [approx. 47.331676, -122.702728 (1 mi. W of Raft Is.)]. T99s with us. Another group of 4 or more is about 2 miles ahead to the north along the western shore of Carr. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
13:15 - Across from Kopachuk on west side of Inlet northbound. -Orca Behavior Institute
*
12:15 - From a friend on the west side of Fox Island. Pods are northbound Carr Inlet and making their way up towards Bella Bella area. A little more than half way up island. -Candace Gavin
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: CiCi Ross
Date of Sighting: October 26, 2025
Time: 11:05 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Between McNeil Is and University Place, Tacoma
Direction of travel : Roughly NE - not fast
Behaviors observed: 3 fins- roughly the same ht, blowing air, then breaking above the water 2-3 times in 10 minutes, confirmed orca when
one face came up out of the water.
If orcas, any males?: Not experienced enough to know.
Any unusual markings?: Too far to see or get good photos
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Looking at small porpoise (?Harbor?) nearer to shore (50-60’ ?) I was on the pedestrian bridge at Chambers Bay. Just looked at photos and can see whales blowing further out towards Anderson and McNeil Islands. Have video of porpoise but not whales.
Photos available?: No
*
~10:50 - I saw about 4 orcas from Sunnyside Beach Park northbound. I couldn’t tell if they were headed to Sunset Beach or up into Carr, I only saw one surface set. I was as the beach scuba diving and they just happened to pop up so I could post until I got back to my car [approx. 47.205680, -122.608183 (.5 mi. S of Fox Is.)]. -Kyla Bivens, PSE
*
10:15 - This pod just passed between Ketron and Anderson Island heading north toward the Anderson Island Marina. Link to FB video. -Brittany Bibby
*
10:10 - A neighbor on Anderson Island took video of them heading northbound between Anderson and Ketron, passing Sandy Point. -Belen Bilgic Schneider
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Sun, Oct 26 - Strait of Juan de Fuca
16:52 - Still seeing blows in the distance on the 16:00 crossing from Victoria to Port Angeles. -Robin Mann
*
11:27 - I saw 3 whales (maybe humpback?) while riding the 10:30 ferry from Victoria to Port Angeles today. At about the midpoint. -Heather Thomas
*
Sun, Oct 26 - San Juans (HW-MN0510828) - HW-MN0510828 - [Headed] to Speiden Island to see a smaller humpback whale (Sam ID for us as (HW-MN0510828). Link to more photos. -photos by Jaime Shields, October 26, 2025
October 25
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sat, Oct 25 - Admiralty Inlet (T34s & T37s)
13:20 - Saratoga is departing the 37s and 34s at the SD buoy mid-channel of Double Bluff two knots southbound
12:07 - Saratoga confirmed the 37s and 34s in Admiralty Inlet. -Christopher Lewman, PSE
*
12:50 - Looked like they were closer to Foulweather Bluff. Sun was making it difficult at the time.
12:20 - Just south of Bush Point, they are still southbound off yellow buoy, really rough waters! -Heidi Bruns Shank
*
11:47 - Just passed Bush Point headed south.
11:30 - From Bush Point under a rainbow next to Puget Sound Express [approx. 48.035246, -122.629893]. -K.M. Van Petten
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Carla Helm
Date of Sighting: October 25, 2025
Time: 9:43 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Port Townsend ferry half way across
Direction of travel : N? Cruising along
Behaviors observed: Diving - maybe 3 individuals, 2 for sure
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Very windy and rough weather
Photos available?: No
*
Sat, Oct 25 - Puget Sound (T99s) - T99C Barakat - T99C Barakat & T99B Holly - T99s passing Judge Jack Tanner Park on Ruston Way in Tacoma. Link to more photos. -photos by Cherie StOurs, October 25, 2025
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T99B Holly & T99C Barakat - The T99s passing Dune Peninsula this afternoon as they headed west then south into the Narrows. Link to more photos. -photos by Jennifer Swenson, October 25, 2025
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T99C Barakat - Just a few of the T137s, T99s and T38 C&E as they passed by Dunes Peninsula in some crazy weather today and then continued under the Narrows up Carr where there was definitely wild weather waiting for them. Link to more photos. -photos by April Basham, October 25, 2025
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T99C Barakat - T99’s, T137’s, T38C, & T38E visit Tacoma. Viewed onboard WA state ferry MV Chetzemoka, Point Defiance Marina & Hidden Beach-Titlow Park. Link to more photos. -photos by Jason Cook, October 25, 2025
*
17:43 - Three just past Fox Island Bridge heading towards the Spit.
17:39 - They passed under heading towards the sand spit. -Dodi Skiffington
*
16:23 - South of bridge Gig Harbor side. Viewing from Titlow.
16:19 - Seeing blows from Titlow near bridge. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
16:12 - See then approaching Narrows Bridge. -Kristen George
*
15:56 - North edge of Salmon Beach. -Sandy Karwhite
*
15:48 - Just past Bridges Viewpoint moving quickly toward Narrows Bridge, hugging Point Defiance side coastline. -Jess Knudsen
*
15:41 - Rounding the corner around Point Defiance heading south towards Narrows. -Audrey Holloway
*
15:44 - From Point Defiance, heading south Fox island direction. (Notice the seal in the right foreground! A couple of minutes later some 20 seals swam past right close to shore in the opposite direction of the orcas.) Link to FB video. -Jeremy Robin
*
15:37 - Now south bound Gig side coming to the point of Point Defiance.
15:34 - Milling by Sunrise viewing from the promenade at Owen Beach. -Cherie StOurs
*
15:24 - Westbound pass Tahlequah. -Jason Cook
*
15:18 - After a loop around Commencement, the pod is now passing Dune trending northwest towards Vashon into Dalco. -Ashley S Whitman
*
15:15 - Heading west towards Dune, mid channel. -Michalyn Marzocco
*
15:13 - Just passed the condos. -Suki Dardarian
*
15:10 - Right in front of Wild Fin Point Ruston. -Robin Santos
*
15:06 - Approaching the old yellow point Ruston boat moored by the condos. Still closer to Ruston side. -Robyn Riley
*
T99C Barakat
15:05 - Just passed Lobster Shop heading toward Dune. Slow & steady. -photos by Sandy Hassell, October 25, 2025
*
14:51 - Passed Katie Downs west slowly. -Robyn Riley
*
14:49 - In view from Jack Tanner Park heading west still. -Cherie StOurs
*
14:40 - Passed in front of Old Town Dock, Tacoma were slowly trending north west. -Jas Minka
*
14:36 - Approaching Northern Fish. -Robyn Riley
*
14:28 - Very close to Cape Island navy ship off Schuster Parkway. -Eileen Mccaffery-Lent
*
14:24 - We just saw them near the grain ships, huge dorsal fin! -Kathleen Mary
*
14:19 - Viewing from Reconciliation Park - 3 across the bay just north of yellow channel marker heading north toward Browns Point. -Sandy Hassell
*
14:14 - Viewing from Thea Foss Park, they're headed west out of Commencement. -Robyn Riley
*
13:47 - Port of Tacoma… approaching red hulled ship.
13:43 - Well into the port.
13:36 - Heading toward port. -Eileen Mccaffery-Lent
*
13:04 - T99s just did close pass southbound past Dash Point. -Andrea Reinicke
*
Browns Point. Link to FB videos. -Angie Wildermuth
*
13:28 - Passed Browns Point Lighthouse heading south.
13:22 - Approaching Browns Point. -Jas Minka
*
13:23 - Orcas passing Browns Point heading west now. Surface active. -Christine Cooper
*
13:10 - This group is rounding Dash Point toward Browns Point mid channel and quick travel. -Robyn Riley
*
Time: 12:15 pm
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3 or more
Where seen: Poverty Bay, Redondo Beach side, off Des Moines; Federal Way.
Direction of travel: W towards Dash Point. Cruising along.
Behaviors observed: Diving - maybe 3 individuals, showing dorsal fins, spouting, nosing up and out showing full front half of body.
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: calm water. RO/RO ship passed from opposite direction without appearing to need to adjust course. -Jonathon Spiegel - Link to more photos. -photo by Jonathon Spiegel, October 25, 2025
*
12:10 - Two hunting off of Redondo MAST. -Fred McNiece
*
12:09 - Orcas are very surface active in front of Redondo Beach! -Hannah Marie Munro
*
11:14 - Just passing Marine View Park on the east side of the channel. -Walter Smith
*
T99 Bella - T99C Barakat
10:30 - From the close pass at Three Tree [Point]. -photos by Steve Rice, October 25, 2025
*
09:58 - Spotted a big male from Three Tree Point just east of the Vashon ferry headed south. -Aubree Mae Renfro
*
09:41 - Cruised past Brace Point - but cut even further east and southeast bound. -Kas Alexis
*
09:34 - Now southbound just past Fauntleroy ferry lanes heading towards Three Tree Point. One calf with the group. -Keith Brian
*
09:30 - Just south of Vashon ferry southbound. -Laura Andrews
*
09:20 - Past Lowman Beach, they have cut closer to the east side. Very visible naked eye. Still southbound.
09:08 - Viewing from Me-Kwa-Mooks. Southbound, mid-channel maybe east of mid. Seeing at least 4 with one male. Definitely in travel mode. Viewing them south of Blake from my perspective. -Kas Alexis
*
09:20 - They were southbound near Me Kwa Mooks. -Donna Sandstrom
*
08:50 - We saw four! Going south toward light house about five minutes ago! -Denise Pavlic Gloede
*
08:40 - Passing the point now, closer to Alki side [approx. 47.579790, -122.424107]! -Mariah Mallek
*
08:20 - Headed west along Alki spotted from the Bainbridge ferry. There appeared to be at least 3-4 traveling together that we saw. WSF worker said they had reports of 3 groups of 2. -Morgan Pierce
*
08:14 - Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: [TACOMA vessel reports] 6 Orca spread out near Duwamish Head, no particular direction just hanging by the gillnetters.
*
08:05 - Orcas east bound between Alki and Duwamish Head entering Elliot Bay. -Ryan Bauer
*
Sat, Oct 25 - Puget Sound (T38C, T38E, T137s) - T137A Jack - T99’s, T137’s, T38C, & T38E visit Tacoma. Viewed onboard WA state ferry MV Chetzemoka, Point Defiance Marina & Hidden Beach-Titlow Park. Link to more photos. -photo by Jason Cook, October 25, 2025
*
17:15 - 4 passed Raft Island heading towards the Purdy Spit. Middle of channel. Lost sight of them but they were heading towards the Purdy Bridge. -Alexa Mercurio
*
15:38 - They are heading up Carr Inlet! Close to Fox Island.
15:20 - 137s have passed Fox Island fishing pier, close to Fox Island side, continuing southbound. Lots of porpoising to get through these waves!
14:45 - They have cleared the Narrows and are continuing southbound, now mid channel and tightly grouped as they travel quickly.
14:28 - 137s approaching the Narrows Bridge, Gig Harbor side and moving quickly. -photo by Mollie Segall, October 25, 2025
*
15:05 - Just passed southern tip of Wollochet still south bound mid channel. -Bryanna Beyer
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Karl Jones
Date of Sighting: October 25, 2025
Time: 2:15 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: 47.298127223647406, -122.53798984110976 (2 mi. N of Narrows Bridge)
Direction of travel : South
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Of the 3-5 orca total, two included a larger orca and smaller orca swimming side-by-side.
Photos available?: No
*
13:53 - Rounded the corner toward Gig Harbor. -Teri Gage
*
13:51 - The first group with the T137s is southbound in the Narrows and the 99s are DEEP in the port barely surfacing making their way towards the grain ships. -April Basham
*
13:50 - Viewing from Vashon view 5 Mile Drive three or four orca headed towards Point Defiance closer to Point Defiance. -Ed Rickert
*
13:50 - Trending towards Narrows. Near tip of Point Defiance. -Taryn Hensley
*
13:39 - Viewing from Owen two orcas milling southwest tip of Vashon mid channel of Dalco. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
13:33 - Right in front of Owen Beach on Vashon side. -Teri Gage
*
13:30 - View from Owen Beach. Vashon in the background. Note the two bald eagles circling above them. Link to FB video. -Marco Zeno
*
13:30 - Viewing from 5 Mile Dalco viewpoint. Single male stalled between Point Defiance and southwest tip Vashon. -Ed Rickert
*
13:29 - Cleared Browns Point Lighthouse. -Robyn Riley
*
13:28 - T137A has almost reached the tip of Point Defiance still southbound towards the Narrows. The others are milling but slowly behind him still slowly southbound. The 99s I assume are the group we are watching approaching the Browns Point Lighthouse closer to mainland side. -April Basham
*
13:22 - Two or 3 off the southwest tip of Vashon near the single house. -Jason Cook
*
13:19 - 137s are milling just west of the ferry terminal on the Vashon side. -Mollie Segall
*
13:13 - Orca sighting across from Owen Beach currently, started around 13:00 and they seem to be hanging around. -Elizabeth Schroeder
*
13:09 - Seem to be milling around south of Maury. Viewing from Owen Beach. -Taryn Hensley
*
13:00 - 14:00 - We were at Owen Beach and saw 3 orcas over by Vashon for quite awhile, it was so cool. -Kerri Gates
*
12:55 - At least four (Jack in the lead), approaching the ferry terminal on the Vashon side. Traveling quickly.
