West Seattle whale watching: Orcas show up here again

| Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Everyone swims at Alki on Saturday at 9:30. Even orcas. @orcanetwork @westseattleblog pic.twitter.com/eK1aERgpF9

— Andrew Malinak (@AndrewSwims) December 27, 2014

(Added: The every-Saturday-morning Alki swim included an orca sighting!)

9:33 AM: When last we heard of whales in the area, it was late Friday, and some were reported to be heading northbound in this direction, off the east side of Vashon. Don’t know if they are the same ones, but we have multiple reports of orcas off the 1500 block of Alki right now, for starters, plus an Orca Network Facebook report of orcas off Alki Point a short time ago, possibly visible off West Seattle. We’re off to look; let us know of any sightings!

10:02 AM: Very choppy water on the west-facing shore; followed up a text about orcas at Emma Schmitz Overlook but no luck.

10:47 AM: Just saw two southbound from Brace Point!

marco December 27, 2014 (9:49 am)

Definitely visible about 30 minutes ago off Alki about half way between Alki and duwamish head. Watched two of them aboit 200 yards offshore for about 15 minutes. Last seen heading south…

WSRedux December 27, 2014 (9:50 am)

9:40 am: 2 Orcas less than 100 feet from shore on the north side of Allki point, just past the the end of the park promenade, headed toward the lighthouse. Very up close & personal.

MarcO December 27, 2014 (9:53 am)

Definitely visible about 30 minutes ago. Watched two of them between Alki and Duwamish head about 200 yards offshore. Last seen heading south…

WSRedux December 27, 2014 (9:58 am)

So close to shore, I wonder if these are transient Orcas? Harbor seals are a major food source for the Transient population.

ThistleLiving December 27, 2014 (11:09 am)

Visible 20 minutes ago from close by Thistle steps.

Sam Day December 27, 2014 (10:28 pm)

The Notorious Alki Swimmers all saw three orcas. Two swimming in tandem, followed by the big male with the tall dorsal. They were cruising west from Elliott Bay toward the lighthouse.