West Seattle whale-watching: Resident orcas visit on eve of ‘Welcome’ celebration

| Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

(Photo by Kersti Muul: Mark and Maya Sears in boat, permit number 16163-01)

12:43 PM: Thanks to Kersti Muul for the tip: Resident orcas are back in the area (just in time for tomorrow’s Welcome the Orcas event!) and headed this way. K Pod members were seen northbound off Normandy Park and are currently resting off Burien’s Three Tree Point, Kersti says. Let us know if you see them!

12:50 PM: Now an update from Jeff Hogan of Killer Whale Tales: They’re back on the move, off The Arroyos, and closer to this side of the Sound, so a good viewing opportunity if you can get to the shore!

1:25 PM: Update from Jeff – they’re now off Lincoln Park, still northbound.

2:05 PM: Visible from Constellation Park, according to updates from Jeff and from Donna Sandstrom of The Whale Trail (which is co-presenting tomorrow’s event).

(Photo by Trileigh Tucker)

4 PM: No further reports, and no remaining pods of whale-watchers in view. Photos added!

Shannon November 30, 2018 (1:12 pm)

They’ve just come into sight from the south end of Lincoln Park. Bring binoculars since they’re hard to see with the chop from the waves.

BH November 30, 2018 (1:24 pm)

Been watching them in front of Lincoln Park from our home up on 42nd Ave. SW just south of Thistle. AMAZING sight !!!

Trileigh November 30, 2018 (4:30 pm)

What a fantastic visit from our dear residents! Just about as lovely as the whales were the awed looks on West Seattleites’ and visitors’ faces as they watched the dramatic breaching and gorgeous dorsals. And everyone was being so thoughtful about sharing information and watching that they didn’t block others’ views. I <3 West Seattle!