12:51 - Spyhop at the mouth of Quartermaster. Heading towards the ferry terminal. Viewing from Ruston so perspective may be off. -Mollie Segall
*
12:50 - Spyhop near Quartermaster Harbor. -photo by Cherie StOurs, October 25, 2025
*
12:40 - Viewing from Ruston, they are just past Piner Point. -Jami Rouse Ankley
*
12:39 - Viewing from balcony off of Ruston now [approx. 47.354601, -122.438074]. -Tenaje Calloway
*
12:15 - Spouts now just north of Gold Beach, Vashon. Viewing from Browns Point lighthouse on mainland.
12:10 - Saw some spouts over by Maury Island side, between Gold Beach and Point Robinson -Jas Minka
*
12:28 - Close to yellow channel marker south of Gold Beach. -Eileen Mccaffery-Lent
*
12:25 - Popped up just south of Gold Beach Maury Island. -Jas Minka
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Kylie Flynn
Date of Sighting: October 25, 2025
Time: 12:24 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Off Gold Beach, Maury Island
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: 1
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
11:45 - Just saw a lone one off Vashon! -Ashly Colicchio
*
11:38 - And here comes Jack.
11:35 - Approaching Gold Beach mid channel. -Jennifer Nichols Giron
*
11:37 - Update [approx. 47.376942, -122.396472]. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
T137A Jack - T137 Loon & T137D Wright
11:24 - about 5-6 now south of Point Robinson, very close in to island shores. Jack trailing others by about a mile or so, all southbound. -photos & IDs by Marla Smith, Orca Network, October 25, 2025
*
11:24 - Past Point Robinson, not to Maury Preserve. Mid channel. -Jennifer Nichols Giron
*
11:05 - We just spotted a female about a mile away from Jack towards the shore of Maury Island. It’s probably Tempest. Yep, it’s T137B but then more popped up! T137, T137D, T38C and T38E. Southbound [approx. 47.403699, -122.392906 (1 mi. NW of Point Robinson)]. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
11:00 - Seeing at least one male, likely Jack, approaching Point Robinson, southbound, island side of channel. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
10:45 - From my vantage point they are west of mid channel (Vashon). North of Tramp Harbor. Looks to be continuing southbound. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
10:44 - Update for T137A (Jack) southbound [approx. 47.422601, -122.398849]. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
10:34 - I am watching from Saltwater State Park. Slightly south of Three Tree Point. PSE is with them too. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
10:32 - Just spotted them southbound about a half mile south of my map spot [approx. 47.450942, -122.406278 (1 mi. W of Three-Tree Pt.)]. Very long downtimes. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Sat, Oct 25 - Haro Strait
21:09 - Vessel noise may make it tough to hear now, but still hearing calls. Link to audio recording.
20:56 - Humpback vocalizing on Orcasound hydrophone! -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
Sat, Oct 25 - Admiralty Inlet
08:55 - Humpback north of Port Ludlow Bay. -Stacey David
*
Sat, Oct 25 - North Puget Sound
12:45 - We just left a humpback on Possession Bank. -Christopher Lewman, PSE
*
Sat, Oct 25 - Dalco Passage (CRC-19820 Malachite)
12:30 - Malachite by southwest tip of Vashon. -photo by Cherie StOurs, October 25, 2025
*
12:26 - PSE with a humpback [approx. 47.328682, -122.534183 - Dalco Passage]! -Ashley Fry
*
12:21 - Malachite milling at my map spot [approx. 47.323733, -122.528550]. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
12:15 - Malachite is between Owen Beach and Sunrise Beach (with Swiftsure). -Mollie Segall
*
11:32 - Humpback - presumably Malachite - fluked midway between Vashon & Point Defiance, just east of the Vashon ferry dock [video in FB comments]. -Sandy Karwhite
*
11:33 - Just fluked north of the row of houses at Sunrise.
11:17 - Milling southwest side of Vashon.
11:13 - Malachite is eastbound southwest tip of Vashon. -Jason Cook
*
11:16 - For the folks struggling with us to see him. West of the ferry. -photo by Jaime Shields, October 25, 2025
*
10:05 - Humpback Malachite is still with us off the south end [of Vashon]. -Sound Action
October 24
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Fri, Oct 24 - San Juans (T49A2 & T65A5)
17:11 - Last seen milling at the rocks after testing a minke.
16:30 - Picked these two up at White Rock - T49A2 and T65A5. -Trevor Derie
*
10:43 - Two orcas in mid channel of Spieden Island mid channel off Sentinel! Right now! They were not going in any direction! One large male and one smaller! Seemed to be circling around the same area! Two spy hops! Not seeing them now! -Cari Larsen Scheef
*
Fri, Oct 24 - Admiralty Inlet (T38C, T38E, T99s, & T137s) - T38E Hocker, T99B Holly, T137D Wright - T99E Qwiin qwiin oo qwii la, T99 Bella, T137 Loon - T99 Bella - We then moved on and first spotted orcas in Admiralty Inlet, we just saw two orcas just south of the Port Townsend/Whidbey ferry lanes. At first, they appeared to be traveling southbound as we slowly approached. But on the next surfacing, the T137A Jack had turned northeast towards Fort Casey while T38C Borrowman continued southwest towards Fort Flagler. We followed Jack until suddenly, there were more orcas — nine more! Jack hurried over to them, and a social reunion party ensued between the T137 family, the T99 family, and T38E, who were shortly joined by T38C. It was incredibly lucky timing — we found these orcas just as they happened to run into each other! The whales were spread across two or three groups over roughly 300 yards, the females and youngsters were mostly up ahead, while the three teenage-to-adult males hung back together. It was so fun to watch them hype each other up. They’d slow down and mill around for a bit, then one or two would suddenly take off sprinting (porpoising), followed by the rest of the females and younger ones in hot pursuit. Then they’d regroup, seemingly waiting for the males to catch up, before taking off again. I have been lucky to see a lot of cool encounters over the years but I have never seen so many orcas porpoise together like they did this day. We found T137A Jack at 12:55 then he grouped up with the rest at 13:10 and we were in the area with them until 14:10. -photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, PSE, October 24, 2025
*
15:12 - We had to go around them on our way home but they are southbound mid channel at ~the red pin [approx. 48.012194, -122.622291]. -Kyla Bivens, PSE
*
T137A Jack to the right of the submarine
14:41 - I can see who I presume is T137A southbound passing Bush Point mid to Whidbey.
Edited to add: I have 5-8 orcas in view. Passing the yellow channel marker. Viewing from Bush Point. -photo & ID by Cindi Crowder Rausch, October 24, 2025
*
14:05 - T137 pod, T99 pod, T38C are southbound at my map spot [approx. 48.079261, -122.672227 (2 mi. W of Lagoon Point)]. We are departing the scene. T38E was also in with this group today. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
14:00 - They are still with Swiftsure. Visibility is almost zero in the rain. Just finished a hunt (viewing from Marrowstone Point). -Rebecca Berger
*
13:05 - At least one other southbound at the same time. T38C is here too.
13:04 - T137A is northbound at my map spot [approx. 48.141018, -122.704749 (1 mi. SW of Keystone)]. -Bart Rulon, PSE
*
13:00 - 2 killer whales (so far, 1 is T137A). T137A Jack is moving northbound the second in looks I had was moving southbound. About 1/2 mile south of Jack. In the Port Townsend/Fort Casey ferry lanes mid channel ... The T99s are with Jack! [approx. 48.138871, -122.706679]. -Kyla Bivens, PSE
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Fri, Oct 24 - Haro Strait
16:38 - I just saw two humpbacks headed south past the CWR research station on the west side of San Juan Island, 3 miles north of Lime Kiln lighthouse, about a quarter mile from shore. No photos, but they did fluke and one tail was almost all black, the other was mostly white with black on the trailing edge. -Howard Garrett, Orca Network
*
Fri, Oct 24 - Admiralty Inlet (PWF-NP_3773) - PWF-NP_3773
14:55 - 15:00 - We then went south to see some sea lions on Craven Rock next to Marrowstone Island (after some searching for a minke whale north) when a humpback popped up unexpectedly. We watched PWF-NP_3773 briefly for one surface set. A really interesting story about this whale. He/she was first documented in Hawaii in 1988, it was documented again in 1994, then it wasn't photographed for 30 years! Until someone saw it off of Vancouver Island in 2024. This is my third time seeing this individual this fall with the other two times out in the strait, however I had only had dorsal fin pictures until now. -photos by Kyla Bivens, PSE, October 24, 2025
*
15:00 - Another humpback! PWF-NP-3773 northbound off of Marrowstone [approx. 48.086271, -122.688635]. -Kyla Bivens, PSE
*
Fri, Oct 24 - North Puget Sound (CRC-18655) - CRC-18655
11:45 - 12:20 - We started out by watching BCX2064 in it’s usual spot on Possession Bar (south Whidbey). -photo & ID by Kyla Bivens, PSE, October 24, 2025
*
12:00 - Same humpback [BCX2064] same spot again today [in Possession Triangle approx. 47.890247, -122.424187]. -Kyla Bivens, PSE
*
Fri, Oct 24 - Dalco Passage (CRC-19820 Malachite)
15:52 - Humpback surface active on west/Gig Harbor side of Point Defiance. Against bluff under 5 Mile Drive. -Sandy Karwhite
*
13:27 - SJC has noted Malachite the humpback currently southbound travel off southwest Vashon! -Alli Montgomery
October 23
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Thu, Oct 23 - Haro Strait/Active Pass, BC (J Pod) - Nice to see J’s transit through Active Pass and into the Strait of Georgia today. Link to FB reel. Link to Youtube video. -video by Salish Sea Orca Squad, October 23, 2025
*
07:30 - 08:00 - J pod heard northbound in Haro Strait 7:30-8 this morning! Thanks to Orca Behavior Institute for the heads up & direction context! Here's the bout with faint S04s - Link to audio recording. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Thu, Oct 23 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (BCY1029 Hemlock & BCX1025 Atria) - BCX1025 Atria & BCY1029 Hemlock surfacing - BCY1029 Hemlock
13:10 - 13:45 - We watched two humpbacks-BCY1029 Hemlock and BCX1025 Atria hanging out together in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. -photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, PSE, October 23, 2025
*
Thu, Oct 23 - North Puget Sound (CRC-18655)
11:50 - Humpback whale BCX2064 is still off of south side of Whidbey Island! Same place as every day for the last 2 months. -Kyla Bivens, PSE
*
Thu, Oct 23 - North Puget Sound (CRC-18655) - CRC-18655
11:40 - 11:50 - We started out by watching BCX2064 on the south side of Whidbey Island. -photos & ID by Kyla Bivens, PSE, October 23, 2025
*
Thu, Oct 23 - Dalco Passage (CRC-19820 Malachite) - From Gig Harbor Lighthouse viewpoint out to Point Defiance. -photo by Randy Witter, October 23, 2025
*
17:54 - Just east of the single house near southwest side of Vashon eastbound more island side of the passage. -Jason Cook
*
17:05 - Almost to the single house on Vashon Island fluked viewing from Owens Beach.
17:03 - Trending towards the southwest tip of Vashon viewing from Owens Beach. -Cherie StOurs
*
16:50 - Facing eastbound in the west side of Dalco. 1/2 way between [Point] Defiance & southwest tip of Vashon.
16:44 - Off Dalco viewpoint 5 Mile Drive. -Jason Cook
*
Thu, Oct 23 - Dalco Passage (CRC-19820 Malachite) - CRC-19820 Malachite - Delighted to get to spend some time this afternoon with Malachite as he came out from the Narrows, headed across to Vashon and came almost as far as the Vashon ferry terminal before turning and heading back westward along Vashon before I lost sight. Viewed from the Promenade by Owen Beach. Link to more photos. -photos by Jennifer Swenson, October 23, 2025
*
Malachite. Link to more photos. -photos by Russell Rusty Arceneaux, October 23, 2025
*
16:25 - He had been headed toward Salmon Beach, but turned back north. Currently right by the green & white navigational marker under 5 Mile Drive. -Sandy Karwhite
*
16:19 - Just the Narrows. I'm now at the Gig Harbor lighthouse.
16:15 - Still around the corner from Point Defiance on the Narrows side. Visible from Gig Harbor Lighthouse. He's up tight against the Point Defiance shoreline. Meandering back and forth.
15:23 - I'm watching from Sunrise Beach on the Gig Harbor side. -Randy Witter
*
15:28 - Just spouted, now west side of 5 Mile Drive close to the bluff.
15:17 - Humpback actively breaching in north of Point Defiance in Dalco Passage. -Sandy Karwhite
*
09:51 - I just saw a humpback in Colvos passage at Olalla Bay trending north. I did not see it resurface although I waited a few minutes to see if I could capture a picture. -Frolicking Farm
*
MINKE WHALES -
Thu, Oct 23 - Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca.
12:30 - 12:35 - We then briefly saw a minke whale north of Port Townsend. -photo by Kyla Bivens, PSE, October 23, 2025
October 22
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Wed, Oct 22 - San Juans (T49A2 & T65A5)
16:07 - We just saw two orcas pass by Friday Harbor, just the other side of Brown Island! Heading west [approx. 48.540869, -122.998292]. -Karen Cousens Gates
*
15:30 - Two killer whales inside Brown Island - moved back out, now moving west outside Brown Island. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
*
Wed, Oct 22 - Discovery Bay
13:45 - Katharine called to report a single orca in Discovery Bay off Beckett Point traveling south. Described the animal as having a tall vertical fin, not like a minke or humpback.
