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WHALES: Transient orcas off West Seattle again, before swimming into Elliott Bay

February 17, 2021 2:52 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Whales | Wildlife

(First 2 photos by Trevor Simonton)

2:52 PM: Thanks to Kersti Muul from Salish Wildlife Watch for the report – transient killer whales are passing West Seattle again, southbound right now, visible from Alki. Let us know if you see them!

3:29 PM: Via email, Robin Sinner says they’re moving southwest, with a research boat trailing.

4:16 PM: Kersti and Robin both note in comments that the orcas are now in Elliott Bay, near the grain terminal.

(Photo by Liz Murdock)

6:51 PM: Photos added.

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14 Replies to "WHALES: Transient orcas off West Seattle again, before swimming into Elliott Bay"

  • Orca Lover February 17, 2021 (3:14 pm)

    Did Salish Wildlife Watch take down their Facebook page? Not seeing it today. 

    • J February 17, 2021 (3:23 pm)

      I was wondering the same thing too!  I’ve been missing their posts.

  • Kersti Muul February 17, 2021 (3:26 pm)

    This is the same group that has been here. T87 and the 124a2s

  • Donna, the Whale Trail February 17, 2021 (3:40 pm)

    In other good news, the Center for Whale Research and Orca Network reported that J, K and L pods returned to the Salish Sea today, and that L86 has a new calf! The pods were headed north in Haro Strait (west side of San Juan Island) this afternoon.

    • WSB February 17, 2021 (3:49 pm)

      Thanks, Donna, Kersti also mentioned L86 in a text just before all this but I’ve been looking for it somewhere I can attribute in a standalone report – CWR didn’t have an update on its website when last I checked – but if both of you have heard, it must be true! – TR

    • Sunflower February 17, 2021 (5:40 pm)

      A new calf, good news! Thanks Donna, and Kersti, for all your orca work and sharing.

  • Allie T February 17, 2021 (3:41 pm)

    What does the research vessel look like? (I’m parked at Me-Kwa-Mooks and haven’t spotted them yet!)

    • Kersti Muul February 17, 2021 (4:04 pm)

      I believe they have gone in for the day. It’s a small red boat with a yellow flag. 

  • Kersti Muul February 17, 2021 (4:10 pm)

    Now in the bay, adjacent to grain silos 4:10

  • Robin Sinner February 17, 2021 (4:15 pm)

    Elliot bay in front of Expedia north of grain terminals

  • Rachel Zaccaro February 17, 2021 (4:49 pm)

    Could see one from Alki Point at 4:30

  • Kersti Muul February 17, 2021 (5:49 pm)

    Off constellation ❤️💕 and they are passing me kwa mooks noqW

  • Andreea February 17, 2021 (5:53 pm)

    Two small-seeming ones off Emma Schmitz now! Southbound…

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