West Seattle Whale Watch: Orcas reported heading this way

Second day in a row for orca sightings in this part of the Sound – they were seen off Maury Island earlier, headed south, but now we got a text from our whale-expert tipsters saying they’re headed back this way, just sighted off Point Robinson.

1:51 PM UPDATE: As Donna Sandstrom from The Whale Trail notes in comments, her fellow West Seattle-based whale expert Jeff Hogan from Killer Whale Tales reports that the whales split into two groups, one headed north, one headed south. (Thanks also to Orca Network for its alerts via various channels.)

THURSDAY NIGHT P.S.: Right before dusk, the whales were seen in the Fauntleroy area, putting on quite a show. They had passed Maury/Vashon again on the way back north, and one viewer posted this incredible photo on Facebook.

10 Replies to "West Seattle Whale Watch: Orcas reported heading this way"

  • JoB February 3, 2011 (12:13 pm)

    i love it when they visit

  • Donna, The Whale Trail February 3, 2011 (12:50 pm)

    If it’s the same groups as yesterday, it’s two pods of orcas – K pod and part of J – 40 whales total! We’ll be watching for them from Lincoln Park, Me-Kwa-Mooks, and Alki. See you along The Whale Trail!

  • Donna, The Whale Trail February 3, 2011 (1:45 pm)

    Apparently the groups split up, some headed south but a small group headed north. It may be hard to see them among the whitecaps…if you gp, dress warmly and bring your binoculars! (Thanks to Jeff Hogan for the update…)

    • WSB February 3, 2011 (1:48 pm)

      Thanks, Donna, we just saw that from Orca Network e-mail and somebody (Jeff?) texted … I’m heading down for a break just to look for a few minutes … appreciate the updates! – TR

  • kate February 3, 2011 (3:01 pm)

    I was out for the last two hours near Constellation Park, Cormorant Cove, and Me Kwa Mooks but I didn’t see any whales. However, LOTS of Bald Eagle activity. The juvenile is currently perched on my neighbors chimney near SW Jacobsen.

  • J February 3, 2011 (3:09 pm)

    I’m seeing at least 2 orcas off of the Arroyos/Arbor Heights area. They are coming straight towards us from the SW so they are very hard to see in the whitecaps. Currently they are moving out our the SW to the N-NE towards Brace Point area.

  • Greg February 3, 2011 (3:13 pm)

    Just noticed two large sea lions fishing just off Canada drive. Gorgeous!

  • David February 3, 2011 (9:19 pm)

    A pod of orcas gave us quite a show today for us travelers on the Fauntleroy ferry heading out at 1700. It looked to be maybe 8 whales with a couple of them looking like calves. The stopped for a few minutes just south of Lincoln Park and appeared to be eating something possibly as they were all circling and in a group. The buzz on the ferry was awesome. WSF staff and passengers were all oogling at the pod while we waited for them to get out of the way. I just moved to Seattle and live in West Seattle right by the Fauntleroy ferry. I still can’t believe this is my home!!! I was able to take a picture from the deck of the ferry but not sure how to load it on here.

    • WSB February 3, 2011 (9:43 pm)

      David – if you send it to us at editor@westseattleblog.com we’ll post it … or if you have published it to Facebook, tell us where and maybe we can pull it from there … Tracy (editor, who keeps missing the whales … heard about the 5 pm location and STILL missed them …)

  • Jon February 3, 2011 (9:46 pm)

    David, I agree, living here is something special. I’ve been here for three and a half years and, while I have yet to see the pods come through, am still thrilled every time they visit.

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