ORCAS: Southern Residents in view from West Seattle

(Photo added – orcas & MV Issaquah, by Trileigh Tucker)

9:31 AM: Thanks for the tips! Orcas are in view from Alki as they head this way, southbound. Kersti Muul says there’s at least six. Let us know if you see them!

9:54 AM: Kersti says they’re now south of the Bremerton ferry lanes and appear to be residents.

10:55 AM: Now passing Fauntleroy.

11:37 AM: Kersti says members of all three Southern Resident pods are here – J, K, and L!

16 Replies to "ORCAS: Southern Residents in view from West Seattle"

  • KBrown December 18, 2019 (10:09 am)

    They have passed Alki beach and are headed southbound midchannel. The research boat is with them. They are moving fast!

    • WSB December 18, 2019 (10:30 am)

      Thanks!

  • Kersti Muul December 18, 2019 (10:58 am)

    L122 and Mama L91

    • T December 18, 2019 (7:38 pm)

      Thank you so much for all of these photos!!! I never seem to be around when the Orcas are so this is the next best thing.

  • Kersti Muul December 18, 2019 (11:00 am)

    A surprise pop up at constellation point

  • Kersti muul December 18, 2019 (11:10 am)

    We have members from all three pods here!!!

  • BigJer December 18, 2019 (11:13 am)

    Watching them from my window in family Hills they are just south of the ferry dock!!!!

  • Cindy Craig December 18, 2019 (11:21 am)

    Just saw them passing Fauntleroy, heading south closer to Vashon. Needed binoculars but what a thrill!

  • Kersti Muul December 18, 2019 (4:39 pm)

    • WSB December 18, 2019 (5:37 pm)

      Thank you for posting your photos!

      • Kersti December 18, 2019 (6:56 pm)

        Those are all Ls. They always come close not like the snotty J’s ๐Ÿ˜‚

  • Janelle December 18, 2019 (5:42 pm)

    Hey whale watchers, any advice for people who want to see these Orcas but always seem to miss them? Where are some good viewing points from West Seattle? Are there particular times of the day and locations where itโ€™s more likely to see them? Are binoculars usually needed or can you see them off shore? I would love to see more of these beautiful whales and appreciate any tips!

    • herongrrrl December 18, 2019 (10:58 pm)

      My advice is to just keep trying!  Follow Orca Network on Facebook and check WS Blog, since they usually know when the whales are coming around. In my experience, this time of year the odds are better for seeing the salmon-eating resident whales in the area, and the mammal-eating transients can appear at any time.  If the residents are passing by, it’s not uncommon for them to pass close to Alki Point (although this morning was spectacular, I’ve never seen them quite so close to this side of the water before!), and you might be able to get a good look without binoculars. Generally, though, the binoculars are really helpful, as they stay further to the west of the Sound.If you hear that they are in the area, head down to Alki Point and watch for others standing around with binoculars, People will follow them from Alki to Constellation Park to Mee Kwa Mooks/Emma Schmitz Viewpoint to Lowman Beach (or vice versa, depending on which direction they are heading).  Good luck–seeing them the first time is incredible, and it never, ever gets old when you see them after that!

      • Janelle December 19, 2019 (10:09 am)

        Nice, thanks for the advice and sharing, herongrrrl! Rad name btw :) I hope to see orcas soon, and in the meantime appreciate seeing the updates and pictures here!

    • Kersti Muul December 19, 2019 (4:06 pm)

      They are here pretty predictably, albeit intermittently, usually October thru January, as they chase the Chum (keta) salmon runs. Usually it will be Js, then a mix. Yesterday was a rare and spectacular day with members from all three pods present. They were spread out a lot. With L pod coming the closest. This wasn’t the closest I have seen here, but for west Seattle it was a close pass. If you want a good show, head over to point Robinson on vashon. They go by mere yards from shore all the time. Keep your eyes on the blog for alerts. I try to give as much advance head’s up as possible 

  • Janelle December 20, 2019 (4:01 pm)

    Awesome, thanks Kersti for sharing, and helping to inform us here!

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