Whales 324 results

WHALES: Orcas’ holiday homecoming

November 25, 2021 10:11 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

10:11 AM: Thanks for the tips! We’ve heard from both Kersti Muul and an unidentified texter that orcas are passing Fauntleroy, southbound. Let us know if you see them!

10:51 AM: Seems these orcas are coming home for the holiday – Kersti says they’re Southern Resident Killer Whales.

ORCAS: Whales back in our area

November 23, 2021 9:22 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

Thanks for all the tips! Orcas are back in our area today. According to the most recent report, from Jeff Hogan of Killer Whale Tales, they were southbound south of Brace Point. Kersti Muul says they’re residents (added: J Pod, to be specific). They eventually have to head north, though, so be on the lookout later!

WHALES: Resident orcas off West Seattle

November 22, 2021 1:25 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

1:25 PM: Southern Resident Killer Whales are visible off West Seattle right now, report Kersti Muul and The Whale Trail‘s Donna Sandstrom – both say they’re from K Pod, The orcas were visible from Constellation Park south of Alki Point, headed southbound. It’s been raining lightly so visibility is not great. Let us know if you see them!

2:09 PM: From south of the ferry dock, Susan Lantz-Dey reports seeing aa lone male across the water by Manchester.

4 PM: Kersti says some J Pod whales are in the area too. Still heading south, “Brace Point-ish” as of a little while ago.

WHALES: Orcas back in our area

November 20, 2021 12:19 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

If you’re interested in some Saturday whale-watching, Kersti Muul just sent word that transient orcas are reported to be in the area, emerging from Colvos Passage (which runs along the west side of Vashon Island) and headed toward Southworth. So you can try looking, with binoculars, from west-facing West Seattle. Let us know if you see them!

UPDATE: Orcas in the area

November 6, 2021 10:36 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

10:36 AM: Southern Resident Killer Whales are in the area, reports Kersti Muul – south of (update: Faye) Bainbridge, southbound, but closer to the west side of the Sound, so take your binoculars if you go looking. Let us know if you see them!

12:36 PM: Kersti says below that they’ve headed back northbound, north of here.

WHALE SIGHTING: Humpback off West Seattle

October 25, 2021 2:37 pm

| 12 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

(Added: Photo by Ruth Winter)

2:37 PM: We’ve received multiple reports of a whale breaching off West Seattle this afternoon, and it’s not an orca. A texter says they’re 100 percent sure it’s a juvenile humpback. They last saw it off Me-Kwa-Mooks/Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook (4500 block of Beach Drive).

2:48 PM: Even the emergency crews responding to the day’s second Beach Drive water-rescue call (that call’s unfounded so far) have just mentioned the breaching whale.

3:31 PM: Thanks to Beach Drive resident Ruth Winter for sending the photo we’ve added above. She says, “It was spectacular” – something she’s never seen.

WEST SEATTLE BOOKS: Whale Trail founder tells Springer’s story in ‘Orca Rescue!’

October 14, 2021 2:25 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle books | West Seattle news | Whales

The West Seattleite who founded The Whale Trail, Donna Sandstrom, has just published a book for young readers telling the story of the event that immersed her in orca activism, the rescue of Springer the wayward whale. You’re invited to a launch event in West Seattle this Sunday. Here’s the announcement:

Whale Trail founder and local author Donna Sandstrom’s book “Orca Rescue! The True Story of an Orphaned Orca Named Springer“ was published this month by Kids Can Press.

The middle grade nonfiction book tells the riveting story of how a young orca was discovered in Puget Sound – lost, alone and 300 miles away from home. Six months later, the 2-year-old orca was rescued, rehabilitated, and returned to her family on the north end of Vancouver Island.

It’s the first and so far only successful orca reunion in history. Almost twenty years later, Springer is thriving, tending her two calves. And on the day the book was published, Oceanwise announced that she is expecting again!

The story is told as it happened, from Donna’s perspective as a community organizer on the project. Many of the events described in the book happened here, including Springer’s initial discovery by researcher Mark Sears, and a pivotal town meeting at The Hall at Fauntleroy.

The book is beautifully illustrated. Fact spreads are interspersed with the narrative, and learning resources include maps, matrilines,and a glossary. The book recently received a starred review in Kirkus Review, and is a selected pick by the Junior Library Guild.

Join Donna and other team members to celebrate the book’s publication, and Springer’s continued success. Books will be available to purchase on site from Paper Boat Booksellers. The family-friendly event is free and open to the public. Please bring proof of vaccination and wear a mask. We look forward to celebrating with you!