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Wed, Oct 22 - Dalco Passage (CRC-19820 Malachite)
17:45 - Malachite is heading east towards ferry lanes on Vashon side. -Ryan Dicks
*
13:15 - Whale just popped up right in front of me north of Gig Harbor. Gig Harbor side -Ryan Johnson
*
12:27 - Malachite is going back-and-forth in front of Vashon Island, all about one hour also; plus I [saw] from boathouse. -Nori Kimura
*
11:02 - Humpback surfaced mid-Dalco Passage, heading northbound toward Vashon ferry dock. -Sandy Karwhite
*
MINKE WHALES -
Wed, Oct 22 - Admiralty Inlet
10:38 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: SALISH spots a Minke between Port Townsend and Keystone Harbor.
October 21
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Tue, Oct 21 - Spieden Channel (T49A2 & T65A5)
12:26 - Two orcas eastbound in Spieden Channel [video of T49A2 & T65A5]. -Liz Ziffren Makofsky [WSSJI]
*
Tue, Oct 21 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T46B1s & T46C2) - T46B1 Tread & T46B1D - T46B1A Tsakani
13:35 - 14:15 - We saw T46B1 family with tag along T46C2 out in the Strait of Juan de Fuca (directly south of Victoria but on the U.S. side of the border). -photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, PSE, October 21, 2025
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Tue, Oct 21 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (BCY1029 Hemlock) - BCY1029 Hemlock
13:15 - 13:35 - We saw "Hemlock" the humpback in the Strait of Juan de Fuca (directly south of Victoria but on the U.S. side of the border). -photos & ID by Kyla Bivens, PSE, October 21, 2025
*
Tue, Oct 21 - Dalco Passage (CRC-19820 Malachite)
18:15 - Malachite spyhop at dusk.
18:02 - Slowly south.
18:00 - Malachite off Salmon Beach. -photo by Ryan Dicks, October 21, 2025
*
Wed, Oct 22 - Dalco Passage (CRC-19820 Malachite)
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Garry Moushegian
Date of Sighting: October 22, 2025
Time: 12:27 PM
Species seen: Humpback
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Dalco Pt
Direction of travel : W
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
*
18:00 - Viewing from Five Mile Drive viewpoint. Drifting south. -Paul Davis
*
16:09 - Malachite in the west end of Dalco facing towards Vashon in the lighter ribbon of water. -Jason Cook
*
16:32 - Trending east towards Tahlequah ferry lane.
15:43 - Fluke near southwest tip of Vashon. Milling. From Owen.
14:34 - Malachite is surface active (pectoral slaps) around Sunrise Beach area. Gig Harbor side. Research vessel is still nearby.
14:20 - Finally found him! Seeing splashing from north of Gig Harbor, approximately north of Sunrise, research vessel nearby. Viewing from Owen Beach. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
10:35 - I’m on the ferry from Tacoma. Just saw him more towards Owen Beach. -Karen Fuller
*
MINKE WHALES -
Tue, Oct 21 - Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca
15:05 - 15:20 - Two minke whales north of McCurdy Point. -photos by Kyla Bivens, PSE, October 21, 2025
*
Tue, Oct 21 - Admiralty Inlet
10:37 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 10:42 to report: 1037hrs: SALISH Vessel reports they've spotted a single minke whale, located south of the southbound traffic lane
*
UNIDENTIFIED SPECIES -
Tue, Oct 21 - South Puget Sound
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Holli Greer
Date of Sighting: October 21, 2025
Time: 6:18 PM
Species seen: [unknown]
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Directly out from Titlow Beach
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed: Hanging out.
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
October 20
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Mon, Oct 20 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T37As) - T37A Volker - T37A4 Crinkle
13:50 - 14:25 - We saw the T37As around Race Rocks. -photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, PSE, October 20, 2025
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Mon, Oct 20 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (BCX1441 Shell & BCX1025 Atria) - BCX1025 Atria - BCX1025 Atria
14:10 - 14:35 - A few humpbacks including BCX1441 'Shell' and BCX1025 'Atria' around Race Rocks. -photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, PSE, October 20, 2025
*
Mon, Oct 20 - Dalco Passage (CRC-19820 Malachite)
18:29 - Just surfaced in the same spot northeast end of Point Defiance. That’s about all I’ll be able to see tonight!
18:01 - Surfaced just off north east end of Point Defiance. -Sandy Karwhite
*
17:43 - Viewing from Owen Beach promenade humpback moving southwest towards Gig Harbor out from Point Defiance.
17:18 - Viewing from Dalco viewpoint 5 Mile Drive. This vessel under power and encroaching significantly less than 100yds [research boat]. Humpback at location of vessel currently. No direction of travel [approx. 47.328955, -122.520957]. -Ed Rickert
*
16:50 - Mali is on Vashon side heading east by the single white house, research boat is out with him. Viewing from Owens Beach. -Cherie StOurs
*
16:02 - Humpback off Vashon Island ferry terminal currently! Surfacing every 10-12 minutes [approx. 47.323040, -122.505091].
15:45 - Humpback spotted just off Vashon ferry terminal just now! -Kate Brown
*
15:04 - Near entrance of Quartermaster Harbour. There’s a Coast Guard boat. Malachi, I believe there viewing from Owen Beach. -Nori Kimura
*
15:45 - Mid channel south of Quartermaster again!
15:32 - Now mid channel south of Quartermaster Harbor. Facing southwest.
15:19 - Continued logging in Quartermaster Harbour.
15:02 - We spotted her directly west of ferry lane real close to ferry as it landed at Tahlequah. May have passed east of lanes.
14:52 - Humpback spotted in Dalco Passage! Headed eastbound. -Xand Er
*
MINKE WHALES -
Mon, Oct 20 - Admiralty Inlet
08:58 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 09:05 to report: 0858hrs: SALISH Vessel reports via 800MHz they've spotted a single minke whale traveling southbound, located between Pt. Wilson and Marrowstone Pt.
*
Mon, Oct 20 - Hood Canal
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Janet Maple
Date of Sighting: October 20, 2025
Time: 9:09 AM
Species seen: A minke?
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Hood Canal, south of Hamma Hamma
Direction of travel : Milling
Behaviors observed: Milling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
October 19
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Sun, Oct 19 - San Juans
13:30 - 2 humpbacks just outside Friday Harbor, headed toward Turn Island. -Lee Connally [WSSJI]
*
Sun, Oct 19 - North Puget Sound
15:09 - Humpback off Edmonds Kingston ferry trail for the last 20 minutes. -Jaime Denise
*
14:38 - Humpback still in the same portion of the Possession triangle west of Stamm. -Josh Adams
*
11:42 - Still northbound east side of triangle. View from Stamm they’re halfway between Point No Point and Double Bluff in background. Logging and bobbing but seen a few flukes. Walk don’t run to view. Chop is no joke today.
10:55 - Found our HB [humpback] friend moving north on the east side in Possession triangle. North of Eglon in background viewing from Stamm. Tough conditions, took 40 minutes to spot. -Beriah SoOrio
*
Sun, Oct 19 - Dalco Passage (CRC-19820 Malachite) - CRC-19820 Malachite in Dalco Passage. Link to more photos. -photos by Jason Cook, October 19, 2025
18:13 - Spotted again along the south west side of Vashon viewed from the Vashon Island viewing point on 5 Mile Drive at Point Defiance Park. -Ryan Merrifield
*
16:14 - He’s pretty active! -Amanda Lynn
*
16:13 - 2 breaches south of Sunrise almost out of view from Owen Beach.
16:03 - Just north of Sunrise still surface active.
15:53 - Big splash between sunrise and southwest corner of Vashon. -Robyn Riley
*
15:02 - Saw humpback from the Vashon ferry still surfacing and tail slapping. -Caitlyn Blair
*
14:39 - Was beaching and tail slapping 5 [minutes] ago heading east along Vashon before the ferry dock. -Robyn Riley
*
14:29 - Surface active southwest tip of Vashon.
13:40 - Fluked near the crane being towed by a tugboat west side of Dalco. -Jason Cook
*
13:22 - San Juan Clipper left Malachite off south/southwest Vashon midchannel -Alli Montgomery
*
13:03 - Heading north at mouth of Colvos with Clipper in pursuit.
12:52 - Humpback just fluked off north end of Point Defiance in Dalco Passage. -Sandy Karwhite
*
13:02 - Wanted to let you know we’re seeing a humpback (maybe Malachite, but can’t confirm) from the point of Point Defiance. Breached, then a few blows, and a fluke. Headed toward Gig Harbor. San Juan Clipper is with him. Just saw a blow. -Stacy
*
MINKE WHALES -
Sun, Oct 19 - Hood Canal
15:15 - Amidst those thrashing sea lions, a baleen [minke] whale. Located just north of Potlatch Point. ‘Traveling’ with a group of sea lions. I am filming down canal. Link to FB reel. -Sherry King
October 18
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sat, Oct 18 - Spieden Channel (T49As)
11:15 - T49As in Spieden Channel. T49As milling off Green Point. -Bethany [SSCH]
*
Sat, Oct 18 - San Juans (T37As) - T37A4 Crinkle, T37A Volker, T37A2 Inky - [Today] was my first time of the year crossing paths with the T37As! Twelve year-old T37A3 Spinnaker has seemingly permanently dispersed, as he was seen in the Salish Sea on his own during the first half of the year and did not return with the rest of his family this fall. - That leaves mom T37A Volker traveling with her oldest son T37A2 Inky and youngest daughter T37A4 Crinkle. I love this shot not only because it shows this threesome in order of fin height, but also because it shows how each one of them as a notch in the trailing edge of their fin! -Orca Behavior Institute -photo & IDs by Monika Wieland Shields, October 18, 2025
*
Fin tip of T37A4 Crinkle & T37A2 Inky - T37A2 Inky & T37A Volker - T37A2 Inky & T37A Volker -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network
13:30 - T37As. I think we were between Lopez and San Juan Islands. -photos by Kelli Murray, October 18, 2025
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Lauren McKaig
Date of Sighting: October 18, 2025
Time: 11:30 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: San Juan Island
Direction of travel : South
Behaviors observed: Traveling, bird hunting
If orcas, any males?: 1
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: T37a pod Crinkle Inky North of Cattle Point, east side between San Juan Island and Lopez Island.
Photos available?: No
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Sat, Oct 18 - Dalco Passage (CRC-19820 Malachite)
17:27 - 1 from a few minutes ago. [Malachite breaching].
17:25 - Just south of single house southwest Vashon.
16:42 - Multiple breaches southwest Vashon.
15:04 - West of the single house on southwest side of Vashon when viewing from Tacoma. Feeding, rolling & some pec slaps.
14:48 - Logging around the bend of Vashon southwest tip.
14:33 - Malachite southwest side of Vashon. -photos by Jason Cook, October 18, 2025
*
15:00 - In Dalco. -photo by Ryan Dicks, October 18, 2025
*
14:02 - Mali is just north of Sunrise Beach on Gig Harbor side viewing from Owen Beach. -Cherie StOurs
*
13:36 - San Juan Clipper is leaving Malachite currently trending slowly northbound closer to shore southeast of Gig Harbor. -Alli Montgomery
*
12:40 - Malachite is next to whale watching boat. Viewing from Owen Beach. -Nori Kimura
*
12:35 - Dalco southwest of Tahlequah about halfway between Vashon and Point Defiance. San Juan Clipper on site. -Charlene Engelland
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Susie Cabigting
Date of Sighting: October 18, 2025
Time: 11:58 AM
Species seen: Humpback
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: On land from Owen Beach Tacoma
Direction of travel : NW
Behaviors observed: traveling eating
If orcas, any males?: Na
Any unusual markings?: Na
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: No
Photos available?: No
*
MINKE WHALES -
Sat, Oct 18 - Admiralty Inlet
13:00 - With PSE today, also saw two minke whales north of Fort Casey. Traveling north. -Lauren McKaig
*
Sat, Oct 18 - Hood Canal
10:00 - 10:30 - There is a small whale that I just saw at Eagle Creek on the Hood Canal off Highway 101 (10:00am - 10:30am-ish, but it was still there when I had to leave). Link to more photos. -photos by Laura Johnson, October 18, 2025
October 17
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Fri, Oct 17 - San Juans (T49A2 & T65A5) - Beautiful backlit blows of T65A5 and T49A2 near Stuart Island. -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, October 17, 2025
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Fri, Oct 17 - North Puget Sound (CRC-18655)
13:24 - I just saw him or a buddy of his right on the south side of Whidbey. He seems to headed west. -Jill Jurvo
*
12:39 - He is headed towards Possession Point but Picnic Point might be a tad too north for now. He’s doing lots of logging/bobbing staying low on the surface. -Beriah SoOrio
*
11:50 - One humpback spotted a mile northeast from my map spot [approx. 47.870813, -122.421355]. The humpback off Possession Bar is CRC-18655. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
10:55 - Our humpback friend still hanging in Possession triangle. East of mid south of Point No Point viewing from Stamm. See plus sign. Moving north leisurely [approx. 47.871611, -122.415009]. -Beriah SoOrio
*
Fri, Oct 17 - Dalco Passage (CRC-19820 Malachite) - Malachite this afternoon taken from Owen Beach. -photo by Cherie StOurs, October 17, 2025
*
18:39 - They are still here south of the southwest tip of Vashon, viewing from Dune Peninsula. -Ryan Merrifield
*
17:49 - [video of Malachite in FB comments].
