(Added: Photo by Rick Rasmussen)
8:55 AM: Another chance to see orcas – Kersti Muul of Salish Wildlife Watch says they are southbound off Eagle Harbor!
9:14 AM: Donna Sandstrom of The Whale Trail called to confirm they’re in view, and we’ll repeat her reminder from Wednesday – if you’re going, wear a mask and keep your distance.
9:42 AM: Update from Kersti in comments – off Lincoln Park.
They are mid channel east of the south end of Bainbridge Island.
Large group just passed through the Fauntleroy Ferry Lanes including j-38
Thanks for the notice! I think we were a little behind them when we got down there (should’ve headed further south) but it was a lovely day to try! Kersti, have you ever considered sharing your map location live when sightings occur? Not sure about the best app/options for that but I might also be able to volunteer to build something. Let me know. Cheers!
I do share the updates live on my education and sightings page. Here is a link https://m.facebook.com/Salish-Wildlife-Watch-105572621238948/?tsid=0.9161449779796682&source=resultYou can email me at kersti.e.muul@gmail.com And we can chat about ideas!
Hi K to the F. If Kersti’s not interested, we are. The Whale Trail has been promoting shore-based whale-watching in West Seattle since 2008. Creating a way for everyone to learn when the whales are here is high on our priority list. You can reach me at directly at donna@thewhaletrail.org. The Whale Trail is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Thanks!
Also, I have a service that’s almost up and ready to go, should be rolling out by the end of the week! I manage multiple pages and groups and text threads and it will be great when everything can be funneled into one service… so looking forward to the ease of motion from now on. I get alerted by multiple sources early on in the Whales journey into Central and South Sound and I try to let the blog know with much advance notice as possible. There is a lag sometimes because I know they like to wait until the whales are close to West Seattle, but I feel if people are given more notice they have more time to adjust their schedule to perhaps get out and see them. So my alerts cover from north sound down to Tacoma actually.
I’ve been wondering, when do the whales head back north? It seems like, since I’ve been following (for just 6 weeks) they are generally sighted heading south off of WS. Do they stay around for awhile, or always swim north every evening in darkness?
They overnighted here last night, but sometimes they are in and out within a day and back up near the Fraser! It all depends on how much food is available, and which runs are most productive. There is a good chance they will be here tomorrow morning, but they could also head North tonight. It’s always a fun surprise!
Another group just now through the ferry lanes. So many whales, so spread out. Some already to Dilworth
Just seeing this-any chance they’re still in the area?
They were still at South Vashon at sundown. Good chance they will be here tomorrow morning
Wear a mask for the whales??!!? I think, skip the Salmon and write a letter to your senator about the Dams is more like it. But you can wear a mask for the whales.
The mask would be for yourself and your fellow whale WATCHERS, for those who chose to go look. (I did yesterday, but without getting out of the car.)
Why is this even a question anymore. I lost a family member to COVID. Wear your mask.
Sorry, comment time is over.
| 16 COMMENTS