9:23 AM: For a third day, transient orcas are off Seattle shores – just got word from Kersti Muul that the same groups are southbound, already past Discovery Park on the north side of Elliott Bay. Let us know if you see them!

9:27 AM: Kersti adds that they’re visible from Luna/Anchor Park, and the water’s calm, so the viewing conditions are good.

After Saturday’s visit to Elliott Bay, Kersti Muul reports, orcas are back in the area – seen heading southbound off Discovery Park a little over an hour ago. Let us know if you see them!

5:45 PM: Thanks to Kersti Muul for the tip: “Transients are on the edge of Elliott Bay. Southbound, visible from Alki. Mid-to-east in channel.” Let us know if you see them!

5:57 PM: Kersti says orcas are now “milling” off 64th/Alki.

6:03 PM: Another texter sees them from 62nd/Alki and says they seem to be moving east in the bay. (Texted photo added – thank you!)

ADDED 8:32 PM: And two more photos just in, courtesy of Robin Sinner, who explains: “The 2 orcas were off 64th and Alki at 5:45 pm. Walked fast to Constellation and caught a close pass at 5:53pm. Could hear them breathing! This was most likely T123 pod of 3. Big Male is T123a Stanley.”

Just a refresher – transients are not endangered, and eat other marine mammals, particularly seals and sea lions. They’re an entirely separate population from the Southern Resident Killer Whales, who ARE endangered and primarily eat fish, especially salmon.

10:47 AM: Thanks to Kersti Muul for the tip. Orcas are in our area again – northbound in Elliott Bay shipping lanes, at last report. Whether these are transients or southern residents, that’s not known yet. Let us know if you see them!

11:35 AM: Update from Kersti, after she posted in comments that they were southbound – Washington State Ferries’ M/V Kittitas reports it’s seeing “at least two adult females and two juvenile orcas” right in front of the Fauntleroy dock.

(WSB photo – 2017 Alki march supporting freedom for Lolita)

It’s been two and a half weeks since news that the last surviving Southern Resident Killer Whale from the captures half a century ago might be able to come home after all. But will a homecoming really happen for the 57-year-old orca Lolita/Tokitae? As this report from Florida explores, there’s some controversy and confusion on that side of the country, and even if plans can be worked out, the whale’s move could be years away. In today’s Seattle Times, West Seattle-based The Whale Trail executive director Donna Sandstrom writes about lessons learned in an orca reunion with which she was involved, that of Springer, the Northern Resident orca who got lost down here. We had asked Sandstrom recently for her thoughts on the Lolita/Tokitae announcement, and here’s what she told us:

The big news in the recent release is that the Miami Seaquarium is on board, and they have found a committed funder. However, returning an orca is not as simple as the stories make it sound. Having secured these major commitments, I’d encourage the organizers to take the next most critical step and start talking with NOAA.

Based on my experience working on the Lolita project in the mid-1990s, and as a community organizer on the successful effort to return Springer to her pod in 2002, here are some things to consider.

1. If Lolita is going to be moved to a net pen in Puget Sound, NOAA Fisheries will be the decision-maker, and have ultimate authority and responsibility for the project, in consultation with other key stakeholders like Washington State and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

2. Before permitting a reintroduction or relocation to a new facility such as a net pen, NOAA and their teams will consider the benefits compared to the risk – for Lolita, for her endangered family, and for the marine ecosystem here. It’s a complex set of conditions with no easy answers. For example:

-How healthy is Lolita? Will she be able to survive the stress of the relocation, and re-adapt to life in Puget Sound?

-The southern resident orcas are critically endangered. The organizers propose to put Lolita in an open-sided net pen in Puget Sound. What is the risk of disease transmission between them and Lolita, and vice versa? Or between Lolita and other marine mammals?

-In 2017 a net pen catastrophically collapsed in Puget Sound, not far from where they propose to put Lolita. As the impacts of global warming accelerate, including increasing high tides and severe storms, how can the structural integrity of the pen, and Lolita’s safety, be ensured for as long as she might live?

-If a reintroduction is not possible, and she is “retired” permanently to a net pen in SRKW range, what would it do to her to be able to hear her family and not join them? What would that do to her family (L pod)?

For Springer, NOAA determined that there was a high likelihood of success and that it was a risk worth taking. I am not sure where that analysis will land for Lolita. But it is in everyone’s best interest – especially Lolita’s – to get that conversation going.

The federal agency made one key ruling on Lolita/Tokitae’s behalf eight years ago – ruling that she would be included in the listing of the Southern Resident Killer Whales as endangered. That announcement noted that “any future plan to move or release Lolita would require a permit from NOAA Fisheries and would undergo rigorous scientific review.”

11:16 AM: Thanks to Kersti Muul for the tip – she reports that J-Pod orcas are headed southbound, slowly, from the Bainbridge ferry lanes, mid-to-east in the channel. Let us know if you see them!

11:47 AM: We’ve also heard from Donna Sandstrom of The Whale Trail, who also reports the orcas are headed this way and adds, “We’ll be at the Whale Trail sign at Charles Richey Sr Viewpoint with binoculars to share around noon. Bundle up!” (That’s also known as Constellation Park, Beach Drive between Alki Avenue and 63rd.)

1:21 PM: Both Kersti and Donna report the whales have turned around and are headed back northbound.

7:59 AM: Kersti Muul tells us orcas are in the area again – in Elliott Bay. Transients this time, currently by the central downtown waterfront.

10:50 AM: See updates in comments – J-Pod residents are back in the area too.

12:50 PM: Donna Sandstrom from The Whale Trail just called to say the whales are now southbound in the Bainbridge/Seattle ferry lanes, visible from here.

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.

This time they’re northbound, passing Blake Island, visible from this side, according to Kersti Muul. Let us know if you see them!

9:27 AM: Would-be whale-watchers, here’s your next chance. Kersti Muul just texted with word that orcas are in the area again, passing West Point, southbound, headed into Elliott Bay. (Update: She says likely the same transient orcas that have been seen in recent days.) Let us know if you see them!

10:03 AM: Kersti says the whales are in the bay.

Just texted by Kersti Muul – the transient orcas seen in the area Sunday are off West Seattle again, this time northbound, just passing through the Fauntleroy/Vashon ferry lane. She says they’re toward the west side of the channel, though, so you’ll need binoculars.

5:56 PM: Thanks to Kersti Muul for the tip: Transient orcas are in the area right now, in Elliott Bay, headed toward the north end of the downtown waterfront. Just in time for extra daylight to see them – the first Daylight Saving Time sunset is still an hour-plus away!

7:37 PM: Thanks to Kate H. for sending that video with a glimpse of orcas just off Seacrest!

11:38 PM: Thanks to Robin Sinner for the photo added above, taken around 6:45 pm from the Don Armeni Boat Ramp area

10:15 AM: Up for Sunday whale-watching? Kersti Muul reports orcas are passing Magnolia, southbound.

10:50 AM: Kersti says (also via comments) they’re in Elliott Bay, straight out from Duwamish Head.

(Added: Orcas photographed by David Hutchinson as they passed Alki Point)

2:18 PM: See comments – now they’re back out in the central Sound.

Now that we’re between squalls again, you have an opportunity for whale-watching: Kersti Muul reports that Southern Resident Killer Whales from J-Pod are in Elliott Bay off West Point (Magnolia) after traveling southbound in recent hours. Let us know if you see them!

Thanks to Kersti Muul for the report that orcas have been making their way down central Puget Sound southbound. Just as the rain finally lightens, she says they’re off The Arroyos now, toward the west side of the Sound – members of J-Pod. They’ll eventually have to head back north, though!

3:32 PM: Southern Resident Killer Whales have been traveling south all day and they finally arrived in our area around 3 pm, seen in Elliott Bay – from J and K Pods, Kersti Muul reports. Let us know if you see them!

