West Seattle, Washington
26 Tuesday
(Orange-crowned Warbler, photographed by Ann Anderson)
Since we celebrate birds with great photo contributions almost every day on WSB, we want to mention this here in the news stream as well as on the Event Calendar – a free event this Sunday (February 16th):
“Fall in Love with 25 Seattle Birds”
2/16/2020 @ 1-3 pm
Youngstown Cultural Arts Center
4408 Delridge Way SWHave you ever wondered what that little brown bird over there is? Or who on earth is singing so loudly outside your window at 4 a.m.? Do you consider yourself … bird curious?
Well, have we got a workshop for you!
Join Seattle Audubon and the Delridge Neighborhood Development Association to learn how to easily identify 25 common bird species right in your own backyard. You’ll learn to tell a Song Sparrow from a Dark-eyed Junco, and a Dark-eyed Junco from a Black-capped Chickadee. But that’s not all. We’ll discuss the cultural importance of Pacific Northwest birds to local tribes, threats to our feathered friends and what we can all do to protect them. Finally, we’ll end with a hands-on, in-the-field exercise that puts your new ID skills to use with the eBird community science mobile application. Participants will be challenged to continue practicing their new ID skills and eBird with the top contributor after a month receiving a special gift from Seattle Audubon!
Workshop leaders strongly recommend that participants download, install, and create an account with the eBird community science application on their smart phones prior to the workshop. Android users can download the app from Google Play. iPhone users can download the app from the App Store.
Cornell University’s Lab of Ornithology developed and maintains eBird. The app allows users to track bird observations and links to resources to aid with bird identification. Observations contributed through eBird are used by researchers at Universities, the National Audubon Society, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and have resulted in dozens of peer-reviewed scientific studies that are helping resource managers understand and protect birds.
More info here; registration is NOT required but if you want to sign up, go here.
Saturday night, we reported on Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network volunteers keeping watch on two harbor seals who turned up on Alki Beach. Here’s a followup from SSMMSN’s David Hutchinson:
Saturday afternoon, Alki Beach played host to a couple of harbor seals. It was very unusual that one of them was an adult (below).
Adult harbor seals rarely haul out on a populated beach as they have learned to be wary of humans. The fact that this animal would choose Alki, and based on body condition, some coughing and lethargic behavior, all indicate the adult seal was likely suffering from pneumonia. Many young seals are also struggling with health issues this time of year. That is why it is critical that people stay far back so these animals can rest safely.
All marine mammals are protected by federal law. If you spot any on our beaches, please keep back, ask others to stay at a distance, and leash any pets. Be sure to call the Seal Sitters Hotline at 206-905-7325. Just a friendly reminder that it is illegal for dogs to be on any Seattle Parks’ beaches on or off leash.
Seen on Alki tonight – above, the full moon rising in the distance, the reason for “king tides” that have led to a line of sandbags along the water-side edge of Statue of Liberty Plaza. Next high tide will be 12.4 feet at 5:44 am; this week’s king tides (here’s a chart) peak with a 12.9-foot high tide at 7:24 am Wednesday (February 12th). Walking a bit further east along Alki, we discovered Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network volunteers taping off part of the beach because of two harbor seals:
That’s the best we could do with two on-their-backs seals – top one, older and a bit scrawny-looking, second photo, a pup – at sunset. Remember that if you see a marine mammal on the shore, or in distress offshore, call SSMMSN at 206-905-SEAL.
(L41, Northwest Marine Fisheries Center photo)
Just days after West Seattle whale-watchers enjoyed multiple orca visits, sad news: Another Southern Resident Killer Whale is missing. In its newest report on an “encounter” with resident orcas, the Center for Whale Research notes that L41 was not with his podmates and hasn’t been seen since August: “Given his age and that he looked a little thin in our January 2019 encounter, we fear he may be gone and will consider him missing unless he shows up unexpectedly in an upcoming encounter.” As noted in a WSB report four years ago, L41 has been a prolific patriarch among the SRKWs. He was born in 1977. If he has indeed died, that would bring the SRKWs’ number down to 72, just one above the historic low of 71. (Thanks to Kersti Muul for the tip.)
(Texted photo)
2:16 PM: More orcas! Kersti Muul tells us two groups of transients are in the area – one off the east side of Vashon Island, one headed up Colvos Passage on the west side. Let us know if you see them!
3:06 PM: Texter says a small group is in view off The Arroyos, still NB.
3:13 PM: More like 10 whales, that texter updates!
3:41 PM: Watchers are now congregating across from Me-Kwa-Mooks.
4:02 PM: From there, using binoculars, we just saw a group of four!
4:26 PM: The viewers have moved north, to the west end of the Alki promenade.
4:43 PM: Photos are coming in! This is from Gary Jones:
5:07 PM: More photos – these next two are from Rick Rasmussen:
And one more from Gary:
6:07 PM: Even more photos! This one is from DerbyPhotography:
Next, from Monica Zaborac:
Thanks to everyone for sharing those sights (as well as updates)! This was the third day in a row with orcas in our area.