17:42 - Milling around mid channel between Dune and Vashon. Just got a tail. Seeing from Point Ruston. -Da Is
*
17:19 - Moving north [approx. 47.335590, -122.551741]. -Paul Davis
*
17:00 - Beautiful golden blows off Point Defiance. Same area as previous post
16:48 - Westbound Tacoma side of mid channel west of Owen Beach. -photo by Jason Cook, October 17, 2025
*
16:37 - Southwest corner of Vashon viewing from Point Defiance Marina. -Faith McDonald
*
16:08 - Looks to be in ferry lane mid channel heading south (viewing from Gig Harbor). -Cindy Swenson
*
15:24 - Mali is heading towards the southwest tip of Vashon, from Gig Harbor side north of Sunrise. Viewing from Owens Beach. -Cherie StOurs
*
14:24 - San Juan Clipper is leaving Malachite currently feeding off south/southwest Vashon! -Alli Montgomery
*
13:47 - Directly in front of Sunrise Beach, viewing from the boathouse at Point Defiance. Stalled. -Jeffrey Simmons
*
13:29 - Directly north of San Juan Clipper at the south end of Colvos between Gig Harbor and Tahlequah. -Charlene Engelland
*
13:22 - Malachite is putting on a show for the folks on the San Juan Clipper. He is located just north of the Narrows Straits entrance on the Gig Harbor side. Plenty of breaches.
13:16 - San Juan Clipper just pulled into the area and near the point. Viewing from the marina at Point Defiance. -Jeffrey Simmons
13:18 - Breaches visible from Sunrise. South of Sunrise.
12:30 - Must be more towards Tacoma side still. Not seeing anything from Sunrise yet. Saw one dorsal fin about a half hour ago over by the big red boat. -Jenna Inglese
*
11:46 - Headed back towards Sunrise, Gig Harbor side.
11:41 - He’s been here for a while now [approx. 47.331644, -122.529684].
10:50 - Still seen off Sunrise. Traveling east or northeast. -Lauren Gevry
*
08:01 - Baleen whale sighting near Sunrise Beach looking from Owen Beach [approx. 47.341052, -122.550707]. -Angela Noël
October 16
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Thu, Oct 16 - Saratoga Passage (T137s) - After getting all the restocking done, Michael and I hopped in the car and went to NAS Whidbey, to see the T137s in Crescent Harbor. We watched T137 Loon and T137D Wright take down a harbor porpoise, while T137A Jack and T137C Tempest did some hunting for themselves in the distance. Link to more photos.
photo by Sarah Geist, October 16, 2025
*
Thu, Oct 16 - Saratoga Passage (T137s) - T137B Tempest - T137A Jack
13:00 - 13:50 - We saw T137A Jack and his sister T137B Tempest in Saratoga Passage. -photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, PSE, October 16, 2025
*
15:24 - 4 orcas west of Polnell Point. One male. -Terra Parham
*
15:09 - Looks like Jack may be on another hunt. Mid between Polnell and the NAS boat ramp. Never found the other two girls.
14:55 - Jack and Tempest are here. Haven’t found the closer 2 yet.
14:53 - The girls started heading further into Crescent Harbor so I moved to the boat ramp. But they never came around the corner. So I'm moved back up to the top and haven’t seen them.
14:15 - Loon and Tempest just took down a harbor porpoise off Maylor Point. Looks like Jack and Tempest got something over near Polnell too. -Sarah Geist
*
14:17 - Just west of a white water tower near Crescent Bay heading west. -Joy Powers
*
13:58 - Heading north into Crescent Harbor. Jack and Tempest mid. Loon and Wright on Whidbey side. -Sarah Geist
*
13:35 - Seem to be headed toward Polnell Point… can just barely see a big dorsal fin.
13:20 - Way over on Camano side near the north tip of the island. Seem to be northbound. Swiftsure is there. -Bonnie Gretz
*
13:17 - Orcas northbound straight out from Camano Island Yacht club. From my perspective, Camano side of mid. -Linda Aitkins
*
13:00 - I see T137A Jack and looks like T137B Tempest so far (just found them) they are northbound Camano Island side heading to Madrona Beach. -Kyla Bivens, PSE
*
T137 Loon - T137 Loon & T137D Wright -IDs by Marla Smith, Orca Network
12:25 - At least three orcas heading north, 1.5 miles north of Hidden Beach, Whidbey side of channel. -photos by Aaron Gill, October 16, 2025
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Thu, Oct 16 - North Puget Sound (CRC-18655) - CRC-18655
15:00 - 15:20 - BCX2064 on the south side of Whidbey Island. -photos & ID by Kyla Bivens, PSE, October 16, 2025
*
Thu, Oct 16 - Dalco Passage
17:56 - Now west of ferry westbound. -Cindy Swenson
*
17:49 - Riders coming off the ferry just saw him pointed back towards Tacoma. -T.L. Stokes
*
17:39 - Eastbound fluke in front of house with blue metal roof east of ferry dock.
17:33 - Back on Vashon side west of the ferry dock near the houses. -Jason Cook
*
17:26 - Just saw him a couple of times to the left of Vashon ferry. The dives aren't as long as normal. -Leah Macon Gillis
*
17:16 - Viewing from Gig Harbor old ferry dock. Final sighting of tonight from me. He’s going back and forth along the ferry lanes and just saw him here [approx. 47.321933, -122.522206]. -Torry Chamberlayne
*
17:03 - Half way along the promenade at Owen. Eastbound. Boathouse & Anthony’s may be next landmarks.
16:56 - A nice pass in front of Owen beach eastbound. Tacoma side of mid channel. -Jason Cook
*
16:48 - Moved back north, from Gig Harbor appears to be even with yellow buoy and slightly west of the ferry as it passed. -Sandy Karwhite
*
16:36 - Viewing from Gig Harbor old ferry dock. Just saw him about here and travelling back toward Vashon [approx. 47.320015, --122.508832]. -Torry Chamberlayne
*
14:32 - Heading towards Gig Harbor.
14:15 - Tail spotted on the southwest corner of Vashon. -Caroline Dowler
*
16:32 - Tail fluke mid channel, closer to Point Defiance side.
16:08 - Moving southeast, now off corner of Vashon, east of ferry terminal.
16:03 - Just surfaced behind ferry docked at Vashon. -Sandy Karwhite
*
13:20 - Slowly continuing eastbound towards ferry dock.
12:59 - Humpback sighted at the southwest corner of Vashon entering Dalco Passage (heading east towards ferry dock leaving Colvos). Closer to Gig Harbor side. -Sandy Karwhite
October 15
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Wed, Oct 15 - Strait of Georgia, BC (T38C, T38E, T63, T65)
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Florence Wilson
Date of Sighting: October 15, 2025
Time: 2:30 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Off the coast of Galiano Island. Travelling west
Direction of travel : West
Behaviors observed: Chainsaw and Whidbey travelling, then joined by two female/juvenile orcas who were breaching and tail slapping.
If orcas, any males?: 1 male (Chainsaw) T063
Any unusual markings?: Chainsaw has 2 notches on dorsal fin
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
Wed, Oct 15 - Active Pass, BC (T49As) - T49A Nan & T49A3 Nat - [Today] we got to catch up with the T49As on a beautiful (if a little chilly!) sunny October day. They've been around the Salish Sea off and on, but I personally hadn't seen them since June, so it was extra special to catch up with some of our "regulars". We got to see them catch and share a seal and then dodge several BC Ferries in Active Pass. All part of a day in the life of a Bigg's killer whale in the Salish Sea! Pictured here are mom T49A Nan and her third son T49A3 Nat. -Orca Behavior Institute
*
photo & IDs by Monika Wieland Shields, October 15, 2025
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Dave Evelee
Date of Sighting: October 15, 2025
Time: 11:59 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: Active Pass
Direction of travel : South
Behaviors observed: travelling
If orcas, any males?: unknown
Any unusual markings?: unknown
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: at Arbutus Point now, seen blowhole exhale from Sturdies Bay
Photos available?: No
*
Wed, Oct 15 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T49A2 & T65A5) - Likely T65A5 and T49A2 - we were with them earlier. -Cindi Crowder Rausch [WSSJI]
*
15:25 - There are at least 2 orcas off Cattle Point. -Laurie Lundquist Winter [WSSJI]
*
Wed, Oct 15 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T49A2 & T65A5) - T49A2 Jude - T65A5 Indy & T49A2 Jude - T49A2 and T65A5 spent some time together south of Cattle Pass. We also were excited to watch a lunge feeding minke attack several bait balls. Link to more photos. -photos & IDs by Cindi Crowder Rausch, October 15, 2025
*
T65A5 Indy - T49A2 Jude - Lovely fall whale watch on Island Adventures Whale Watching, fun to meet up with Cindi Crowder Rausch to catch up with T65A5 the infamous Indy and T49A2 Jude, who has his own share of risky adventure stories! Capt. Tyson found them a bit south west of Cattle Point in absolute flat glass water with brilliant sunshine. They were lazily making their way toward Cattle Pass, and we enjoyed some beautiful close passes… always so great to hear those big "Kapoofs" when they surface! As we headed back to Anacortes, we found a couple of minke whales feeding in enormous bird/bait balls. -photos & IDs by Bonnie Gretz, October 15, 2025
*
Wed, Oct 15 - Saratoga Passage
14:10 - At least three orcas north of Baby Island/west of Camano Island State Park. They are slowly heading north in Saratoga Passage, but milling back and forth north to south a bit. -Martha Poppy Sinclair
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Wed, Oct 15 - Puget Sound
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Janet Maple
Date of Sighting: October 15, 2025
Time: 9:47 AM
Species seen: Probably humpback
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: From Bainbridge ferry, just off Alki
Direction of travel : East
Behaviors observed: Tail Slapping surface repeatedly
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
Wed, Oct 15 - Dalco Passage (CRC-19820 Malachite)
17:07 - Always a good day when I get to see Malachite. Quick stop viewing from Gig Harbor old ferry dock. Seeing him trend north (but we all know he’s just going back and forth for now) right about here [approx. 47.325071, -122.527350]. -Torry Chamberlayne
*
16:57 - Near the last house southwest Vashon westbound. -Jason Cook
*
16:40 - He's in front of the second set of homes trending south out past the paddle borders when I last saw him.
16:30 - In this area. But going between both sets of homes [between Point Defiance & southwest Vashon]. -David Bennett
*
16:22 - Northbound just north of Sunrise. -Jason Cook
*
16:12 - Just saw Malachite again. He's westbound off the south coast of Vashon heading towards Colvos Passage.
16:03 - Just saw Malachite breach southwest of the ferry at Tahlequah time. -Thomas Tanouye
*
14:44 - Fluked facing Gig Harbor in the same general area, south of that collection of houses.
14:35 - Fluked. 200-300 yds south of where at last saw him. He's south of the housing I can see from here. Fluked facing Gig Harbor but still in the same general line. White sailboat passed in the area where he fluked.
14:27 - More southerly, he dove in line with this cluster of houses here [approx. 47.323676, -122.537638]
14:22 - He seems to be milling. He's more northerly of the location where I'd seen him dive the previous time. He just fluked also.
14:14 - Just saw Malachite, 3 surfaces. Then a fluke he was heading southerly in the general direction of what would be Owen Beach/Point Defiance [approx. 47.326814, -122.532494]. -David Bennett
*
13:10 - It [humpback] just breached in Colvos Passage near Sunrise Beach. -Jenni Garcia
*
11:43 - Located by Birders. Logging in the triangle.
11:35 - Aimed northish, but have not seen since.
11:20 - Humpback just fluked in the triangle between Gig, Tacoma, and Vashon. -Ashley S Whitman
*
MINKE WHALES -
Wed, Oct 15 - Strait of Juan de Fuca - We also were excited to watch a lunge feeding minke attack several bait balls. -photo by Cindi Crowder Rausch, October 15, 2025
October 14
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Tue, Oct 14 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T65Bs) - T65B3 Rook, T65B2 Corvus, T65B Chunk - T65B1 Birdsall
13:50 - 14:25 - Then we went to Race Rocks to watch the T65B family of orcas. -photos & ID by Kyla Bivens, PSE, October 14, 2025
*
Tue, Oct 14 - San Juans (T36As, T38C, T38E, T65A, T65A4, T65A6) - There's another new calf among the Bigg's killer whale population! Whale watchers in the San Juan Islands reported this little one traveling with the T36As this morning, specifically alongside T36A2 Kailas. If she is confirmed as the mother, this would be her first known calf at age 13. OBI's research assistant Alex was lucky enough to get on scene while working as a naturalist for Maya's Legacy and he sent along this photo taken today north of Orcas Island! -Orca Behavior Institute -photo by Alex McIntire, October 14, 2025
*
Tue, Oct 14 - Haro Strait
16:56 - About 4 orcas northbound from County Park just now. -Dave Thaler [WSSJI]
*
16:20 - Four to five orca at Lime Kiln. -Mike Smith [WSSJI]
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Tue, Oct 14 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (BCX2255 Vega & MERS-BCCuk2024#1) - BCX2255 Vega - BCX2255 Vega
14:35 - 14:45 - Then we went to Race Rocks to watch other humpbacks like BCX2255 Vega and MERS-BCCuk2024#1. -photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, PSE, October 14, 2025
*
Tue, Oct 14 - Dalco Passage (CRC-19820 Malachite)
18:14 - [CRC-19820] Just east of Vashon ferry dock. -Ryan Dicks
*
17:55 - Back closer to the tip of Point Defiance, potentially heading northeast. -Audrey Holloway
*
17:49 - Swimming in tighter circles west of the ferry. Fluked facing eastbound.
