PHOTOS: Resident orcas in view from West Seattle

10:43 AM: Thanks to Kersti Muul for the tip – orcas are in the area again and this time it’s Southern Residents – J-Pod. She says they’re southbound in view from Constellation Park right now, “spread out,” some toward Blake, at least one trailing through the Bainbridge/Seattle ferry lane. The whales in the area this past week have been transients so the residents’ visit is “a surprise,” she says. Let us know if you see them!

1:36 PM: Thanks for the updates in comments! Both Kersti via comments and Donna Sandstrom of The Whale Trail via phone report the orcas have turned and are headed NB; Donna says as of a few minutes ago they were in view from Constellation Park (Beach Drive between Alki Avenue and 63rd SW).

3:06 PM: Thanks to David Hutchinson for sending the photos above and below, from the northbound swing, when they were in view from Constellation Park.

15 Replies to "PHOTOS: Resident orcas in view from West Seattle"

  • Mlk March 18, 2023 (11:16 am)

    Lovely tip! Three just passed in front of the vashon ferry terminal headed south. 

  • Kersti Elisabeth Muul March 18, 2023 (11:18 am)

    Water is milky blue and calm. Whales spread from ferry Lanes at Vashon to north of Blake Island still. Lots of foraging.Still generally SB travelWhat an amazing surprise ❤️

  • Ann March 18, 2023 (11:24 am)

    Just saw them headed south off the north end of Lincoln park. Quite a few! 

  • J March 18, 2023 (12:38 pm)

    Several Orcas. Northbound off Blake island. Should be visible from Lincoln Park. Appear to be traveling.

    Can see with naked eyes, binoculars advised

  • J March 18, 2023 (12:43 pm)

    Almost a dozen visible S of Blake, heading N

  • Kersti Elisabeth Muul March 18, 2023 (12:45 pm)

    They have flipped at fauntleroy ferry dock and are now NB, east in channel

  • D March 18, 2023 (12:48 pm)

    They just passed by the ferry heading to Vashon from Fauntleroy. What a beautiful sight.

  • J March 18, 2023 (12:49 pm)

    One looks smaller. Maybe juvenile? Saw a spy-hop & a breaching there is a white powerboat that looks too close, following from the W side

    • Kersti Elisabeth Muul March 18, 2023 (2:39 pm)

      Several young ones in JPod 

      • WSB March 18, 2023 (3:14 pm)

        I just added photos from David Hutchinson including one obviously tiny (relatively) tailfin!

  • Kersti Elisabeth Muul March 18, 2023 (1:52 pm)

    All have rounded Alki point and heading NW. Very surface active pass at constellation. Have passed Blakely Rock 

  • Kersti Elisabeth Muul March 18, 2023 (2:40 pm)

    Some have gone into the bay, nearing the marina, magnolia side.

  • Kersti Elisabeth Muul March 18, 2023 (3:54 pm)

    Wonderful photos of that very active playful pass!What a joyous surprise this morning.I have 68 slots left on my wildlife alert text service. don’t miss your chance and don’t miss the whales!https://chat.whatsapp.com/KSanjuel1nYBLZlrc0azcM

  • Svenry March 18, 2023 (7:13 pm)

    What a beautiful day! Here are a couple shots from Brace Point this morning.

  • ArborHeightRes March 19, 2023 (6:09 pm)

    Delightful sight.  Thank you, neighbors and WSB, for sharing these amazing photos.  I hope one day to see them (have lived here for 13+ years).  Note to self: Get outside and take a walk at Lincoln Park!  

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