Through the morning and afternoon, we published updates on Southern Resident Killer Whales in the area, first southbound, then northbound before sunset. Tonight, some photos! Thanks to David Hutchinson for the first and third photo, Kersti Muul (today’s original tipster) for the one directly below:
Kersti says members of all three resident pods were in the area today; her photo above shows Onyx (L87) and Nugget (L55).
We just missed the whales by the time we got to Alki to have a look, but Donna Sandstrom of The Whale Trail was there, assisting with land-based viewing, which is one of TWT’s missions.
Almost nine months after The West Seattle Turkey showed up on the peninsula, it’s out in the cold … so some fans were worried. Along with this photo posted in a comment, we have an update from Lauren, along with the photos above and below. Lauren reports, “In case anyone’s worried about how the West Seattle Turkey is faring during these snowy days, the answer is just fine. It took refuge in our chicken run while the snow came down.”
Thanks to Lauren and everyone else who’s shared turkey sightings – some unusual, from a parking garage to a tower crane! The Turkey’s origins remain, to date, a mystery.
(Photo by Kersti Muul, last week at Constellation Park)
The most-recent California sea lion to wash up dead in West Seattle had indeed been shot. That’s the update we received tonight from Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network:
Seal Sitters just received results from the radiographs taken of our most recent dead California sea lion, towed from Constellation Park to Don Armeni boat launch for necropsy on the 3rd. This is the sea lion that had originally washed ashore on a private beach further south on Christmas Day.
The X-rays confirm that the animal was shot in the head. Projectiles will be removed from the skull and turned over as evidence to NOAA Office of Law Enforcement.
The most current Fall/Winter statistics to date of pinnipeds (seals and sea lions) confirmed shot dead in Central and South Puget Sound now stand at 9. An additional 4 deaths are suspicious, but cause was not confirmed.
For more info, go here.
As always, please report all marine mammals on shore, live or dead, to Seal Sitters’ hotline @ 206-905-SEAL (7325).
A year earlier, at least a dozen shot sea lions were found in central Puget Sound.
If you’re a frequent WSB reader, you probably know we frequently feature bird photos with the daily “West Seattle (Today)” highlights lists, thanks to some fabulous contributors. Lately we’ve received several views of bald eagles at Alki Point that deserve a separate showcase, so here goes. Above, Larry Shaw photographed two mature bald eagles; below, Gary Jones caught a juvenile eagle tussling with an older one – and it won:
And another view of the two grownups, from Don Brubeck via the WSB Flickr group:
(Mark Wangerin also photographed two side-by-side, as featured here a week ago.) Think you know all about bald eagles? Here are some fast – and local – facts from Audubon.
P.S. Big thanks to everyone who shares photos – from wildlife to breaking news! Email (westseattleblog@gmail.com) works best but if you’re photographing with your phone, texting our hotline, 206-293-6302, works too.
Another update on the California sea lion found dead this past week on West Seattle’s shore – the photo and newest info are from David Hutchinson of Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network:
Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network is happy to report that the California sea lion carcass that had been on the beach at Constellation Park was successfully removed today. The carcass was towed by Mark Sears from that location over to Don Armeni Boat Ramp, where a limited necropsy was performed by Casey Mclean, Executive Director of SR3. Samples were taken for x-ray. At this point no cause of death can be confirmed.
This was a cooperative effort and Seal Sitters would like to especially thank Mark for his assistance. Also, we greatly appreciate the part played by Seattle Parks & Recreation. Parks’ staff coordinated with Mark and provided the equipment needed to move such a large, heavy animal. They will also be responsible for final disposal.
Previous reports: Here (Thursday) and here (Tuesday).
David Hutchinson of Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network sent the photo and an update on the most-recent dead sea lion found on the West Seattle shore:
Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network would like to thank those of you who have been contacting our Hotline and reporting on the most recent dead California sea lion to wash ashore in West Seattle. Our volunteers have been keeping track of its location since it was first reported much farther south on private property along Beach Drive on Christmas Day. After a brief stop at the Emma Schmitz Overlook, the carcass is now on the beach at Constellation Park. Seal Sitters has posted an informational sign at the site.
Removal is not a simple process. Seal Sitters has been coordinating with Seattle Parks, SR3 and NOAA on the best way to deal with the situation. Burial on site is not an option, and towing offshore and sinking requires a permit from the Environmental Protection Agency. We have the beginnings of a plan in place which would include an examination and the taking of samples by Casey Mclean of SR3. Seattle Parks & Recreation will be handling the final disposal.
Reports that the animal has been shot are not confirmed at this time. Until a limited necropsy has been performed, there is no sure way of determining cause of death, much less if it was due to shooting. That said, any time a robust sea lion shows up dead, there is suspicion the animal has been possibly shot.
