Spouts Seen in the Distance from Town

We got a call a little while ago that spouts were seen in the distance from the Cliffside/Abercrombie area. Walkers along Miller Point, Piedmont Point or Spruce Cape have an opportunity to see the whale spouts in the distance.

Aerial View of Grays Migrating Past Ugak Bay

photo by Kate Wynne

Kate Wynne flew an aerial survey on Friday, April 15th and saw several grays around the mouth of Ugak Bay. She says some were migrating and others were feeding. The group pictured above were cruising southbound in Marmot Bay outside of Ugak.

Grays at Narrow Cape

Saturday's Whale Walk produced great results according to a couple of the folks who went on the walk. There were numbers of gray whales moving between the Fossil Beach cliffs and Ugak Island. One viewer reported being able to see many spouts as well as the backs of the whales as they rose to the surface.

UPDATE: The group leader reports that there were about 30 gray whales at Narrow Cape for Saturday's Whale Walk. They were in groups of two to three for the most part...there were a couple with four in the group. She reports there might have been one calf, but they weren't certain. Viewing at Narrow Cape should be very good for the next week or more. Get out there!

Grays Sighted Today!

Four gray whales were sighted on the outside of Long Island today. 

Keep those reports coming in!

Whales off Cape Chiniak on April 3rd

On Sunday, April 3rd about a half dozen whales were sighted off Cape Chiniak. The viewer thought they could be fin whales but wasn't certain.

To help in your identification of whales, remember that fin whales have a dorsal fin. Although it is not as prominent as an orca's dorsal, the sight of that fin can really help you distinguish between the back of a gray whale and a fin whale. When in doubt, take a photo - even a photo at a distance can help marine mammal experts identify the whale type.

Call 486-3181 or email pam (at) kmxt.org with your whale sightings!

Orcas Visit Again

Five or six orcas were in the channel this evening for awhile before they headed out toward Spruce Cape. There was at least one youngster with the group, making quick shallow dives.

Orcas in the Channel Again

The orcas are in the harbor area again this morning! There have been multiple reports of the orcas moving in the channel and near the green buoy at the entrance to the harbor. Good viewing points in the past have been the harbor spit or from the boat trailer parking lot on Near Island. City Dock/Fisherman's Terminal (Pier 2) has also been a good view point as they move back out to sea.

A Busy Morning in the Kodiak Harbor Area

Three of the "Kodiak Killers" were in the channel and harbor area for several hours Sunday morning apparently hunting and feeding. They put on a great show, spy-hopping and tail-slapping a few times.

In other news, several spouts were seen off of Narrow Cape from the cliffs above Fossil Beach on March 22nd. Happy whale-watching!

Orcas reported in the channel March 27th

Grab your cup of coffee and head downtown. Three to four orcas, including the big male with the bent dorsal fin have been sighted in the channel. More from the waterfront a little later.

Gray Whales off of Long Island

Saturday afternoon three gray whales were seen off the north end of Long Island. Migration season is upon us!

St. Paddy's Day Parade of Orcas

Three of the transient orcas known as the "Kodiak Killers" made a St. Paddy's day appearance along Kodiak's waterfront this evening. They spent some time traveling through the channel to Pier 2, then turned around and headed back to the front of cannery row. Among the three was the big male known locally as Bentley. His dorsal fin has toppled over and drags alongside him in the water.

Don't forget to call KMXT with your sightings at 486-3181. Ask for Pam.

Orcas Sighted in the Kodiak channel on Tuesday, March 8th

It's official - the 2011 whale sighting season has begun!  Several orcas spent time in the Kodiak channel and harbor area on Tuesday - entertaining residents and making sea lions nervous.  Keep your eyes open - these guys often hang around the area for a few days, periodically cruising the channel.

KMXT is the official whale alert number this year, so give us a call at 486-3181 and ask for Pam.  If I'm not around, leave a message.

Photo by Dake Schmidt