The Whale Trail‘s next gathering will have a special guest – someone who dedicated a quarter-century to protecting endangered orcas and other species. Here’s the announcement we received to share with you?

Whale Trail Spring Gathering: Celebrating Lynne!

Join us to celebrate Lynne Barre’s retirement from NOAA following 25 years of dedicated service. Lynne served as the Southern Resident Killer Whale Recovery Coordinator for NOAA Fisheries and the Seattle Branch Chief for the Protected Resources Division.

We are grateful for Lynne’s tireless efforts to protect the endangered southern residents and other species, and the long-lasting partnerships she built with organizations like ours. Her impact is mighty and the work she inspired will go on. Bring your stories and help us get her next chapter off to a good start!

Also hear from orca researchers Mark Sears and Maya Sears with updates about the southern residents—including the birth of two new calves. We look forward to seeing you there!

What: Spring Gathering 2025: Celebrating Lynne!
When: Thursday May 29, 7 to 8:30 PM.
Doors open at 6:15
Where: C&P Coffee Company, 5612 California Ave SW
Tickets: $10 suggested donation, kids under 12 get in for free.
Advance tickets: brownpapertickets.com

About the Speakers

Lynne Barre was the Southern Resident killer whale recovery coordinator for NOAA Fisheries and the Seattle Branch Chief for the Protected Resources Division since they were listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 2005. She worked with NOAA for 25 years, implementing the ESA and Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) beginning her career at the headquarters office in Silver Spring, MD.

After moving to the Seattle office in 2003, Lynne worked on the endangered listing of the Southern Resident killer whales, designated critical habitat, finalized a Recovery Plan and implemented actions to conserve and recover the whales, including vessel regulations put in place in 2011.

In addition to her work on killer whales, Lynne’s work supported recovery of Puget Sound rockfish, salmon, and other aspects of the marine mammal program, such as the stranding network. Her background is in marine mammal research including fieldwork in Southern California and Shark Bay, Western Australia studying social behavior, mothers and infants, and genetic relationships of local dolphins.

Prior to her work at NOAA, Lynne worked with the Crittercam team at National Geographic, putting underwater cameras on marine animals to learn about their lives under the surface. Lynne has a B.S in Biology from Georgetown University and an M.S. in Animal Behavior from San Diego State University.

Mark Sears has been conducting photo-ID studies and other fieldwork with southern resident orcas for more than 40 years. Animal behaviorist Maya Sears joined her father as a NOAA-permitted orca researcher in 2018. Together their research has been critical to assessing the health and behaviors of this endangered population.

Earlier, Kersti Muul told us, a humpback whale was hanging out off Pier 70 on the north downtown waterfront. Now “a baleen whale” – possibly that humpback – is reported off Anchor/Luna Park in West Seattle. Let us know if you see it!

6:46 PM: If sunset whale-watching (from shore, of course) sounds good, you’re in luck tonight – with more than an hour and a half of daylight left, orcas are off Alki right now, reports Kersti Muul – headed southwest, off the Bathhouse (60th/Alki). Let us know if you see them!

6:48 PM: They’re moving fast, Kersti says – now reported around Alki Point and off Constellation Park.

Yet another visit to Elliott Bay this morning by killer whales. They’ve been in the bay for at least two hours, according to reports from Kersti Muul, who says they were most recently headed southwest out of the bay, but have stopped off Anchor/Luna Park for “predation.”

11:02 AM: Spectacular day to be on in view of Puget Sound, even without the added possibility of whale-watching, but we have that too: Kersti Muul just texted us to say orcas are northbound in the Fauntleroy ferry lanes. She says they’re the T23C group of transient orcas (aka Bigg’s Killer Whales), just the other day making their first appearance in the area. Let us know if you see them!

12:08 PM: Kersti says they’re now “passing Alki Point, east of mid-channel, continuing northbound.”

Dan Ciske sent that photo of a spyhopping orca in Elliott Bay before 10 am today, west of the 1500 block of Alki Avenue. They’re back in the bay now, according to Kersti Muul, who just texted us the news that orcas are off south-facing Magnolia, headed southeast.