17:45 - Fluked westbound near green barn shaped house.
17:32 - Westbound lap has started from southeast side of Vashon before
17:29 - Eastbound fluke white home with red porch. Southeast side of Vashon.
17:21 - Fluke east of ferry lane near house with blue metal roof. -Jason Cook
*
17:18 - Trending towards the ferry now. -Jeffrey Simmons
*
17:08 - Almost to the single house southwest side of Vashon. Just fluked.
17:05 - In front of the last group of houses on Vashon before the single house. Westbound. Vashon side of mid. -Jason Cook
*
17:04 - Just seen from ferry mid channel in front of Owen. -Andrea Reinicke
*
16:55 - Roughly back in the same area as last report a little bit closer to us at Dune Peninsula trending east southeast. -Jeffrey Simmons
*
16:34 - Nice fluke south of the southwest tip of Vashon. -Jason Cook
*
16:10 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: CHETZEMOKA has been notified and confirms visual on the whale.
*
16:00 - Flipped around now, trending southwest again towards the tip of Vashon.
15:50 - Viewing from Dune Peninsula. Just fluked halfway between the southwest tip and the ferry terminal heading east. -Jeffrey Simmons
*
14:52 - Photographer at Owen says he saw Malachite between Point Defiance and Vashon. -Maiken Amann
October 13
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Mon, Oct 13 - San Juans (T35As)
15:59 - Some activity in Eastsound, as seen from shore. -Andrée Hurley
*
11:31 - Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 11:33 to report: YAKIMA Captain reports a pod of four Orca milling about near Flathead Point.
*
Mon, Oct 13 - Saratoga Passage (T46s minus T46D) - T46E Thor
15:40 - From pass at Cama Beach. They continued northbound, Camano side. -photo by Susan John, October 13, 2025
*
14:30 - Our friends are approaching East Point. They are continuing northbound mid channel. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
14:05 - My last report as we left the scene. Still northbound all 3 grouped up close [approx. 48.081817, -122.444507].
13:50 - Update T46s northbound [approx. 48.072266, -122.410091].
13:38 - So far we’ve only seen T122, T46E and T46F. No Strider seen yet.
13:25 - Update [approx. 48.052884, -122.377818]
13:13 - T46 pod aimed towards Saratoga Passage [approx. 48.049082, -122.359847 (1000’ S of Camano Head)]. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
13:24 - South of Pebble Beach by 1/4 mile or so. Northbound into Saratoga Passage [approx. 48.052085, -122.374448] [video in FB comments].
13:00 - Northbound towards Camano Head see pinned location [approx. 48.044076, -122.351610]. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
13:07 - Making the turn up Saratoga. Whidbey side of mid. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
13:00 - PSE is with them at Camano Head they are heading towards Port Susan. -Lori Christopher
*
12:57 - Northbound slowly just northeast of my map spot. Long dive from a distance, no IDs yet [approx. 48.028054, -122.347492]. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
12:10 - Same spot. Looks like they are milling, maybe hunting.
12:03 - Just off Hat, red X marks the spot [approx. 48.011025, -122.334762]. Still headed north.
11:45 - At least 4 orcas with one male off the south end of Hat Island headed north towards Saratoga Passage. -Melissa Simmons, WSF
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Mon, Oct 13 - Dalco Passage (CRC-19820 Malachite)
17:24 - Fluke southwest of ferry terminal, off tip of Vashon. -Sandy Karwhite
*
17:05 - Fluked east of the ferry terminal.
17:02 - Approaching the house with blue metal roof east of the ferry terminal Vashon side. -Jason Cook
*
17:01 - Right in front of Dune Peninsula.
17:00 - They did a great job and told all the passengers where to look to see him as we were crossing. -Dallas Braham
*
16:56 - Just east of the Tahlequah terminal. Hats off to ferry crew for turning on a dime & giving M safe passage. -Jason Cook
*
16:56 - Fluke west of ferry, just south of yellow buoy.
16:39 - Fluke midchannel, closer to Point Defiance (from Gig Harbor). [video in FB comments] -Sandy Karwhite
*
16:35 - Just east of single house on south end of Vashon. Fluked facing southeast [approx. 47.329653, -122.513717]. -Jason Cook
*
16:14 - From the ferry. Owen Beach headed towards the shore.
16:00 - Again, [right] out from Anthony’s closer to Ruston flowing now.
15:59 - There was at least one humpback mid channel right off of Dune just a couple of minutes ago. -photo by Dallas Braham, October 13, 2025
*
15:57 - Seems to have gone back west towards ferry lane.
15:51 - East of ferry lane. -Steve Czerniak
*
15:41 - He just surfaced just west of the Vashon ferry dockyard. -Dallas Braham
*
15:09 - Fluke! Just east of ferry terminal Vashon side. Yay! -Jennifer Claire Egenolf
*
15:01 - Mid-channel in ferry lane area, southeast of yellow buoy. -Sandy Karwhite
*
14:54 - Heading east before ferry terminal Vashon side viewing from Dunes Peninsula. -Cherie StOurs
*
14:46 - Looks like captain of the ferry made a hard turn to avoid him.
14:41 - Viewing from Anthony’s and just saw a fluke. Mid channel in direction of last house southwest tip of Vashon. -Steve Czerniak
*
14:10 - Near the southwest of Vashon by the single house. No direction, viewing from tip of Dunes Peninsula. -Cherie StOurs
*
13:53 - Loitering just west of the ferry lane halfway between Vashon and Point Defiance. -Holly Harrison
*
12:42 - Lost sight of him but the two boats in the vicinity were heading southbound on the west side of Point Defiance. Can’t confirm if they were following him in that direction.
12:34 - Viewing from Owen’s Beach towards Gig Harbor. Red boat in the vicinity. -Steve Czerniak
*
12:00 - Loitering between Point Defiance & SW tip of Vashon about 1/4-1/2 mile south/southwest of Point Dalco. Appears to be diving periodically. -Holly Harrison
*
10:44 - Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: CHETZEMOKA just reported a sighting.
*
10:38 - Spotted in Dalco Pass between the ferry docks slowly heading west. -Holly Harrison
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Lynn Gifford
Date of Sighting: October 13, 2025
Time: 10:04 AM
Species seen: Humpback
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Colvos passage
Direction of travel : E
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Walking on trail by Colvos Passage in Gig Harbor and whale (probably a humpback)) surfaced about 4 times.
Photos available?: No
*
09:34 - [humpback] in Dalco Passage, near Gig Harbor [approx. 47.333966, -122.554151]. -Charlene Engelland
October 12
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sun, Oct 12 - San Juans (T65A5) - T65A5 Indy
13:39 - U turn. Northwest toward Stuart now.
13:27 - Eastbound now on southern shore of Spieden Island. Western tip.
12:46 - Single orca. Southbound [approx. 48.656564, -123.125465]. -photo by A, October 12, 2025
*
I got to experience seeing Indy and it was a dream come true for me! Just a reminder of how beautiful nature is! -Leslie Evans
*
Sun, Oct 12 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T46s minus T46D) - T46F Loki & T122 Centeki - T46E Thor
13:20 - 13:50 - We watched the T46s out on Border Bank (middle of the Strait north Dungeness Spit/Port Angeles general area). Notably, we did not see T46D anywhere in the area with them. -photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, PSE, October 12, 2025
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Sun, Oct 12 - San Juans (2023 calf of Guardian)
15:40 - Humpy is the 2023 calf of Guardian. Now eastbound in Spieden Channel east of Roche Harbor
14:22 - Humpy western tip Spieden Island. -A
*
Sun, Oct 12 - Dalco Passage (CRC-19820 Malachite)
18:22 - Northwest of Owens swimming northeast towards southwest Vashon. Near all the white birds. -Cindy Swenson
*
17:14 - He’s fluked a couple of times now just north of the point at Point Defiance.
17:05 - He is still in the same area just off Point Defiance. Trending just a bit south of the point. Still viewing from Old Ferry Landing.
16:21 - Just saw him fluke right off the tip of Point Defiance. Viewing from Gig Harbor - Old Ferry Landing. -photo by Heidi Powers Armstrong, October 12, 2025
*
16:13 - We just saw a humpback close to the shore, from up high in Point Defiance Park. We were at the Vashon Viewpoint. Have seen a couple of eagles, too! -Jill Freeman
*
15:59 - He is right in front of me very close to shore from the west side of Owen Beach!
15:43 - Big tail fluke. Seems to be traveling south (maybe even southeast) between Gig Harbor and Point Defiance. Viewing from Owen. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
15:35 - Viewing from between Dalco and Gig Harbor viewing points in Point Defiance. -Ryan Campbell
*
15:18 - He is south of Colvos headed south. -Paul Davis
*
15:14 - He just passed the last house headed toward the southwest tip of Vashon. -Robyn Riley
*
15:03 - West of the ferry Vashon side of Dalco viewing from Owen. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
14:40 - Looking towards Point Defiance from Vashon. -Barely Awake
*
14:24 - We see him headed east near Vashon ferry dock. -Paul Davis
*
14:10 - Fluked of southwest tip of Vashon heading east. -Kirsten Vacura
*
14:11 - Traveling east starting to approach ferry terminal (slightly west of the ferry).
14:06 - Malachite flipped around headed east. Vashon side of the Passage. Viewing from Owen.
13:53 - Malachite just fluked headed west toward Gig Harbor viewing from Owen. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
14:17 - He is directly out in front of Owen’s Beach by the cement.
13:24 - Owens Beach. -Lisa Dawn
*
12:39 - SJC is leaving Malachite the humpback currently zigzagging right in front of Owen Beach! -Alli Montgomery
*
12:09 - Moving slightly southeast toward Owen. -Charlene Engelland
*
12:05 - Viewing from Owens Beach. Seems to be headed toward Narrows but has had several direction changes. Likely Malachite [approx. 47.326354, -122.548161]. -Torry Chamberlayne
*
12:04 - Mid Dalco southbound toward Owen, west of ferry lanes. Just south of whale watching vessel. -Charlene Engelland
*
11:44 - Viewing from Owens Beach. Seeing what could be Malachite near the Clipper, and seems to be pointed west Andrea Facer spotted him first. So happy to see him again this morning. -Torry Chamberlayne
*
MINKE WHALES -
Sun, Oct 12 - Admiralty Inlet
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Douglas Seitz
Date of Sighting: October 12, 2025
Time: 10:15 AM
Species seen: Minke
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: 200 yards off Marrowstone Point Drive (just north of Battery Wansboro) in Fort Flagler
Direction of travel : N
Behaviors observed: Doing classic 2-3 surfaces to breathe before deep dives of 5 - 15 minutes. We watched for about 30 minutes
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
October 11
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sat, Oct 11 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T46B1s, T46C2, T60D, T60E) - Went out to Juan de Fuca Strait near Race Rocks Lighthouse and saw the T60 brothers Onca and Lynx. We also saw the T46B1 family with a new calf. -photos by Sarah Balboa, October 11, 2025
*
Sat, Oct 11 - Haro Strait (T65A5)
10:25 - Reported off Snug Harbor. -Cindy Hansen, Orca Network [WSSJI]
*
09:45 - Just now - from the campground by Lime Kiln one orca moving north pretty fast. -Gergana Mouteva [WSSJI]
*
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES -
Sat, Oct 11 - Washington Coast - In the Columbia River, just outside of Chinook, WA today. Link to FB reel. -Tina Jordan
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Sat, Oct 11 - North Puget Sound (CRC-18655)
12:33 - SJC is leaving humpback CRC18655 currently trending southbound off Eglon in the traffic lanes! -Alli Montgomery
*
12:34 - The humpy is slowly heading south, north of Edmonds ferry lanes.
12:15 - I saw a big blow out from Eglon, east of mid. Looks like a humpback. -Catherine Alvarado Soto
*
Sat, Oct 11 - Dalco Passage (CRC-19820 Malachite) - Humpback whale CRC-19820/BCY1463 viewed from the Ferry M.V. Chetzemoka & Dune Peninsula-Tacoma. Link to more photos. -photos by Jason Cook, October 11, 2025
*
16:15 - North of Les Davies Pier eastbound.
15:30 - Near Port of Tacoma. Rear of the black over red container ship [approx. 47.281400, -122.436617]. -Jason Cook
*
14:00 - 14:30 - Four snaps, way across bay, of fin then tails from Dune. -photos by Mike Savoia, October 11, 2025
*
14:15 - Still viewing from Gig Harbor old ferry dock seeing him continue toward Commencement Bay about here now [approx. 47.296361, -122.458015].
14:05 - Viewing from Gig Harbor old ferry dock seeing him headed toward Commencement about here [47.307716, -122.477647]. -Torry Chamberlayne
*
13:25 - Viewing from pedestrian overpass behind Dune Peninsula, no direction. Location of surfacing whale in photo [approx. 47.317112, -122.493814]. -Ed Rickert
*
13:35 - Just flipped. Now moving west again!
13:23 - Seen here, moving east [approx. 47.329536, -122.479833]. -Bethany Unger Scoggins
*
13:15 - I saw him! Yay thanks to everyone for helping! From Dune Peninsula. -photo by Achel Fros, October 11, 2025
*
13:11 - Again in ferry line swimming east. Ferry this time hard veer to east also. Keeping those ferry captains on their toes, thank you! -Cindy Swenson
*
13:09 - Dune Peninsula [video in FB comments]. -Marco Zeno
*
13:01 - it appeared to me as well. He's heading back towards the ferry again. -Jeffrey Simmons
*
12:57 - Just northwest of Owen Beach. Viewing on board the ferry Chetzemoka. Fluked facing north east. -Jason Cook
*
12:45 - Definitely left of ferry now by a bit. He's seems to be following his normal pattern lately of back-and-forth across Vashon heading towards the southwest tip again. -Jeffrey Simmons
*
12:31 - From Anthony's. Several spouts and a fluke mid ferry channel trending southwest. He has changed directions. -Jeffrey Simmons
*
12:20 - Malachite swimming/fluked to the east right in ferry line, close to Dune. Nice to see ferry veering hard west out of its path. -Cindy Swenson
*
12:15 - Still milling about mid channel ferry lane north of Owens Beach. Usu[ally] spot a few blows then 2-3 surfaces with dorsal showing and a final tail display as it/they dive (possible there are two humpbacks here). -photos by CJ Mcanulty, October 11, 2025
*
12:09 - And a beautiful tail!
12:07 - Almost to the ferry lanes. Mid-channel. -Da Is
*
11:52 - Just west of the ferry lane mid channel. -Jason Cook
*
11:52 - Right in the ferry lane north of Owen Beach moving slowly west mid channel. -CJ Mcanulty
*
11:41 - Viewing from the promenade at Owen Beach. Heading east southeast back towards the ferry terminal in his usual spot the south west corner of Vashon. -Jeffrey Simmons
*
11:21 - Still milling in the same general area but the laps are extending further east directly north of Owen Beach.
11:15 - Near the greenbelt north of Sunrise Beach.
10:55 - Flipped now southeast bound near south end of Sunrise [approx. 47.323766, -122.545202]. -Jason Cook
*
CRC-19820 Malachite
10:50 - Southwest corner of Vashon, closer to Vashon side.
10:25 - Slow moving, directional changes, now pointing towards Colvos, closer to Gig Harbor side.
10:05 - Humpback whale Dalco passage facing towards entrance to Narrows. -photo by Jill Clogston, October 11, 2025
*
10:24 - M is northbound approaching the houses at Sunrise. -Jason Cook
October 10
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Fri, Oct 10 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (BCX1876 Zillion, BCX2255 Vega, BCY1454) - BCX1876 Zillion - BCX2255 Vega
13:50 - 14:50 - We saw humpbacks around Race Rocks including BCX1876 Zillion, BCX2255 Vega, and BCY1454. -photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, PSE, October 10, 2025
*
Fri, Oct 10 - North Puget Sound (CRC-18655)
12:35 - SJC is leaving humpback CRC18655 in the very center of Possession Triangle, south of Cultus Bay! -Alli Montgomery
*
Fri, Oct 10 - Dalco Passage (CRC-19820 Malachite) - Lots of fluke time with Malachite today! Watched from the promenade off Owen Beach as I first spotted him off the southwest corner of Vashon and then watched for several hours as he traveled back and forth along Vashon heading past Quartermaster on the east side and back almost to the Gig Harbor side on the west side. Link to more photos. -photos by Jennifer Swenson, October 10, 2025
*
18:23 - Fluked around halfway in between the ferry terminal and west corner of Vashon, seen from the ferry parked at Point Defiance. headed towards Vashon/northwest, we saw the underside of his tail. -Soarin Lykins
*
18:15 - Humpback breaching and splashing visible form Point Ruston. -Jennifer Richards
*
18:15 - He was waving in the ferry lane!! Towards Colvos. -Da Is
*
18:14 - Just did half a dozen tail slaps heading back toward ferry westbound.
18:08 - Fluked halfway between the ferry terminal and the east end of Vashon.
17:58 - Viewing from Dune fluked just west of the ferry.
17:49 - Eastbound halfway between west end and ferry terminal on Vashon side. -Robyn Riley
*
17:28 - North of Sunrise northbound along the green belt. -Jason Cook
*
16:54 - Approaching southeast tip of Vashon eastbound. -Robyn Riley
*
16:12 - M is slowly headed north/northeast. Should be near southwest corner of Vashon on one of the next cycles of breaths [approx. 47.327679, -122.549244]. -Jason Cook
*
16:10 - Just fluked left of southwest tip of Vashon, appeared to be heading towards Vashon.
15:27 - Left of the ferry lane, along Vashon side westbound. -Jennifer Swenson
*
14:47 - Mali is heading east towards Quartermaster Harbor viewing from the promenade at Owen.
14:15 - Mali at the southwest tip of Vashon. -photo by Cherie StOurs, October 10, 2025
*
14:12 - Malachite approached southwest tip of Vashon, fluked and not seen since. -Jennifer Swenson
*
13:14 - “Malachite” humpback off of Owen Beach. Link to FB reel. -Marco Zeno
*
12:51 - Malachite hanging out in ferry lane. Thanks to Soundwatch for being on the water today keeping boats away from Malachite. -photo by Ryan Dicks, October 10, 2025
*
12:27 - Still near the southwest part of Vashon (in the map shared before), viewing from Owen. -Krissy Hopkins
*
11:50 - Changed direction now trending west into the intersection of Colvos and Dalco. Open water from Dune.
11:39 - From Dune: Southwest side of Vashon, land behind him. Trending east. -Jeffrey Simmons
*
10:45 - [Malachite approx. 47.331984, -122.540006]. -Adam Pike
*
UNIDENTIFIED SPECIES -
Fri, Oct 10 - South Puget Sound
14:30 - I think I may have seen it [humpback] from Kopachuck State Park? Saw a back in the distance, didn't see a fin. Later I heard a blow, but didn't see anything? [no other known humpbacks in the area, Malachite was near Point Defiance at this time, so leaving open possibility of humpback or other species -RH]. -Sherrie French Cummings
October 9
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Thu, Oct 9 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T46Bs, T46B1s, T46C2, T251, T252) - T252 - T252 & T251 - T46B2B Takaya & T46B2 Akela - Our last tour of the season was incredible with a big T-Party of Bigg's orcas, including the rarely seen T252s with T251s & T046B1s. Link to more photos. -photos by Sooke Coastal Explorations, October 9, 2025
*
Thu, Oct 9 - Haro Strait
16:43 - 3-4 orcas passed Lime Kiln, headed up island. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Thu, Oct 9 - Haro Strait
13:05 - Lime Kiln Light [videos show humpback whale]. -Steven Venetta
*
10:56 - Actually might be two humpbacks- one for sure on the Lime Kiln camera.
10:55 - I saw two spouts and tail - upper middle-ish portion of frame. Assuming a humpback.
10:52 - Whale on Lime Kiln camera -Jennifer Fulton Carpenter
*
Thu, Oct 9 - Hood Canal
10:25 - Saw 2 humpbacks near Hood Canal Bridge this morning. -Angela Catalano
*
Thu, Oct 9 - North Puget Sound
19:04 - Last confirmed sighting they were logging (I want to say mid channel) between Point No Point and Haines Wharf Park. Viewed from Haines Wharf.
15:02 - 2 humpback viewing from Stamm Park in Edmonds. Appeared to be facing north off the south side of Whidbey. -Breezie Gibbens
*
Thu, Oct 9 - Dalco Passage (CRC-19820 Malachite)
17:18 - Humpback just surfaced - east of ferry at end of Vashon. Fairly close to shore.
15:37 - Humpback in Dalco Passage spotted east of ferry dock at south end of Vashon. -Sandy Karwhite
*
14:40 - April Basham and Jennifer Swenson saw a humpback (presuming Malachite) logging mid channel Dalco Passage. No direction given. -Candace Gavin
*
14:30 - I just spotted Malachite off the southwest tip of Vashon, saw him surface one then saw the back of his fluke so seemed to be heading towards Gig Harbor side. -Jennifer Swenson
*
UNIDENTIFIED SPECIES -
Thu, Oct 9 - Puget Sound
14:42 - Seeing a large group of orcas seemingly feeding, very surface active, some breaching. Started about 14:10 and is still going on, a little less actively. They’re parked out just south of shilshole marina, very close to shore, roughly in front of Ray’s boathouse. [Follow up:] Well I really hope I’m not misidentifying them. My first thought was dolphins, because I’ve seen them in that area before. But these seemed bigger and the way they were swirling around in the same area like they were feeding is not something I’ve seen dolphins do. My wife was using our better binoculars and says she definitely saw the black and white. I mostly saw black. We’re seeing them from our deck and at this distance the pictures just look like nothing. I just went up and tried videoing, but they’ve pretty much stopped. I never saw the super-pointy tall dorsals that I’ve seen in pictures of male orcas, but these looked like other orcas I’ve seen in sightings confirmed by other people. I’ve often seen sea lions in that area, so if they were feeding on them, perhaps they were transients. [no known orcas in the area, perhaps sea lions were hunting/surface active - RH]. -Martin Cassidy
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Thu, Oct 9 - Haro Strait (CRC-18712 Zillion) - Zillions gobbling herring VERY close to shore at Orcasound Lab (16:50 on 10/9). [ID by Val’s fluke shot via HappyWhale.] These are the biggest herring schools I’ve ever seen with WAY more seabirds corralling them up against the shoreline than we Veirses have witnessed in 25 years of observing. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound [WSSJI]
October 8
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Wed, Oct 8 - Haro Strait
15:00 - Viewing from San Juan County Park. Whale is well to the north but closer to shore. 3 whale watch boats following. Still traveling north.
14:15 - Single humpback just went past Lime Kiln State Park (San Juan Island) about 100 yards from shore. Going north. -Brad Dufour
*
Wed, Oct 8 - Puget Sound
09:04 - I just saw a gray whale breach in front of me off Jeff [Jefferson] Head in the middle, 500 feet of water in the shipping lane [later followed up to confirm humpback]. -Steve Kunnen
*
Wed, Oct 8 - Tacoma Narrows (CRC-19820 Malachite)
18:48 - He has rounded the point and moving fast.
18:29 - And he is headed south again [approx. 47.314539, -122.549138].
18:11 - He is at mile marker 3 lookout.
17:56 - We are on Five Mile Drive. He is headed north near the shore.
17:43 - He is milling at Narrows Viewpoint at on 5 Mile Drive. -Phill Kajca
*
17:24 - Feeding in the kelp just south of the point.
16:42 - Malachite is heading north past Salmon Beach. -Ryan Dicks
*
15:10 - Southeast side of bridge. He was trending very slowly, crossing from Gig Harbor side to Tacoma side without much forward progress [approx. 47.264813, -122.551416]. -Katrina Larsen
*
14:58 - humpback on the south east [side] of [Tacoma Narrows] bridge -WA app
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Wed, Oct 8 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (BCY1454 & BCX2046 Pinnacle) - BCY1454 - CX2046 Pinnacle
13:40 - 14:10 - We continued west to Race Rocks where we found humpbacks BCY1454 and BCX2046 Pinnacle there and watched them (in the same area but separate). -photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, PSE, October 8, 2025
*
Wed, Oct 8 - Puget Sound (CRC-18655) - CRC-18655/BCX2064
15:55 - 16:05 - Then, in the usual spot on Possession Bar/south side Whidbey, we watched BCX2064. -photo & ID by Kyla Bivens, PSE, October 8, 2025
*
MINKE WHALES -
Wed, Oct 8 - Strait of Juan de Fuca
12:35 - We headed out of Puget Sound and saw a couple of distant and inconsistent surfacings from a minke whale off of McCurdy Point. -photo by Kyla Bivens, PSE, October 8, 2025
October 7
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES -
Tue, Oct 7 - Strait of Juan de Fuca
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Karleen Kurys
Date of Sighting: October 07, 2025
Time: 10:06 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 12
Where seen: [taken from cruise ship in Strait of Juan de Fuca west of Clallam Bay]
Direction of travel : East
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: No
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Seemed like a pod of a lot of juveniles
Photos available?: No -photos by Karleen Kurys, October 7, 2025
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Tue, Oct 7 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (BCX2255 Vega, HW-MN0524500, BCY1454, CRC-22024) - BCY1454 - BCX2255 Vega
13:20 - 14:00 - We went out to Race Rocks where we saw humpbacks BCX2255 Vega, HW-MN0524500, BCY1454, and CRC-22024. -photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, PSE, October 7, 2025
*
Tue, Oct 7 - North Puget Sound (CRC-18655 & BCZ0432 Two Spot) - CRC-18655/BCX2064 - BCZ0432 Two Spot
16:10 - 16:20 - Then started to head back to port before we were stopped by another humpback just outside of Edmonds who ended up
being BCZ0432 Two Spot!
15:45 - 16:00 - We then saw BCX2064 on the usual spot south of Whidbey Island where we watched him/her briefly. -photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, PSE, October 7, 2025
*
Tue, Oct 7 - North Puget Sound
15:30 - 2 humpbacks together about 2 miles south of Possession Point. [traveling] northwest. -Karen Murphy
*
Tue, Oct 7 - Haro Strait
16:04 - Fluke shot super close to camera!
15:34 - Still on camera feeding close to shore.
15:02 - Humpback on Lime Kiln camera southwest bound. -Kathie Eberhart [WSSJI]
*
Tue, Oct 7 - Puget Sound (CRC-19820 Malachite)
18:24 - Just fluked 6 houses west of the ferry dock! -Robyn Riley
*
18:21 - Heading towards ferry lane. Tail slap on his way down. -Da Is/
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CRC-19820 Malachite
18:18 - We see him. Middle of Commencement Bay [likely meant Dalco Passage]. Right in the ferry lane. -photo by Wednesday Means, October 7, 2025
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18:13 - It’s been maybe 10 minutes since the last fluke. Northeast of Sunrise Beach.
