WHALES: Orcas in Elliott Bay again – close to shore (video, photos added)

3:34 PM: Transient killer whales have been in this area for the better part of four weeks now, notes Kersti Muul, in telling us a moment ago that they’re in Elliott Bay again – north side of the bay, heading southbound quickly. Let us know if you see them (and thanks to those who sent photos on Saturday!).

7:10 PM: Added photos above and below, sent by Bob Spears (thank you!).

7:52 PM: And here’s video by Vineta Jackson showing the orcas so close to shore, they were practically in touching distance (don’t try that, ever, though!):

That was at Don Armeni Boat Ramp (added – Eilene Hutchinson‘s photo below shows the context:)

ADDED: David Hutchinson sent these photos from that same sighting:

Kersti Muul March 2, 2025 (3:50 pm)

Heading east, deeper in bay 345

Kersti Muul March 2, 2025 (5:23 pm)

Crazy. Groups are in West waterway currently, prey sharing. Right at mouth of Duwamish off vigor 523

Kersti Muul March 2, 2025 (8:37 pm)

Once in a lifetime experience for West Seattle Plus witnessing rarely seen behavior (grebe ‘hunt’)Photo by Jeff Hogan

Kersti Muul March 2, 2025 (8:38 pm)

This whale is T124A2B an appropriately 9 year old female. Notice the grebe they are chasing below her saddle patch.These 2 groups have been around for 28 days !

WSB March 2, 2025 (8:48 pm)

The video we added, recorded by Vineta Jackson, who kindly sent it to us to share, shows the grebe just bobbing along, seemingly unruffled, as the orcas dive and surface around and beneath it!
- Kersti Muul March 2, 2025 (9:04 pm)
  
  It definitely got caught and pushed and dragged underwater.It escaped but was not looking great.
  
  Myself and others have video of it getting munched

alkiannie March 2, 2025 (9:45 pm)

Vineta’s video was like none I have ever seen for West Seattle whale watching. Thank you, Vineta, for sharing it! What a thrill for you and the group!

Jill Kremer March 3, 2025 (10:05 am)

Wonderful to see these pics! I’m a Seattle piano composer and just released a collection. “Piano Solos for the Orcas”.Being well received on Spotify. Just love the Orca energy.

Suzanne March 3, 2025 (8:36 pm)

Hi Jill, Would love to hear your work. When I searched your name on Spotify, it didn’t come up although will add that I don’t usually use it so it could just be me. Can you provide a link?

Heather Pihl March 3, 2025 (7:07 pm)

Why didn’t the grebe fly away? I saw the video of it continuing to hang around in the water while three orcas were close to it, and didn’t make sense.

OrcasGalore!! March 4, 2025 (7:58 am)

A very exciting event. Just found the story in The Guardian with Kersti Muul’s video. Picked up from the AP. We are famous!!! (or at least the orcas and Kersti are)