West Seattle Whale Watch: Return of the orcas!

| Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

10:46 AM: According to a text tipster and the Orca Network Facebook page, you just might see orcas between Fauntleroy and Vashon right now – heading slowly southbound, according to observers, but at some point they might turn around, so this is your official heads-up that they’re in the area. Please comment if you see them! (And we ALWAYS appreciate texted tips about so many things – 206-293-6302, any time of the day/night.)

12:24 PM: We didn’t have any luck right around 11 from the Brace Point area – but two commenters have been watching more recently – thanks for the updates!

ADDED 7:44 AM: Some video from Wednesday, posted to YouTube and credited to Alisa Lemire Brooks/Orca Network, identifying these orcas as transients, not residents.

Lfauntleroy April 15, 2015 (12:04 pm)

I could see them clearly with a blind eye from my house and upper Fauntlee hills. Spectacular day quite waters.

jen April 15, 2015 (12:08 pm)

If you can spot the NOAA boat you’ll spot the whales. Currently (12:05) they are between south Blake island and the Vashon Is. ferry dock. Looks like there are quite a few whales. With binocs from the Arroyos I can see lots of tail slapping.

WSB April 15, 2015 (12:23 pm)

Thanks, Jen & Lfauntleroy! We went to our semi-super-secret Brace Point lookout and while we saw the trails on the water, didn’t see or hear anything … maybe we’ll try again.

SB April 15, 2015 (1:14 pm)

What color are the NOAA boats? I see 4 small orange boats crossing each out from bench view neighborhood.

Jen April 15, 2015 (1:16 pm)

1:14 can’t see them from the Arroyos any longer, maybe they’ve moved into Colvos Passage?

Frank April 16, 2015 (7:27 am)

Keep the updates coming! I may zip out of work today and take a boat trip from Bainbridge to check things out.

WSB April 16, 2015 (7:41 am)

Only report I’m seeing (via Orca Network) so far is, possibly Everett area. But we’ll be watching closely through the day, and if there’s any word of orcas in the central or South Sound and/or headed this way, we will certainly publish a new update.

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