What: “Orca Rescue! The True Story of an Orphaned Orca Named Springer” Book launch and signing featuring members of Springer’s team
When: Sunday October 17, 3 to 5 PM.
Where: C&P Coffee, 5612 California Ave SW
Cost: Free!

Event will be held outside, weather permitting.

WHALES: Orcas headed this way (update: now headed the other way)

October 9, 2021 10:28 am

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| West Seattle news | Whales

10:28 AM: Transient orcas are southbound in Puget Sound, just north of Elliott Bay, reports Kersti Muul. Let us know if you see them!

5:14 PM: No updates since then but Kersti just texted to say orcas are now northbound in the Fauntleroy ferry lanes.

WEST SEATTLE WHALES: Beluga sighting reported in Elliott Bay

October 4, 2021 9:11 pm

| 14 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

This afternoon, Kersti Muul texted us as an FYI that a beluga whale had been spotted in Tacoma’s Commencement Bay. Then this evening, she got word of what’s probably the same one, seen off West Seattle.

The photo is by Shannon Felix, who was kayaking near Jack Block Park at the time of the sighting, around 5:30 pm. This is way out of the usual range for belugas, which – as explained in this NOAA fact sheet – are generally Arctic dwellers. But they can stray – we found this report of one off San Diego last year. Kersti says she’s consulted a beluga researcher to confirm that’s what this is.

ORCAS: Southbound off West Seattle

September 24, 2021 10:16 am

| 14 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

10:16 AM: Thanks to Kersti Muul for word that orcas are passing again – southbound this time, between Bainbridge and Blake Island, “a larger group.” Let us know if you see them!

10:55 AM: Thanks for the updates in comments!

WHALES: Orcas off West Seattle

September 22, 2021 2:24 pm

| 21 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

(Added: Photo tweeted by Robin L, when orcas ventured into Elliott Bay)

2:24 PM: Thanks to Donna Sandstrom of The Whale Trail for the tip – orcas are reported off Lincoln Park, headed north. Let us know if you see them!

2:38 PM: Kersti Muul texted to say they’re transients, closer to this side of the Sound.

2:41 PM: Donna says in a comment below that it’s a group of four whales.

2:54 PM: Kersti says they’re now off Alki, spotted in the 2100 block.

3:19 PM: Update from Kersti – two groups, two females and a calf off the downtown waterfront, “second group now coming into the bay … at Duwamish Head.”

WHALES: Transient orcas visible from West Seattle

September 21, 2021 5:52 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | Whales

Up for evening whale-watching from West Seattle’s west-facing shore? Kersti Muul reports that transient orcas that spent some time in Elliott Bay earlier are now south of Blake Island, on the west side of the Sound, so you’ll need binoculars. Let us know if you see them!

ORCAS: 3 pregnant whales in J-Pod

September 13, 2021 10:07 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

Less than a week after Southern Resident Killer Whales in J-Pod came far enough south to be seen from West Seattle, there’s word the pod has three pregnancies in progress. The state Department of Fish and Wildlife issued a news release today saying the evidence is in health-monitoring drone photography by SR3. As a result, WDFW has ordered boaters to stay at least half a nautical mile away from the three pregnant orcas and any group with which they’re believed to be traveling. The three are J36 (21 years old), J37 (20 years old), and J19 (42 years old). The SRKWs have a high rate of pregnancy loss, the emergency rule points out. So it’s hoped this order will help increase the odds of successful births.

ORCAS: Southern Resident Killer Whales heading our way

September 7, 2021 5:13 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales | Wildlife

5:13 PM: The Southern Resident Killer Whales’ first local appearance of (almost) fall could be happening shortly! Members of J-Pod have been heading south in Puget Sound all day, and Donna Sandstrom of The Whale Trail just called to say that if they continue southbound, they should be in view from West Seattle around 5:30 pm or so. Thanks also to Kersti Muul for updates on their southward journey. Both have mentioned that West Seattle researcher Mark Sears headed out to see them earlier today; Donna says Mark has seen J56, the 2-year-old whale reported to be ailing, and his early word was that she looked OK – that’s of course pending a closer assessment of her condition. Anyway, assuming the orcas keep heading this way, let us know if you see them!

5:23 PM: Don’t rush down to the shore – update from Donna, they’re milling off West Point, on the north edge of Elliott Bay.

6:38 PM: We are at the west end of the Alki promenade and are seeing one in the distance to the NW.

7:04 PM: Still seeing a few blows in that same general area.

