A pod(s) of orcas were seen from the shore near mountain point.  When the pod(s) was first observed they were in the center of the channel between Ketchikan and Annette Island.  Tail slapping, spy hopping, and at least one breach was observed.  The pod(s) then moved further south, and were last seen near the shores of Bold Island.  

The B7s have been identified.  It is believed that there was another pod with them.  I estimate that the orcas were at least one mile away from me, therefore, it may be difficult to determine the identity of the pod(s) and individual whales.  However, it is believed that the I16s (part of the I15s) were with the B7s.

Many thanks to Northern Resident Orca Population for identifying these whales for me.  ​    

A lone male orca was observed in Nichols Passage.  He was swimming north, and appeared to enter the east channel of the Tongass Narrows.  He was difficult to track, as he would swim long distances before resurfacing.  I was never able to get a photograph of his saddle patch.  Therefore, a positive identification could not be made.  However, there is a possibility that this could be T103.  T103 is a transient orca who frequently travels alone.  

 Many thanks to Northern Resident Orca Population for attempting to identify this whale for me.     

A pod of orcas were observed in Nichols Passage.  They were travelling north and were split apart from each other.  Once they neared the east and west channels of the Tongass Narrows, they circled back and swam south toward mountain point.  At that point, they had regrouped and were swimming close together.  

The pod was easily identified as the B7s (resident orcas).  The two brothers, B10 (Slingsby) and B13 (Yuculta), have very unique dorsal fins.

Many thanks to Northern Resident Orca Population for identifying individual whales for me.  

Several hours later, a humpback was seen near Totem Bight State Park.  No pics.   

A lone humpback was observed near the south tip of Pennock Island.  It slowly moved close to the shores of Ketchikan and swam south to mountain point.  We lost sight of it near Cutter Rock.  

Two humpbacks were observed from the beach at Settlers Cove.  The whales appeared to be swimming toward Clover Passage.  

A pod of orcas were seen near mountain point.  The pod was first observed as they were leaving the east channel of the Tongass Narrows.  The pod was swimming south toward mountain point.  They were moving very quickly.  We lost sight of them near mountain point.  

This pod has been identified as the T46Bs; a mom and her four offspring.  They are transient (mammal eaters) orcas.  Thanks to Northern Resident Orca Population for identifying these whales for me.  ​    

One humpback was seen near Clover Passage in the Clarence Strait.  No pics.    

Observed one humpback near the mouth of Annette Bay from Rotary Beach.  It was swimming south toward mountain point.  I saw it surface once and then it disappeared.  No pics.  

Observed a pod of orcas from our deck.  The whales were swimming north in Nicholas Passage.  They appeared to enter the east channel of the Tongass Narrows.  The whales were quite far out in Nicholas Passage when I spotted them.  I estimate they were at least one mile away from me.  I was able to get photos, but they are a bit blurry due to distance.  

Despite the distance, the pod of resident orcas have been identified as the B7s.  Two males, who happen to be brothers, have very distinct dorsal fins and are identifiable from afar.  Thanks to Northern Resident Orca Population for identifying these whales for me.  

A pod of orcas were seen in Blank Inlet from Blank Island.  The pod was at least a half mile away, and we were unable to move closer to them on shore due to the high tide.  The sighting was very brief as the wind began to increase forcing us to get back into our boat and head back to Ketchikan.  The pod appeared to be spread apart, and it looked as though they were swimming in a single file line.  We did get to see one of the whales breach.

​We are unable to identify these whales.