ORCAS: In view from West Seattle

Kersti Muul of Salish Wildlife Watch reports orcas are visible West Seattle again – northbound, visible from Constellation Park south of Alki Point, right now. This time, transient killer whales, coming out of Rich Passage off south Bainbridge Island.

6 Replies to "ORCAS: In view from West Seattle"

  • Annie November 15, 2020 (9:41 pm)

    I’m sure this has been covered, but are the orcas around more this year bc there are less people out on the water? 

    • For orca mammas November 16, 2020 (5:07 am)

      Sadly may be related to the lack of salmon, and they are having to cover more miles to seek food. I have heard salmon spawning counts are even lower, so far this year.

      • Belvidear November 16, 2020 (8:09 am)

        Transients do not eat salmon. 

        • For orca mammas November 16, 2020 (8:35 pm)

          Yes but our resident orcas have been around quite a bit, I was thinking of them.

          I could be wrong about the food searching theory but concerned for this.

          • Kersti Muul November 19, 2020 (11:08 am)

            There are actually more boats out in the water these days there’s a 40% increase in boat sales due to covid and it being a safe way to recreate. I have turned in several boater violations to enforcement, especially and specifically on the transients who voters and will watch boats think it’s okay to chase because they’re not endangered .The resident orcas are here every year around this time chasing chum salmon runs especially from the Kitsap Creeks.

          • For orca mammas November 20, 2020 (7:04 am)

            Thanks Kersti, for all your orca work and sharing.

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