9:05 AM: If you have a view of Elliott Bay, you might have a view of killer whales this morning. Kersti Muul reports that orcas have gone into the bay. Let us know if you see them!

(Added: Photos by Robin Sinner, from Duwamish Head around 10:30 am)

11:17 AM: They’re out of the bay and headed southwest past west-facing West Seattle, per an update from Kersti in a comment below.

If your summer-camp plans aren’t entirely locked in yet, here’s a unique opportunity – one week to learn about orcas with West Seattle-based nonprofit Killer Whale Tales:

Calling all young ocean adventurers! This summer, get ready to dive deep into the world of the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW) at an exciting, action-packed week-long camp designed to spark curiosity, foster teamwork, and inspire the next generation of marine scientists, conservationists, and storytellers.

Led by Jeff Hogan, Executive Director of Killer Whale Tales, this hands-on, immersive camp will transform campers into real-life researchers, equipping them with the skills to decode orca data, crack the mystery of marine ecosystems, and tackle real-world conservation challenges. Through a mix of role-playing, creative problem-solving, and epic science games, participants will:

– Investigate real orca research data and practice field techniques like professional scientists.
– Learn how orcas communicate, form family bonds, and work together—just like a pod!
– Explore the impact humans have on the ocean, and brainstorm wild solutions to protect these majestic creatures.
– Join thrilling, hands-on games that simulate the challenges and triumphs of saving wildlife.

“This camp is more than just a summer break—it’s a chance for campers to become ocean heroes, empowered to make a real difference," says Jeff Hogan. "They’ll walk away with a deep connection to orcas and a ton of new knowledge to share with friends and family.”

Perfect for future marine biologists, ocean lovers, and curious minds, this camp is a splashing good time full of hands-on learning, new friendships, and conservation action. Spaces are limited, so sign up soon to secure your spot in the adventure of a lifetime!

Dates: July 14th-18th
Location: Westside School,

Register at: westsideschool.org/about-westside-school/summer-camp

5:42 PM: Orcas have been in the area much of the day – we heard a report of some off south Vashon Island this morning, but nothing further; now Kersti Muul sends word of ocas “milling mid-channel south of Lincoln Park, surface active.” So if you’re in west-facing West Seattle, keep watch!

5:50 PM: Kersti says orcas are now northbound, passing Me-Kwa-Mooks/Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook, close enough to see easily without binoculars.

9:29 PM: The whales subsequently went into Elliott Bay; thanks to Steve Pumphrey for sending the photos above and below, taken from Duwamish Head just after 7:40 tonight!

9:03 AM: Kersti Muul tells us orcas are headed northbound along west-facing West Seattle, close to shore off Brace Point. Let us know if you see them!

9:07 AM: Now nearing the Fauntleroy ferry lanes.

If you’re out by the water on this sunny Sunday, you might see whales. Kersti Muul tells us two groups are in the area – one that’s been “on a kill” east of Eagle Harbor, then slowly drifting northbound, another in Colvos Passage (west side of Vashon Island). Let us know if you see them from here!

9:44 AM: If you’re in view of west-facing West Seattle shores, Kersti Muul tells us a “small group of orcas” is southbound, south of Alki Point, east side of the channel. Let us know if you see them!

10:18 AM: Update from Kersti – still southbound, now off Me-Kwa-Mooks/Emma Schmitz (4500 block Beach Drive SW), “east of mid-channel.”

11:02 AM: Kersti reports transient orca T65A5, “the guy who likes to be alone and play in fishing/crab gear,” is close in, approaching the Fauntleroy ferry lanes.

(Added: Photo by Mark Malleson, Center for Whale Research. Taken under DFO SARA License XMMS 2 2023. Republished with permission)

A new Southern Resident orca calf! The Center for Whale Research just published this announcement:

The Center for Whale Research has some exciting news! We are pleased to announce the arrival of a new calf in J Pod!

