Recent Whale Sightings
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
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15:24 - 4 orcas west of Polnell Point. One male. -Terra Parham
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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
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14:17 - Just west of a white water tower near Crescent Bay heading west. -Joy Powers
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13:58 - Heading north into Crescent Harbor. Jack and Tempest mid. Loon and Wright on Whidbey side. -Sarah Geist
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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
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13:17 - Orcas northbound straight out from Camano Island Yacht club. From my perspective, Camano side of mid. -Linda Aitkins
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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
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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
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HUMPBACK WHALES -
Thu, Oct 16 - Dalco Passage
17:56 - Now west of ferry westbound. -Cindy Swenson
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17:49 - Riders coming off the ferry just saw him pointed back towards Tacoma. -T.L. Stokes
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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14:32 - Heading towards Gig Harbor.
14:15 - Tail spotted on the southwest corner of Vashon. -Caroline Dowler
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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
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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
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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
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Wed, Oct 15 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T49A2 & T65A5) - Likely T65A5 and T49A2 - we were with them earlier. -Cindi Crowder Rausch [WSSJI]
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15:25 - There are at least 2 orcas off Cattle Point. -Laurie Lundquist Winter [WSSJI]
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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
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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
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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
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16:57 - Near the last house southwest Vashon westbound. -Jason Cook
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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
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16:22 - Northbound just north of Sunrise. -Jason Cook
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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
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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
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13:10 - It [humpback] just breached in Colvos Passage near Sunrise Beach. -Jenni Garcia
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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
October 14
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
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
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Tue, Oct 14 - Haro Strait
16:56 - About 4 orcas northbound from County Park just now. -Dave Thaler [WSSJI]
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16:20 - Four to five orca at Lime Kiln. -Mike Smith [WSSJI]
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HUMPBACK WHALES -
Tue, Oct 14 - Dalco Passage (CRC-19820 Malachite)
18:14 - [CRC-19820] Just east of Vashon ferry dock. -Ryan Dicks
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17:55 - Back closer to the tip of Point Defiance, potentially heading northeast. -Audrey Holloway
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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
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17:18 - Trending towards the ferry now. -Jeffrey Simmons
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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
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17:04 - Just seen from ferry mid channel in front of Owen. -Andrea Reinicke
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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
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16:34 - Nice fluke south of the southwest tip of Vashon. -Jason Cook
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16:10 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: CHETZEMOKA has been notified and confirms visual on the whale.
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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14:30 - Our friends are approaching East Point. They are continuing northbound mid channel. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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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
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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
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13:07 - Making the turn up Saratoga. Whidbey side of mid. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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13:00 - PSE is with them at Camano Head they are heading towards Port Susan. -Lori Christopher
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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
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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
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HUMPBACK WHALES -
Mon, Oct 13 - Dalco Passage (CRC-19820 Malachite)
17:24 - Fluke southwest of ferry terminal, off tip of Vashon. -Sandy Karwhite
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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
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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
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16:56 - Just east of the Tahlequah terminal. Hats off to ferry crew for turning on a dime & giving M safe passage. -Jason Cook
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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
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16:35 - Just east of single house on south end of Vashon. Fluked facing southeast [approx. 47.329653, -122.513717]. -Jason Cook
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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
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15:57 - Seems to have gone back west towards ferry lane.
15:51 - East of ferry lane. -Steve Czerniak
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15:41 - He just surfaced just west of the Vashon ferry dockyard. -Dallas Braham
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15:09 - Fluke! Just east of ferry terminal Vashon side. Yay! -Jennifer Claire Egenolf
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15:01 - Mid-channel in ferry lane area, southeast of yellow buoy. -Sandy Karwhite
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14:54 - Heading east before ferry terminal Vashon side viewing from Dunes Peninsula. -Cherie StOurs
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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
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14:10 - Near the southwest of Vashon by the single house. No direction, viewing from tip of Dunes Peninsula. -Cherie StOurs
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13:53 - Loitering just west of the ferry lane halfway between Vashon and Point Defiance. -Holly Harrison
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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
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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
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10:44 - Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: CHETZEMOKA just reported a sighting.
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10:38 - Spotted in Dalco Pass between the ferry docks slowly heading west. -Holly Harrison
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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15:35 - Viewing from between Dalco and Gig Harbor viewing points in Point Defiance. -Ryan Campbell
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15:18 - He is south of Colvos headed south. -Paul Davis
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15:14 - He just passed the last house headed toward the southwest tip of Vashon. -Robyn Riley
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15:03 - West of the ferry Vashon side of Dalco viewing from Owen. -Hannah Marie Munro
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14:40 - Looking towards Point Defiance from Vashon. -Barely Awake
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14:24 - We see him headed east near Vashon ferry dock. -Paul Davis
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14:10 - Fluked of southwest tip of Vashon heading east. -Kirsten Vacura
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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
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14:17 - He is directly out in front of Owen’s Beach by the cement.
13:24 - Owens Beach. -Lisa Dawn
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12:39 - SJC is leaving Malachite the humpback currently zigzagging right in front of Owen Beach! -Alli Montgomery
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12:09 - Moving slightly southeast toward Owen. -Charlene Engelland
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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
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12:04 - Mid Dalco southbound toward Owen, west of ferry lanes. Just south of whale watching vessel. -Charlene Engelland
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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
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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
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Sat, Oct 11 - Haro Strait (T65A5)
10:25 - Reported off Snug Harbor. -Cindy Hansen, Orca Network [WSSJI]
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09:45 - Just now - from the campground by Lime Kiln one orca moving north pretty fast. -Gergana Mouteva [WSSJI]
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UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES -
Sat, Oct 11 - Washington Coast - In the Columbia River, just outside of Chinook, WA today. Link to FB reel. -Tina Jordan
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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
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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
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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
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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
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14:00 - 14:30 - Four snaps, way across bay, of fin then tails from Dune. -photos by Mike Savoia, October 11, 2025
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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
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13:25 - Viewing from pedestrian overpass behind Dune Peninsula, no direction. Location of surfacing whale in photo [approx. 47.317112, -122.493814]. -Ed Rickert
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13:35 - Just flipped. Now moving west again!
13:23 - Seen here, moving east [approx. 47.329536, -122.479833]. -Bethany Unger Scoggins
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13:15 - I saw him! Yay thanks to everyone for helping! From Dune Peninsula. -photo by Achel Fros, October 11, 2025
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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
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13:09 - Dune Peninsula [video in FB comments]. -Marco Zeno
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13:01 - it appeared to me as well. He's heading back towards the ferry again. -Jeffrey Simmons
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12:57 - Just northwest of Owen Beach. Viewing on board the ferry Chetzemoka. Fluked facing north east. -Jason Cook
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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
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12:31 - From Anthony's. Several spouts and a fluke mid ferry channel trending southwest. He has changed directions. -Jeffrey Simmons
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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
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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
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12:09 - And a beautiful tail!
12:07 - Almost to the ferry lanes. Mid-channel. -Da Is
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11:52 - Just west of the ferry lane mid channel. -Jason Cook
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11:52 - Right in the ferry lane north of Owen Beach moving slowly west mid channel. -CJ Mcanulty
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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18:15 - Humpback breaching and splashing visible form Point Ruston. -Jennifer Richards
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18:15 - He was waving in the ferry lane!! Towards Colvos. -Da Is
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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
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17:28 - North of Sunrise northbound along the green belt. -Jason Cook
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16:54 - Approaching southeast tip of Vashon eastbound. -Robyn Riley
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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/
*
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
*
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
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17:08 - Fluked halfway between ferry terminal and southwest end of Vashon heading west. -Robyn Riley
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17:05 - Viewing from Dune headed west, saw the fluke and looked like he dove. -Jeremy Sipantzi
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17:03 - Back westbound approaching the ferry terminal. -Robyn Riley
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16:48 - We just watched him head steadily east off the south tip of Vashon. -Lisa Betz Art
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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
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15:57 - Malachite doing multiple tail slaps, viewing from Owens Beach; he’s near southwest end of Vashon Island. -Cherie StOurs
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15:53 - Malachite is surface active. Tail lobs & tail slapping southwest corner of Vashon. -Jason Cook
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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
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15:09 - Still logging and milling in the general area of Sunrise. Research boat is near him. -Robyn Riley
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13:25 - He is logging near Sunrise Beach. -Paul Davis
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12:50 - San Juan Clipper is leaving a well-rested, formerly logging Malachite now starting to move northeast towards southwest Vashon Island! -Alli Montgomery
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12:41 - Visible from the old Gig Harbor ferry landing. South end of Colvos, near San Juan Clipper boat. -April Koller
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12:12 - Malachite just seems to be chilling at the south end of Colvos like usual. San Juan Clipper is nearby. -Ethan Allen
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10:47 - Sighting in Colvos Pass heading southbound off Point Richmond right now. -Michael Rich
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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
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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]
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14:50 - Humpback Whale traveling south in Haro Strait, already passed County Park, slowly heading toward Lime Kiln. -Isabelle Martin [WSSJI]
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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
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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
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Fri, Oct 3 - Puget Sound (CRC-19820 Malachite)
18:35 - Humpback nearish (east side) to the Tahlequah ferry terminal. -Ryan Merrifield
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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
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16:55 - Southwest corner of Vashon.
16:40 - Just fluked in Dalco mid channel well west of the ferry lanes. -Ryan Dicks
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15:55 - Still in the same area but hard to see from Dune Peninsula. -Rosanna Hogarty
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15:04 - Malachite peacefully hanging out southwest of Vashon. No real direction. -Heather Leigh
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14:11 - Malachite just fluked here [approx. 47.328323, -122.545296] as seen from the MV Chetzemoka -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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12:34 - SJC is leaving Malachite the humpback currently trending west right off the southwest shoreline of Vashon! -Alli Montgomery
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11:59 - Malachite getting some good breaches at Owen Beach. Not sure which direction he is heading. -photo by Keith Danziger, October 3, 2025
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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18:43 - Moving northeast [approx. 47.323729, -122.460223 (2 mi NNE of Brown’s Point Lighthouse)]. -Paul Davis
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18:32 - Last seen approximately here [approx. 47. 330509, -122.536923]. -Ryan Merrifield
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17:40 - Logging north of Sunrise Beach. -Jason Cook
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16:55 - Malachite swimming slow to west, just west of south Vashon ferry line which just veered around it. Off Owens/Dune. -Cindy Swenson
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16:55 - Just fluked in front of ferry, it stopped to watch. -Ryan Dicks
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16:48 - Stuart Lochner, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: Ferry Chetzemoka updated and confirms seeing whale breaching.
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16:20 - Malachite just fluked west of the ferry lane. Dark side of the fluke was facing towards Dune Peninsula. Midchannel. -David Bennett
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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
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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
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18:36 - Stuart Lochner, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: Chetzemoka notified and confirms sighting [of humpback in Dalco Passage]
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18:33 - Off Dune Peninsula with tail splash heading toward Point Defiance - watching from Point Ruston -Da Is
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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
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14:24 - Humpback seen just south of Point Defiance in the Narrows. -photo by Jack Sasser, October 1, 2025