PHOTOS ADDED: Southern Resident Killer Whales, southbound

| Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Whales

(Photo by David Hutchinson, from Constellation Park)

12:39 PM: You may have another chance to see Southern Resident Killer Whales from the West Seattle shore today. Both Kersti Muul from Salish Wildlife Watch and Donna Sandstrom from The Whale Trail tell us orcas from J-Pod and K-Pod – two of the three resident groups – are headed southbound in this direction, still a bit north of Elliott Bay. Let us know if you see them!

1:23 PM: See comments for updates; Kersti reports some turned into Elliott Bay.

1:54 PM: Donna called to say the whales are now visible from Constellation Park (south of Alki Point), back southbound in the Sound, but “bring your binoculars.”

(This photo and next by Jerry Simmons)

3 PM: Kersti’s update in comments – with photos – says some were visible without binoculars.

(Photo by Kersti Muul, who identifies this whale as J37)

Meantime, Sasha tweeted this video:

Just saw some at Linkin Park! pic.twitter.com/HyE3cYoTWM

— Sasha (@essrez) December 6, 2020

5:46 PM: Thanks to everyone who’s since sent photos!

(Photo by Jamie Kinney, who has more here)

Kersti Muul December 6, 2020 (1:02 pm)

Visible from Alki Ave just north and east of Bainbridge ferry lanes.K13s and 14s present with Jpod

w107saa December 6, 2020 (9:38 pm)

Kersti – do have a list of binocular recommendations? We have a pair for our family, but we are hoping to invest in a couple more pairs so that we can all see these amazing creatures without having to play pass the binoculars!

Kersti Muul December 6, 2020 (1:06 pm)

Some are in the actual bay, just under the first bluff in magnolia

WSWhalewatcher December 6, 2020 (1:20 pm)

Are they still there?

James Patrick Herrmann December 6, 2020 (1:25 pm)

Is that big coast guard boat following them?

Kersti Muul December 6, 2020 (1:47 pm)

Some are approaching restoration point Bainbridge, mid channel. There’s a red fishing boat in pursuit of some other ones closer to the east side

Auntie December 6, 2020 (1:56 pm)

Why can’t boaters just LEAVE THEM ALONE??? There are all kinds of rules in place to protect them, but the boaters just refuse to cooperate, being selfish, chasing for their own amusement. And no way to enforce the rules, anyway.

Kersti Muul December 6, 2020 (2:17 pm)

Kersti Muul December 6, 2020 (2:18 pm)

J38 passing the north tip of Blake island East in the channel no binoculars needed

Kersti Muul December 6, 2020 (2:43 pm)

FYI I took pictures of the boats and numbers, with intent visible to pursue and parallel within 300 yards. Will send in report to OLR

CJ December 6, 2020 (10:50 pm)

Please do report the boaters that are violating the rules!

Island hopn December 6, 2020 (3:10 pm)

I might get lucky with an awesome sighting, on a ferry heading to Bainbridge! 🤞

J December 6, 2020 (3:28 pm)

Several females & at least 1 male still heading S, approaching Seahurst Park.

hiya December 6, 2020 (3:33 pm)

Orcas gone from alki, south of lincoln park

WSB December 6, 2020 (3:42 pm)

Thanks for all the updates!

Kersti Muul December 6, 2020 (3:45 pm)

Still some just at dolphin point. So spread out3:45

Hg December 6, 2020 (3:53 pm)

Kersti – you are my favorite person ever. Because of your reports, we kept an eye out on the vashon ferry and saw our very first orcas ever. I cannot even describe how excited I am!! -Holly (and my boys saw them too)

Jamie December 6, 2020 (5:15 pm)

Thanks for the heads up! I spent just under three hours following them this afternoon, photographing from Alki, Constellation Park, Me-Kwa-Mooks, and Lowman. Here are my photos:https://photos.app.goo.gl/uKGmh2yw6dRJRjDn6