3:59 PM: Visible from Alki, according to another texter. And Donna Sandstrom from The Whale Trail is south of Alki Point with binoculars to share.

4:13 PM: Donna just called to say they’re easy to see from where she’s at (Charles Richey Viewpoint/Constellation Park).

5:08 PM: Updates in comments – they were passing Lincoln Park as it got dark.

12:09 PM: Just texted by Kersti Muul: “New Year’s whales!” Transient orcas are headed north toward The Arroyos, closer to this side of the channel, and she says, “The water is really beautiful for viewing today, flat and calm, misty with a little bit of sun.” Let us know if you see them!

12:28 PM: Kersti says they’re approaching Brace Point.

3:08 PM: Just got word from Kersti Muul that several orcas are reported in “southern Elliott Bay,” seen from a state ferry. Let us know if you see them!

3:27 PM: Just received this video recorded by Erica Quimby from Alki:

3:33 PM: Kersti just texted that “they are super-close passing Alki Point.”

3:51 PM: Also from Alki, Ryan Nestle sent this photo:

Ryan says, “We were driving back from a late lunch at Harry’s Beach House, when I spotted them right off the tower. Picture only shows two, could have been 4 or 5 by our count. We’ve lived here in West Seattle for 3 years and this was my first sighting. Let’s just say I was beyond excited.”

3:56 PM: And Kersti just texted to say they’re now in view off Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook (4500 block Beach Drive SW), still closer to this side of the Sound, but moving southbound quickly.

4:05 PM: Another texter sent this photo of people lining Lowman Beach to whale-watch:

4:25 PM: As it gets dark, Kersti says they’re passing Lincoln Park. Also: “There’s a little, little baby in the group.” (These are transients, by the way, not the endangered residents.)

(L pod in Puget Sound in November – photo by M, Sears, Permit 21348)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

At The Whale Trail‘s first major gathering since before the pandemic, there were words of warning and words of hope.

The Southern Resident Killer Whales aren’t recovering yet. In 2018, TWT’s executive director Donna Sandstrom reminded the gathering at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), they numbered 74 – a dangerously low number – and they’re down to 73 now. Two calves were born this past year, but three whales were lost.

One cause for hope, though, is the ever-increasing number of people taking an interest in their plight – all the tickets for last night’s gathering sold out in advance. “This is about what it looks like when J Pod and K Pod get together,” Sandstrom laughed toward the start, referring to two of the three “pods” – family groups – that comprise the Southern Residents, who have been officially listed as an endangered species since 2005.

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(L pod in Puget Sound – photo by M, Sears, permit 21348)

Maybe you’ve been lucky enough to see Southern Resident Killer Whales during one of their recent appearances off West Seattle. It’s a thrilling sight – but also troubling to know they remain endangered, with their population still near a historic low. What are researchers finding? What can you do to help? If you can spare a little time this Thursday night, you can find out at The Whale Trail‘s next gathering, here in West Seattle. Here’s the invitation:

A record chum run has brought J, K, and L pods back to central Puget Sound even more than usual this year. Join The Whale Trail for its annual winter gathering, where researchers Mark and Maya Sears will present photos and findings from recent encounters with these beloved and iconic pods.

TWT Director Donna Sandstrom will share exciting updates on key initiatives to protect the orcas, and how you can help. Celebrate the season, and the whales, with old friends and new. Hope to see you there!

What: Whale Trail Winter Gathering featuring presentation by Mark and Maya Sears
When: Thursday 12/15, 7 PM. Doors open 6:30.
Where: C&P Coffee Company, 5612 California Ave SW
Cost: $5 suggested donation. Kids under 12 get in for free.

Space is limited! Get tickets soon.

Just as it starts to get dark, Southern Resident Killer Whales are in the area again, Kersti Muul tells WSB. J-Pod is visible from Alki Avenue, she says, “south of Eagle Harbor, west in channel.”