17:49 - Just in time for high tide Malachite is off the southwest tip of Vashon. -Jason Cook
*
11:45 - Haven't seen anything since 11:15. Last sighting was almost to Point Richmond. Still northbound at that time. -Candace Gavin
*
10:36 - Viewing from Gig Harbor old ferry dock seen headed northbound here [approx. 47.334671, -122.529654]. -Torry Chamberlayne
*
10:25 - Malachite is mid channel in Dalco. Still south of Sunrise Beach generally northbound in no hurry. Viewing with scope from Owen Beach. -Candace Gavin
*
10:07 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 10:29 to relay report: [humpback 47.30307, -122.54771].
*
10:04 - North of Salmon Beach now.
09:40 - Humpback headed north mid channel in Tacoma Narrows -Jack Sasser
October 6
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Mon, Oct 6 - Haro Strait (T11A & T30Bs)
16:15 - They've stopped mid Haro due West of Lime Kiln. It looks like they stopped for lunch.
15:17 - Way over on the Canadian side, headed north. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
*
14:04 - T30Bs and T11A heading northeast now towards Discovery Island. Traveling. -Sara Baldwin [WSSJI]
*
T30B1 Vega - T11A Rainy - We love a good encounter with Bigg's Orca, T011A "Rainy", but we also love to see him travelling with other whales, like today with the T030B's. Link to more photos. -photos by Sooke Coastal Explorations, October 6, 2025
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Mon, Oct 6 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (BCX2255 Vega) - As if orcas weren't enough, we also encountered humpback whale, BCX2255 "Vega", along with many seals and sealions! Link to more photos. -photo & ID by Sooke Coastal Explorations, October 6, 2025
*
Mon, Oct 6 - Haro Strait
13:55 - Amazing lunge feeding off Lime Kiln
12:55 - Off Lime Kiln currently heading north.
12:15 - Off Land Bank, currently pointed north. -Cindy Hansen, Orca Network [WSSJI]
*
10:32 - Lunge feeding in the bay just north of Lime Kiln!
10:27 - Looks like feeding just north of Lime Kiln, right against the rocks.
10:20 - 2 Humpbacks just north of Lime Kiln, 1/4 mile off, headed up island. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
*
Mon, Oct 6 - Puget Sound (CRC-19820 Malachite) - A lovely few hours spent with Malachite today. Spotted him logging around 10:55 off the southeast corner of Vashon and watched as he slowly made his way westbound along Owen Beach, fluking once before heading back mid channel and making his way over to the Gig Harbor side going up and back for several hours. Left him around 15:30 as he was heading back towards the southwest tip of Vashon. Link to more photos. -photos by Jennifer Swenson, October 6, 2025
*
18:43 - Westbound passing Tahlequah.
18:36 - Westbound towards Quartermaster between the smooth water & choppy water. -Jason Cook
*
18:12 - Just spotted him from Vashon, but he's closer to Tacoma now. -Caroline Leader-Causby
*
18:06 - Fluked eastbound somewhere in between the Tahlequah and Point Defiance ferry docks (seen from the ferry docked at Tahlequah) -Soarin Lykins
*
17:56 - Big tail next to ferry! Seeing from Ruston. -Da Is
*
17:52 - Fluked in eastbound direction from Tahlequah terminal.
17:35 - Fluked facing Owen.
16:41 - [Malachite breach]. [Hannah Marie Munro replied “pleasure to meet you today Jason! Thanks for sharing your amazing capture! I barely just missed the breach”] -Jason Cook
*
17:33 - Malachite is in front of the Tahlequah ferry terminal. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
17:33 - Fluked southwest corner of Vashon possibly trending south. -Robyn Riley
*
17:32 - West of the ferry terminal about halfway between that and the western edge of Vashon. -Dallas Braham
*
17:24 - He's moving west again, looks to be out of the ferry lane once more.
17:16 - Definitely milling again, he just popped up in the ferry lane facing toward Vashon. -photo by Morgan Dale, October 6, 2025
*
17:18 - Four breaches about 20-25 minutes ago. -Torry Chamberlayne
*
17:16 - Big fluke directly in front of ferry terminal. Viewing from Dune. -Robyn Riley
*
17:00 - He's turned around, was facing west again when he dove last. To be decided if he's gonna be milling again.
16:55 - Past the ferry lane now, some lazy surfacing and then fluking. Still heading east, angled away slightly from Vashon now toward Ruston side. -Morgan Dale
*
16:56 - Past the ferry terminal, almost 3/4 of the [way] past Vashon, still trending east. You can hear him from here.
16:51 - Seems to be angling away from vashon but towards the ferry lane if he's not in it already. -David Bennett
*
Second breach! -photo by Ryan Dicks, October 6, 2025
*
16:52 - Fluked just west of the ferry terminal heading east and is down.
16:44 - 2 huge breaches west of ferry terminal. -Robyn Riley
*
16:46 - Another fluking dive, still steadily headed east toward the ferry dock on Vashon. -photo by Morgan Dale, October 6, 2025
*
16:38 - Viewing from Gig Harbor old ferry dock. Tail fluke right here [approx. 47.328750, -122.511916]. -Torry Chamberlayne
*
16:37 - Heading east along Vashon shore, just saw him fluke in front of the clay cliffs to the west of the ferry dock. -Morgan Dale
*
16:34 - I haven’t seen him cross the ferry lane. May have switched directions. My view is blocked by the ferry.
16:27 - Heading east soon to cross the ferry lane. -Vawn Parker
*
16:16 - Just surfaced between these 2 boats. Near Vashon shore, east of ferry dock. -Sandy Karwhite
*
16:09 - Lazy fluke heading north from my view from Dune. -David Bennett
*
16:00 - Found him again, same location. these two boats just moved in on his location but from my vantage I can't tell how close they are. -Morgan Dale
*
15:57 - Malachite is still in the same area. Closer to Vashon shores. Viewing from Owen. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
15:44 - Still milling near southwest tip of Vashon just west of the brown sailboat [approx. 47.329108, -122.522506]. -Jason Cook
*
15:43 - Spotted from Dune with camera zoom, saw him fluke by the gold sailboat (southwest Vashon). -Morgan Dale
*
15:18 - Just saw Malachite's tail. Southwest corner of Vashon. Watching from Owen. Currently milling. -Hannah Marie Munro
*
14:12 - 1/2 way between Sunrise and southwest Vashon swimming east. -Cindy Swenson
*
12:30 - Logging off Sunrise Beach. -Ed Gullekson
*
11:33 - After logging for about 30mins, moving steadily now - just fluked again more mid channel between southwest tip of Vashon and Gig Harbor see, heading towards Gig Harbor.
11:26 - Nice fluke off Owen beach, heading towards point Owen Beach side. -Jennifer Swenson
*
11:22 - Slowly heading towards the Narrows Strait. Logging and drifting with some activity. Viewing from the promenade. -Jeffrey Simmons
*
11:06 - Currently logging in front of Owen Beach, mid channel. -Lauren Gevry
*
11:06 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 11:19 to relay report: [humpback 47.32288, -122.52327].
*
09:58 - Now rapidly trending west towards the southwest tip of Vashon. He moved quite a distance during his last fluke.
09:45 - Monday morning Humpback report. Quite active on the east side of the ferry lane now trending back towards Vashon. Several rolls, pec slaps and seen him fluke twice. Viewing from Owen Beach. Not sure if it is Malachite or not, this one looks huge. update -Jeffery Simmons
*
UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALES -
Mon, Oct 6 - North Puget Sound
19:10 - Saw what might be two grays slowly heading north in Possession Triangle, closer to Eglon side. Viewed from just north of Picnic Point [possible it’s CRC-18655 that has been in that area, but unknown -RH]. -Robin Griffin
October 5
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sun, Oct 5 - Sechelt Inlet, BC (T65A5) - Orca in Sechelt Inlet this afternoon [photos show T65A5 Indy]. -Ken McCann [SCWDS]
*
Sun, Oct 5 - Active Pass, BC (T35As) - T35A Lester & T35A4 Agate - On a splendid evening, the T035s swam steadily eastward through Active Pass. Photos and video taken from the shore of Galliano Island, BC. Video by Gary Cullen - link to Youtube video. -photos by Karoline Cullen, October 5, 2025
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Sun, Oct 5 - Strait of Georgia, BC (CRC-15994 Stitch, CRC-16022 Frankenstein, CRC-16613 Dreamer, CRC-18677, CRC-19352 Harpy) - CRC-15994 Stitch - CRC-16022 Frankenstein - It was humpback soup out by Galiano Island! Lonestar/Dreamer (CRC-16613) made the first appearance.. I got a shot of her tail fluke first and identified her. We thought she was a lone humpback and then all of a sudden, we looked to the right and there was about 5 more spouts off in the distance swimming towards us.. the second tail fluke shot I got was my beloved Frankenstein (CRC-16022), and he was swimming side to side with another humpback, surfacing and diving together at the same times. The next one to appear was Stitch (CRC-15994), I got a great shot of his dorsal fin. Then two more humpback came swimming over, it was an unnamed female called CRC-18677 and I got a shot of her tail fluke to identify her. I looked to the left and two more humpbacks were spouting and swimming towards the boat.. one of the was Harpy (CRC-19352). Not a bad day, being able to identify at least 5 of the 8 humpbacks surrounding us in a matter of minutes! Link to more photos. -photos by Suz Lori, October 5, 2025
*
Sun, Oct 5 - Haro Strait
14:05 - Not sure if it's the same animal, but there is a humpback north of Lime Kiln. 1/3 mile off.
13:10 - After coming to the surface 3 times, this whale dove 3/4 mile up island from Lime Kiln. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
*
13:01 - Humpback off Lime Kiln northbound. -Rochelle Fi [WSSJI]
*
Sun, Oct 5 - Haro Strait (CRC-22181) - CRC-22181
12:00 - 13:00 - These were taken from the Westside Preserve on San Juan Island. The whale was hanging around for over an hour, coming up slowly and slowly going back down. Per Erin John Gless via Happywhale, this is CRC-22181. Link to more photos. -photos by Tarisa Matsumoto-Maxfield, October 5, 2025
*
Sun, Oct 5 - Puget Sound (CRC-19820 Malachite)
18:35 - Right in ferry lane and ferry's moving. Ferry adjusted path. -Da Is
*
18:33 - Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: confirmed by vessel. [humpback] -No[w] going East to West.
*
17:57 - East of the docked ferry on Vashon. Just saw his dorsal. Eastbound [approx. 47.327117, -122.505214]. -photo by Dallas Braham, October 5, 2025
*
17:02 - Seen just along the ferry. Slowing moving north to south and back north. Around this spot [approx. 47.327877, -122.533542]. -Torry Chamberlayne
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Craig Stack
Date of Sighting: October 05, 2025
Time: 3:51 PM
Species seen: Humpback
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: South point of Vashon west of the ferry dock
Direction of travel : north
Behaviors observed: Breaching
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
15:43 - Just saw the tail dive down, closer to Gig Harbor side, not really in passage yet. Viewing from Owen Beach. -Jonathan Privett
*
15:30 - Spotted a whale 13:20 in the afternoon and again about 15:30 in triangle of Puget Sound from Vashon Island. -Valerie Wittwer
*
15:24 - Malachite was just seen from the Vashon ferry headed south. He was on the Gig Harbor side. Near a sailboat 5 minutes ago. 15:10 ferry. -Kelly Lynn
*
14:50 - Seeing him northbound about here, viewing from Sunrise Beach hard to tell if more mid channel or committed to being in Colvos. -Torry Chamberlayne
*
14:30 - Just coming into view beyond the west point from Owen still northbound.
14:00 - Northward here risking the tide around the corner from Owen Beach [approx. 47.331679, -122.555139]. -Beriah SoOrio
*
13:36 - Viewing from Gig Harbor old ferry dock just saw him fluke right about here. Can see with the naked eye [approx. 47.332820, -122.538030]. -Torry Chamberlayne
*
Sat, Sep 27 - Puget Sound (CRC-19820 Malachite) - Malachite gave us a show this Saturday. Apparently he has been hanging around the Point Defiance/Gig Harbor area lately. Absolutely stunning. -photos by Sarah Winter, September 27, 2025
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Thomas Wittwer
Date of Sighting: October 05, 2022
Time: 1:20 PM
Species seen: Humpback ? (2 small humps on back just ahead of small dorsal fin
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Triangle in Sound from Vashon Island to Point Defiance to Gig Harbor in about 120 ft. of water.
Direction of travel : Headed towards Commencement Bay
Behaviors observed: Hunting
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Saw possibly same whale at about 3:30 PM same day, same area, also same direction previously on 9/25 in about 300 ft. of water.