ORCAS: Another Southern Resident Killer Whale in trouble

September 3, 2021 3:59 pm

| 16 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

(File photo of calf J56 and mother J31, by Mark Sears. permit 21348)

Just a few weeks after the presumed death of Southern Resident Killer Whale K21, another resident orca is reported to be in bad shape – and this one is just two years old. News of J56’s condition is in a state Department of Fish and Wildlife news release today reminding boaters to give orcas space. In particular, the state has issued an emergency order for commercial whale-watching boats to stay at least half a mile away from J56 and the group with which she is traveling. The news release does not specify their last-known location but the Orca Network reported via its sightings email update that J-Pod was seen in the San Juan Islands earlier this week. Research has shown that vessel noise is a particular stressor for orcas, and that females tend to stop foraging for food when boats are within 400 yards. There’s more information here about giving whales space when you’re out on the water (and how to report violations if you see them).

PHOTOS: Transient orcas off Alki

September 1, 2021 6:15 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

6:15 PM: Thanks to Kersti Muul for the tip: Transient orcas are reported in Elliott Bay, close to the Alki shore, headed westbound (and out of the bay). Let us know if you see them!

7:26 PM: Added photos sent by David Hutchinson from the whales’ pass by Constellation Park.

WHALES: Southbound orcas in the area

August 8, 2021 6:35 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

Just in from Kersti Muul, word that transient orcas are back in the area – southbound off Blake Island. Let us know if you see them!

VIDEO: Rally for the River seeks support for saving orcas by saving salmon via dam-breaching

August 7, 2021 10:36 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| Environment | West Seattle news | Whales

(WSB photos/video)

This weekend, Elliott Bay is open to chinook-salmon fishing. So fishing boats were on the water this morning while activists gathered on land to demand action they say can keep the chinook from going extinct, along with another species of mammals that needs them even more than we do – the Southern Resident Killer Whales. Specifically, the Endangered Species Coalition and other groups want four dams on the Lower Snake River in Eastern Washington breached so chinook salmon can reach spawning grounds more easily. This weekend they hosted “Rally for the River” gatherings in six spots around the Northwest, and the rally spot in Seattle was just west of Seacrest. Some supporters came from afar:

Those two are members of the North Olympic Orca Pod, from Port Townsend and Port Angeles. The sign mentioning the Elwha refers to a dam removal project from last decade, considered a success. But that was just part of the puzzle for saving chinook salmon. Four hydropower dams on the Snake River in eastern Washington must be breached, advocates say, before it’s too late (read the backstory here). Time is ticking, with the presumed death of another Southern Resident orca K21. A moment of silence for him was part of the speaking program at the rally, featuring representatives of the Endangered Species Coalition, Duwamish Tribe, Environment Washington, and Orca Conservancy.

It’s not a matter of demolishing the dams, they contended – “All we have to do is move some gravel aside and let them run free.”

After speeches, some rally participants kayaked to Jack Block Park …

… while others walked.

They’re particularly looking for support from Washington’s U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, and have a take-action webpage here. The politicians, for their part, have said that any plan for the dams must address other factors too, such as electricity generation and farmers’ needs.

ORCAS: Whales visible from West Seattle

August 6, 2021 11:28 am

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| West Seattle news | Whales

Thanks to Kersti Muul for the tip. Transient orcas are southbound, south of Blake Island, so visible from west-facing West Seattle. Let us know if you see them!

WHALES: Orcas off West Seattle

August 3, 2021 3:20 pm

| 15 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

(Added: Photo by Steyn Benade, Always Local Photos)

3:20 PM: Transient killer whales are southbound on the northwest edge of Elliott Bay, reports Kersti Muul. Some of the orcas are toward the east side of the channel. Let us know if you see them!

7:02 PM: Just got a call (206-293-6302 is our hotline, 24/7) – they’re in view south of the Fauntleroy ferry terminal, “at least 4.”

(Added: Photo by Jim Moore)

7:43 PM: Photos added – thanks to the senders!

WHALES: Orcas in the area again today

July 28, 2021 9:54 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

Orcas are in central Puget Sound again today, Kersti Muul reports. They’ve already passed south West Seattle and are headed – still southbound – toward Three Tree Point, she says, but at some point they’ll have to head back this way, so be on the lookout and let us know if you see them!

WHALES: Orcas off West Seattle

July 26, 2021 12:32 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

Thanks to Kersti Muul for the tip – transient orcas are back in central Puget Sound, southbound, passing the mouth of Elliott Bay at last report. She says they’re mid-channel. Let us know if you see them! (Note: Most-recent updates are in comments below.)

WHALES: Transient orcas, northbound

July 13, 2021 3:42 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

Transient killer whales – they’re the seal-eating type rather than salmon-eating resident orcas – should be in view again soon. Thanks to Kersti Muul for the tip – she says they’re emerging from Colvos Passage west of Vashon Island, headed northbound. Since they’re on the other side of Puget Sound, you’ll want to use binoculars. Let us know if you see them!

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