West Seattle sighting at sea, with a question

May 17, 2009 at 9:32 am | In Seen at sea, Wildlife | 2 Comments

From Anne and Doug:

We’re noticing a group or pod of whales or dolphins swimming south in the sound. Very white on the sides of one. We are south of Brace Point, it’s 8:15 Sunday 5/17. Anyone else know what they are?

2 Comments

  1. Are they large? Small?
    Swimming fast? Slow?
    If small and very active (surfacing frequently) they might be Dall’s porpoises. Description:”Dall’s porpoise is black with white markings. Though the color pattern varies with individual animals, most are basically black on the upper portions of the body, with large, oval-shaped white sides and white bellies. A band of white borders the flukes and the dorsal fin is usually patterned in white in varying shapes–but it may also be all black or all white.”
    On Mother’s Day my kids and I were on the Argosy going over to Kiana Lodge, and a group of Dall’s followed us for quite some time, playing in our wake. You frequently see them in the sound and they’re fun to watch. Very playful.

    Comment by Jo — May 17, 09 10:29 am #

  2. I think Dall’s Porpoises tend to occur in larger groups than our other native porpoise – the Harbor Porpoise. That supports the idea that these may have been Dall’s Porpoises. I’ve seen both species in the Seattle area.

    Comment by JumboJim — May 18, 09 9:37 pm #

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