On April 6, 2025, CWR Field Biologist Mark Malleson located J Pod as they traveled west past Victoria Harbour. During this encounter, he observed and documented a newborn calf swimming closely alongside J40. This is J40’s first known calf and the fourth born into the Southern Resident killer whale population in the past 12 months – a sign of hope for this endangered community.

(Added: Photo by Mark Malleson, Center for Whale Research. Taken under DFO SARA License XMMS 2 2023. Republished with permission)

Based on initial observations of the new calf, now designated J63, there are no immediate concerns. However, the first year of life is often a challenging time for young whales, particularly those born to first-time mothers.

We remain cautiously optimistic about J63’s survival and will conduct follow-up observations of the calf’s behavior and physical condition in the coming days and months, as opportunities allow. Each new calf is vitally important to this critically endangered population – every birth counts – and we’re hopeful that this young whale will continue to thrive.

More info to come.

4:14 PM: Looking for a reason to get down to the shore on this truly springlike day? Kersti Muul tells us a “large group” of transient orcas is headed southbound across the mouth of Elliott Bay, possibly into the bay. Let us know if you see them!

4:32 PM: Update from Kersti: The orcas are southbound, passing Restoration Point, plus there’s a report of a humpback whale headed northbound past Lincoln Park.

(Added: Photo by Robin Sinner, from Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook)

9:58 AM: If you can spare time for Sunday whale-watching, Kersti Muul reports orcas were passing Constellation Park, southbound, a short time ago. That means they’ll eventually have to turn around and head back this way, so keep watch, and let us know if you see them!

10:08 AM: Kersti says they’re now passing Brace Point, “mid-channel.”

1:39 PM: Kersti just texted to report they’re northbound now, headed toward Brace Point, “east in channel.”

2:02 PM: Kersti says thry’re now making a close pass by Lincoln Park.

(Added: Photo by Robin Sinner)

Orcas are in Elliott Bay today, Kersti Muul tells us. Closer to downtown than West Seattle at last report, but that can change fast. She also says there are reports of another group off Southworth on the west side of Puget Sound. Let us know if you see any of these whales!

If you can spare time to whale-watch today, this might be a good time, between waves of showers – Kersti Muul texted to tell us that orcas are currently “northbound from the south end of Blake Island.” Let us know if you see them; thanks again to those who share photos/video of local sightings (westseattleblog@gmail.com)!

8:50 AM: Orcas are in our area again today. Kersti Muul reports sightings this past half-hour or so of orcas seen westbound from Alki Point Lighthouse and southbound near the Fauntleroy ferry dock “hunting right off the dolphins!” (Those are parts of the terminal, not marine mammals.) Let us know if you see them!

9:01 AM: Update from Kersti – orcas are heading toward Brace Point.

11:18 AM: Thanks to Lori Hinton for the video we added above that shows orcas – baby included – just south of the ferry dock!

ADDED: Another video, this one from Greg Dirks, who edited together all the above-water sightings:

Southern Resident Killer Whales from J-Pod are coming into view this morning. Kersti Muul reports they’re emerging from Colvos Passage on the west side of Vashon Island, headed northbound. Let us know if you see them!

For four weeks, transient orcas – the ones that are NOT considered endangered – have been in the area (including that thrilling appearance within feet of West Seattle’s shore on Sunday). Now, Kersti Muul reports, Southern Resident Killer Whales have reappeared in central Puget Sound- J-Pod whales, including calf J62, were southbound, seen approaching Fay Bainbridge State Park, at last report. That’s still a ways north of here, so this is early heads-up depending on how fast they’re traveling. Please let us know if you see them!

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:

12:29 PM: Just in from Kersti Muul, a report of “orcas close to shore northbound, heading toward Me-Kwa-Mooks” (Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook, 4500 block Beach Drive). Let us know if you see them!

1:15 PM: Now approaching Constellation Park, per Kersti.

5:14 PM: Thanks to David Hutchinson for the photo above, taken today as the orcas left Elliott Bay.

6:57 PM: And thanks to Robin Sinner for sending this photo, also taken today: