PHOTOS: Orcas pass West Seattle, head toward south Puget Sound

10:14 AM: Via text from Kersti Muul: “Orcas (several) SB from Bainbridge Island to Seattle ferry lanes, very close to Seattle side. Very surface active. Multiple males.” Let us know if you see them!

(Added: Photo by James Bratsanos)

10:53 AM: Kersti updates in a comment below that they’re still southbound, approaching Lowman Beach as of a few minutes ago.

11:28 AM: Photo added. They’re reported to be Burien-bound at this point – but eventually they’ll have to head back this way!

(Added: Photo by Greg Snyder)

12:18 PM: Another photo added. We’ll update this story later if we get word the orcas – transients, per Kersti – are headed back this way.

(Added: Photo by Dan Ciske)

3:03 PM: More photos added above and below!

(Added: Photo by Dan Ciske)

DavidBraun January 16, 2024 (10:38 am)

Pod just past Alki Point lighthouse.

Kersti Muul January 16, 2024 (10:49 am)

Group has passed me kwa mooks, east in channel tight groups porpoising quickly southbound towards lowman1045

Connie January 16, 2024 (11:06 am)

They’re closing in on Colman pool. 😃

WS Bliss January 16, 2024 (11:13 am)

Folks in Burien should dash to Seahurst. 11:12 and they are cruising past Brace Point.

Kersti Muul January 16, 2024 (11:30 am)

Looks like maybe the 101s here with others.Three groups, two Tightly close together. One spread out about a half mile apart from each other. Both groups have cleared brace point heading towards seola Beach and seahurst, still very close to Seattle side.They passed very close to the geoduck farmers’ boats ..If you can get to three point should be a great pass

Greg January 16, 2024 (11:50 am)

They were pretty close to Constellation Park.

WSB January 16, 2024 (12:17 pm)

Thanks, adding that pic above too!
HS January 16, 2024 (12:25 pm)

Thanks for the awesome photo!!

Jon January 16, 2024 (12:28 pm)

Just south of 3 tree point, looks like they’re heading straight across towards Federal Way, two small boats way too close…🤨

Kersti Muul January 16, 2024 (12:38 pm)

Sooo many whales loID update: T90s, T36s, T124As, T124ds, T100s, T124C, T101A& T101B. If everyone is present that’s 24 Biggs killer whales. Thanks Brittany and Tisa for helping with IDs.

Kersti Muul January 16, 2024 (12:45 pm)

Actually no 36s so 21 whales

Riosmom January 16, 2024 (7:04 pm)

Kersti-
So grateful for your expertise and updates! Thank you!

Deb January 16, 2024 (1:01 pm)

Are these photos taken from the shore or from boats?

Kersti Muul January 17, 2024 (8:58 am)

💯 from shore

Grateful January 16, 2024 (1:51 pm)

Thanks Kersti for all the amazing pics on the WhatsApp too🖤🖤

Elizabeth January 16, 2024 (3:13 pm)

Can anyone share how to get on the whatsapp please?

Susan HB January 16, 2024 (10:54 pm)

https://chat.whatsapp.com/CYVEpNDcLBcF4CrjV6F607
Dan January 16, 2024 (11:29 pm)

Appears filled to max as is the 2nd overflow. Too bad, I see them a lot and no way right now to immediately report.
- Scott Veirs January 17, 2024 (8:09 am)
  
  Hey Dan, You can try Orca Network’s Facebook page, the https://whalealert.org mobile app, or https://acartia.io for real time sightings. And if you can’t make it out to observe visually, or if it’s foggy or dark, you can help listen live for whales and subscribe for notifications via https://live.orcasound.net

Dillon January 16, 2024 (4:48 pm)

They were so close to shore at Point Defiance. What an experience! They’re hanging out just north of The Narrows Bridge.

Jenifer January 16, 2024 (11:05 pm)

Watched them from the shore of Rustin way this afternoon in Tacoma. It was amazing!!

Kersti Muul January 17, 2024 (9:00 am)

Here is the link to group 4 overflow. We are near 4100 folks and ready to start group 5😝https://chat.whatsapp.com/CYVEpNDcLBcF4CrjV6F607

Elizabeth January 17, 2024 (2:55 pm)

Thanks so much for this gift, Kersti! I walk at Lincoln almost daily and I’ve still never seen one. I can’t wait!

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