Keep watch for orcas: Sightings today around Vashon

| Environment | Not WS but we're mentioning it anyway | Wildlife

No West Seattle sightings mentioned since the ones a week ago (12/2 photo at left, courtesy Jeff Hogan), but the latest Orca Network e-mail update mentions major sightings today around south Vashon Island — so they may be passing this way again — one morning sighting mentions seeing two sizable groups pass Des Moines this morning, and the captain of the Point Defiance-Tahlequah (south Vashon to northwest Tacoma) ferry “reported 20-30 orcas milling off Pt. Defiance” just after 1:30 pm. (Side note – The same Orca Network update reports a protest at Maury Island early tomorrow morning related to the state’s recent approval of construction of a 300-foot-long pier over an aquatic reserve to facilitate expansion of gravel mining; The Backbone Campaign is gathering a flotilla at Sandy Shores at 7 am.)

Lynn Brevig December 7, 2008 (11:26 pm)

Come on, everyone, let’s be vocal and loudly through letters, through Fltillas, through newspapers or T.V. abouthe opposition to the gravel mineand dock and barge transporting at Maury Island Aquatic Reserve. Let’s do it for the Orcas.
They and the Salmon, etc. need our advocacy and voices NOW. Let’s raise a STINK, not sit back in apathy. Not too late, yet.

Stand Strong with Vashon’s Preserve Our Islands group.

Lynn Brevig

tom | tall clover December 8, 2008 (7:20 pm)

I was on the 1:15 ferry out of Talequah on Sunday, and 10 minutes into our crossing to Tacoma, we spotted the whales. It was an impressive show as they passed in front of the ferry. The crowd was giddy, practically jumping up and down over the rare sight. They are stunning creatures and when we thought the show was over, one of the lead whales breached. What a gift.

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