Photos available?: No
*
12:33 - San Juan Clipper is leaving Malachite the humpback currently off southwest Vashon. They've been milling and patrolling off the edge of the shoreline of Vashon just dipping into Colvos. -Alli Montgomery
*
12:20 - He’s there just saw him out in front of that house! taken off Vashon Ferry dock. [looking towards Sunrise Beach]. -Amanda Lynn
*
11:13 - It's Malachite. My friend recognized him. -Ethan Allen
*
11:09 - Delayed report just in to Whale Alert App: Humpback whale was reported still in Colvos Passage out from Paradise Cove, Vashon. No direction included. Whale might just be foraging around in there? -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
09:57 - Humpback reported southbound near Paradise Cove. It should be viewable from the south end [of Vashon] soon, likely shuffling back and forth in that area for the day. -Sound Action
October 4
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sat, Oct 4 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T46B1s & T46C2) - What an incredible day in the Juan De Fuca! We encountered Bigg's orcas T046B1s [& T46C2] attempting to predate on a harbour seal that was seemingly being protected by humpback whale BCX1377 "Nike". The orcas were eventually successful in predating on the seal, but Nike continued to follow the orcas for quite a distance! Link to more photos. -photos by Molie Cameron, Sooke Coastal Explorations, October 4, 2025
*
Sat, Oct 4 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T49C) - T49C Neilson
14:37 - 14:54 - Just south of Race Rocks T49C Janet was hanging out. -photos & ID by Kyla Bivens, PSE, October 4, 2025
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Sat, Oct 4 - Strait of Georgia (CRC-13704 Monarch & CRC-19145 Octo) - CRC-13704 Monarch - CRC-19145 Octo - We hung out with humpback whales, CRC-19145 Octo and a buddy [CRC-13704 Monarch] for a bit. They were slowly traveling northwest in the Strait of Georgia. Link to more photos. -photos by Sarah Geist, October 4, 2025
*
Sat, Oct 4 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (BCX1377 Nike) - Note the harbor seal tucked in the kelp in both photos! - What an incredible day in the Juan De Fuca! We encountered Bigg's orcas T046B1s [& T46C2] attempting to predate on a harbour seal that was seemingly being protected by humpback whale BCX1377 "Nike". The orcas were eventually successful in predating on the seal, but Nike continued to follow the orcas for quite a distance! Link to more photos. -photos by Mollie Cameron, Sooke Coastal Explorations, October 4, 2025
*
Sat, Oct 4 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (BCX2080 Marvel & BCY1033 Merlin)
13:37 - 14:15 - We watched BCX2080 Marvel socializing with BCY1033 Merlin. -photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, PSE, October 4, 2025
*
Sat, Oct 4 - Strait of Juan de Fuca - Humpbacks lunge feeding outside of Victoria, BC. And a fur seal. Link to more photos. -photos by Molls Segall, October 4, 2025
*
Near Race Rocks. -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, October 4, 2025
*
Sat, Oct 4 - Puget Sound (CRC-19820 Malachite)
18:41 - Went under, almost at southeast tip of Vashon.
18:37 - Still slowly eastbound.
1831 - Between the ferry terminal and house with blue roof. Eastbound. -Stacy Gordon
*
17:57 - Time of video, still hanging out in the ferry lane area on Vashon side, viewing from Dune Peninsula [video in FB comments]. -Haley Noel
*
18:16 - Now westbound.
18:10 - Slowly eastbound or milling in Vashon ferry lane. -Amy Carey, Sound Action
*
18:14 - Vashon ferry terminal.
18:11 - Saw something just now from Dune Peninsula crossing in front of ferry. -Sylvia Annette Hernandez
*
17:53 - Milling between southwest Vashon & Quartermaster.
17:40 - Westbound southeast tip of Vashon. -Jason Cook
*
17:39 - He definitely must be milling around, big tail splash after a big spray! He was flipped again.
17:35 - Flipped again. He's now now heading back towards the ferry lane closer to the Vashon side.
17:29 - Approx. 6 minutes ago [~17:23] pass through the ferry lane just after the ferry passed. But he was traveling towards the port. Looks like he did a deep dive. -Da Is
*
17:08 - Fluked halfway between ferry terminal and southwest end of Vashon heading west. -Robyn Riley
*
17:05 - Viewing from Dune headed west, saw the fluke and looked like he dove. -Jeremy Sipantzi
*
17:03 - Back westbound approaching the ferry terminal. -Robyn Riley
*
16:48 - We just watched him head steadily east off the south tip of Vashon. -Lisa Betz Art
*
16:37 - Eastbound approaching the ferry dock.
16:29 - Fluked in front of Vashon toward the west end. Seems eastbound at the moment.
16:17 - Viewing from Dune just fluked southwest corner of Vashon. -Robyn Riley
*
15:57 - Malachite doing multiple tail slaps, viewing from Owens Beach; he’s near southwest end of Vashon Island. -Cherie StOurs
*
15:53 - Malachite is surface active. Tail lobs & tail slapping southwest corner of Vashon. -Jason Cook
*
15:56 - Just did a bunch of tale slapping! He’s now a bit further east of the research boats.
15:20 - 15:40 - Saw him at a distance from Sunrise Beach Park. Only visible through binoculars. He’s staying in the area and with the research boat. -Flo Hardy
*
15:09 - Still logging and milling in the general area of Sunrise. Research boat is near him. -Robyn Riley
*
13:25 - He is logging near Sunrise Beach. -Paul Davis
*
12:50 - San Juan Clipper is leaving a well-rested, formerly logging Malachite now starting to move northeast towards southwest Vashon Island! -Alli Montgomery
*
12:41 - Visible from the old Gig Harbor ferry landing. South end of Colvos, near San Juan Clipper boat. -April Koller
*
12:12 - Malachite just seems to be chilling at the south end of Colvos like usual. San Juan Clipper is nearby. -Ethan Allen
*
10:47 - Sighting in Colvos Pass heading southbound off Point Richmond right now. -Michael Rich
*
10:43 - Just got a community message of humpback near Paradise Cove, whale watching boat with it -Amy Carey, Sound Action
October 3
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Fri, Oct 3 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (HW-MN0524500, BCX1876 Zillion, BCX2080 Marvel, BCY1033 Merlin, BCY1029 Hemlock, MERS-BCCuk2024#1, CRC-20227, BCX2488 Rumble) - BCX2080 Marvel - HW-MN0524500
13:16 - 14:33 - We went just east of Race Rocks and saw HW-MN0524500 lunge feeding with a friend. We saw BCX1876 Zillion in passing, then we saw BCY1033 Merlin with BCY1029 Hemlock. Just south of Race Rocks we saw MERS-BCCuk2024#1, CRC-20227 lunge feeding (one surprisingly close), and BCX2488 Rumble. -photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, PSE, October 3, 2025
*
Fri, Oct 3 - Haro Strait
17:19 - Slow and leisurely pass by False Bay and Eagle Point, on the Eagle Cove/South Beach side of things now -Neill Barham [WSSJI]
*
14:50 - Humpback Whale traveling south in Haro Strait, already passed County Park, slowly heading toward Lime Kiln. -Isabelle Martin [WSSJI]
*
Fri, Oct 3 - Admiralty Inlet (CRC-18655) - CRC-18655
16:05 - 16:15 - Closer to home we stopped on the south side of Whidbey where there was a lot of harbor porpoise activity and we found BCX2064. -photo & ID by Kyla Bivens, PSE, October 3, 2025
*
12:04 - Single humpback logging on the east side of the northbound traffic lanes outside of Mutiny Bay. Pretty close to the north side of Double Bluff. I didn’t stay to watch it but it’s there. -Kyla Bivens, PSE
*
Fri, Oct 3 - Puget Sound (CRC-19820 Malachite)
18:35 - Humpback nearish (east side) to the Tahlequah ferry terminal. -Ryan Merrifield
*
17:58 - Malachite northbound north of the green belt north of Sunrise Beach.
17:33 - He’s been milling near the orange channel marker on the Gig side across from southwest tip of Vashon. -Jason Cook
*
16:55 - Southwest corner of Vashon.
16:40 - Just fluked in Dalco mid channel well west of the ferry lanes. -Ryan Dicks
*
15:55 - Still in the same area but hard to see from Dune Peninsula. -Rosanna Hogarty
*
15:04 - Malachite peacefully hanging out southwest of Vashon. No real direction. -Heather Leigh
*
14:11 - Malachite just fluked here [approx. 47.328323, -122.545296] as seen from the MV Chetzemoka -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
12:34 - SJC is leaving Malachite the humpback currently trending west right off the southwest shoreline of Vashon! -Alli Montgomery
*
11:59 - Malachite getting some good breaches at Owen Beach. Not sure which direction he is heading. -photo by Keith Danziger, October 3, 2025
*
11:35 - Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 11:44 to report: [CHETZEMOKA] Captain reports one Humpback breaching, one mile north of Gig Harbor, heading NB.
October 2
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Thu, Oct 2 - Ladysmith Harbor, BC (T36/T36Bs)
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Michael Hanson
Date of Sighting: October 02, 2025
Time: 3:30 PM
Species seen: 3 ORCAS one very small. See photos e-mailed today.
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: 48 5800N 123 47 00W (Ladysmith Harbor)
Direction of travel : East
Behaviors observed: Feeding. There was one very small orca.
If orcas, any males?: No
Any unusual markings?: One large Orca had a small notch in dorsal fin.
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I observed from my deck on the water front of Ladysmith Harbor. The orcas were about 500 meters away and the photos were taken with a hand held camera and telephoto lens. There were many people observing and photographing from the beach.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org - T36 Flapjack - T36B Tattertip -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network -photos by Michael Hanson, October 2, 2025
*
Thu, Oct 2 - Gulf Islands, BC (T60s minus T60D & T60E) - T60F Tigris - T60 Panthera & T60C Yelnats -IDs by Yifan Ling & Rachel Haight, Orca Network
11:30 - A small group of 3-5 transients passed through Plumper Sound. The pictures were taken from Pender Island. Link to more photos. -photos by Robert Stuart, October 2, 2025
*
Thu, Oct 2 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T46B1s & T46C2; T49C nearby but separate) - T49C Neilson - T46B1 Tread, T46B1D, T46B1A Tsakani - Found all whales between Port Angeles and Victoria BC! T49C, T46B1s. Link to more photos. -photos & IDs by Janine Harles, October 2, 2025
*
T46B1C Tide - T46C2 Sam
13:15 - 14:08 - We were on Border Bank in the Strait of Juan de Fuca where we were in view and watching T49C Janet (who caught a seal) then BCY1029 Hemlock playing with kelp and pec slapping then back to T49C Janet.
14:12 - 14:34 - Then just north of where T49C Janet was, the T46B1s with T46C2 were found and they were on a hunt (Janet never joined up with them, he continued west while they went south). -photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, PSE, October 2, 2025
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Thu, Oct 2 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (BCY1029 Hemlock) - Between Port Angeles and Victoria BC! MMY0080 Hemlock. Link to more photos. -photos by Janine Harles, October 2, 2025
*
BCY1029 Hemlock
13:15 - 14:08 - We were on Border Bank in the Strait of Juan de Fuca where we were in view and watching T49C Janet (who caught a seal) then BCY1029 Hemlock playing with kelp and pec slapping then back to T49C Janet. -photos by Kyla Bivens, PSE, October 2, 2025
*
Thu, Oct 2 - Puget Sound (CRC-19820 Malachite)
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Lex Barnard
Date of Sighting: October 02, 2025
Time: 6:57 PM
Species seen: humpback whale malachite
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: 47.32273° N, 122.50697° W
Direction of travel : E and W towards Browns Point from Dalco Pass
Behaviors observed: milling and possibly hunting
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
18:43 - Moving northeast [approx. 47.323729, -122.460223 (2 mi NNE of Brown’s Point Lighthouse)]. -Paul Davis
*
18:32 - Last seen approximately here [approx. 47. 330509, -122.536923]. -Ryan Merrifield
*
17:40 - Logging north of Sunrise Beach. -Jason Cook
*
16:55 - Malachite swimming slow to west, just west of south Vashon ferry line which just veered around it. Off Owens/Dune. -Cindy Swenson
*
16:55 - Just fluked in front of ferry, it stopped to watch. -Ryan Dicks
*
16:48 - Stuart Lochner, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: Ferry Chetzemoka updated and confirms seeing whale breaching.
*
16:20 - Malachite just fluked west of the ferry lane. Dark side of the fluke was facing towards Dune Peninsula. Midchannel. -David Bennett
*
16:05 - Malachite was logging at the spot on the map [approx. 47.325883, -122.481439 (1 mi. E of Tahlequah ferry dock)]. -Jason Cook
*
UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALES -
Thu, Oct 2 - Semiahmoo Bay
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Jana Turner
Date of Sighting: October 02, 2025
Time: 11:33 AM
Species seen: Fin Whale [there have been reports of a “mystery whale” in that area for a few days, it could very well be the fin whale, but
without photo ID confirmation, leaving possibility of other species - RH].
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: 49.01844° N, 122.79642° W (Boundary Bay)
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: Spout, traveling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?:
October 1
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Wed, Oct 1 - Puget Sound (CRC-19820 Malachite)
18:40 - Just east of ferry lane south end of Vashon closer to Vashon side milling. -Ed Rickert
*
18:36 - Stuart Lochner, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: Chetzemoka notified and confirms sighting [of humpback in Dalco Passage]
*
18:33 - Off Dune Peninsula with tail splash heading toward Point Defiance - watching from Point Ruston -Da Is
*
18:32 - One breach, a couple flukes. He’s closer to the island now but still traveling in the same direction.
18:07 - Staying at the Silver Cloud in Ruston. We see a humpback mid channel. Headed toward Point Defiance. -Lynsie Jones
*
14:24 - Humpback seen just south of Point Defiance in the Narrows. -photo by Jack Sasser, October 1, 2025