West Seattle whales: Orcas return to local waters

| Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

(Added 10:17 pm, KING 5 aerial of the orcas between Fauntleroy and Vashon today)
ORIGINAL 10:35 REPORT: We’ve received a couple reports of orcas in the West Seattle/Vashon vicinity, including the Orca Network‘s e-mail report that a Washington State Ferries vessel spotted some around 9 am between Bainbridge Island and Alki Point, headed south. We just checked from Lowman Beach and didn’t see any signs, but wanted to share the word to be on the lookout today. 10:53 AM UPDATE: Adding the first of several photos shared by Gary Jones, who caught the images off Alki Point.

Lucky chick November 16, 2010 (10:39 am)

A colleague of mine saw them from Discovery Park this morning! He said about 20 of them!

bwilson November 16, 2010 (10:46 am)

I see them right now crossing the Vashon ferry path. Watch where the helicopters are. There are a lot!

Carin November 16, 2010 (10:50 am)

Saw them from my back porch from Thistle/40th (with the help of binoculars) near the Vashon ferry dock. Amazing! They are headed south – a boat and helicopter were following when I spotted them.

Jen November 16, 2010 (3:03 pm)

A large group of whales are still between West Seattle and Vashon Is. They are much further south than the Vashon ferry lane but I can see them (with binoculars!) from the arroyo area. There is a NOAA boat with them so spot the boat and you’ll spot the whales.

Jen November 16, 2010 (3:40 pm)

The whales and research boats are headed north, fast. The first group is still south of, but nearing, the vashon side of the ferry lane. With binoculars you might be able to see them from the point at Lincoln Park.