Once again, thanks and be sure to report any new sightings of a marine mammal, alive or dead, on West Seattle beaches to Seal Sitters Hotline (206-905-7325)
Tuesday, a WSB commenter posted a photo of The West Seattle Turkey, saying they had spotted it in the Springline garage in south Admiral. This morning, we got the photo above via email from a resident saying they too had seen it, plus another reader pointed out a social media post expressing concern The Turkey is “stuck” in that garage. We went over and looked at the ungated retail-visitor side of the garage, also peering into the gated residential side, no sign of it, but are hoping it is OK – let us know if you have updated info on its status.
The photo is from Kersti Muul, who reports another dead California sea lion has washed up on a West Seattle beach. This one, like the one found a month ago and others earlier in the year, has what could be bullet wounds, she says, while also noting that it’s considerably decomposed. The carcass has been secured to a log south of Alki Point; we haven’t yet heard about necropsy plans but will be checking with Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network, which Kersti says is aware of this. As shown in her photo (pre-securing), the carcass is marked with green paint to show that it’s been noted.
Thanks to Kim for the photo. She says Seal Sitters Marine Stranding Network volunteers were out this morning keeping watch over that harbor seal at Lincoln Park. Remember the number in case you ever spot marine mammals on the beach, or in the water but in distress – 206-905-SEAL.
SIDE NOTE: Checking the Seal Sitters’ Blubberblog to see if anything had been published about this sighting, we found this week-old post about a rescue we hadn’t heard of previously – a California sea lion in trouble off Harbor Island, saved via teamwork involving multiple organizations, agencies, and businesses.
For eight months now, The West Seattle Turkey has made the peninsula its home. When we have new reader photos (your editor here has yet to see it in person), it’s #TurkeyTuesday, usually in conjunction with ou daily highlights list, but holidays tend to bring format changes. We have two photos to show you today – above, from Rosalie Miller; below, from Meghan E Jones:
The Turkey first turned up in Arbor Heights in late April, relatively quickly found its way to the Admiral area, and has remained (mostly) there ever since. Its origins remain a mystery.
ADDED: Just in literally a minute after we published this, Lauren‘s photo and poem:
Twas the morning before Christmas, and all through the house, I could hear a tap, tap, tap…I really hoped it wasn’t a mouse. I went to investigate, and there the beast was. A long-familiar turkey, saying its alohas. It pecked at the window, and I let out a sigh. Merry Christmas Eve little turkey, you’d taste good with some pie (but the West Seattle Blog would riot, and I don’t want to die).
(Just joking, Lauren promises.)
(Photo added – orcas & MV Issaquah, by Trileigh Tucker)
9:31 AM: Thanks for the tips! Orcas are in view from Alki as they head this way, southbound. Kersti Muul says there’s at least six. Let us know if you see them!
9:54 AM: Kersti says they’re now south of the Bremerton ferry lanes and appear to be residents.
10:55 AM: Now passing Fauntleroy.
11:37 AM: Kersti says members of all three Southern Resident pods are here – J, K, and L!
(Southern Residents during pre-Thanksgiving visit, photographed by Trileigh Tucker)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Four months after the most recent news of Southern Resident Killer Whale deaths, we’ve had no further losses – but no gains, either.
So the endangered resident orcas’ population remains at 73, attendees were reminded at The Whale Trail‘s Winter Gathering this past week.
TWT executive director Donna Sandstrom gathered supporters and experts at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) both to celebrate the season and to review the whales’ status and what action you can take to help. Here are the highlights:
(Added: Photo posted in comments by James Riley)
10:27 AM: During The Whale Trail‘s event Tuesday night (our report is still in progress), local researcher Mark Sears predicted orcas would be back in this area “any day now.” Alki Point resident Gary Jones, who has shared photos here many times over the years, reports a sudden sighting this past hour – and after a period of activity including breaches, they vanished again. They were “moving slowly southbound” and close to this side at the time. If you see them pop up anywhere, let us know!
10:46 AM: Just got a text that they are in view off Alki Beach, in the Starbucks vicinity (Alki/61st).
11:02 AM: Jeff Hogan from Killer Whale Tales confirms orcas off Alki – he has them in view off 63rd/Alki. They’re transient orcas, not southern residents, adds Kersti Muul.
That’s one of many dug-up planting strips we’ve noticed lately. You might have caught crows in the act of doing the digging; one reader asked us recently why they were “tilling.” By chance, we found the answer while covering this month’s North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meeting for our smaller site White Center Now. Marta Olson from the King County Noxious Weed Program was asked about it while talking to NHUAC about an unrelated topic. The crows are after “chafer beetles,” she explained, describing those bugs as invasive non-natives that have been spreading after first turning up near Sea-Tac. We hadn’t heard that before, so we’ve been researching. Here’s some scholarly info from just north of the border. The basic explanation is that the beetle’s larvae love grass roots, and crows – among others – find the larvae irresistibly delicious.
(Brother J44 and sister J53, photographed by Mark Sears, permit 21348)
J-Pod’s recent return to our part of Puget Sound might have you wondering – how are the Southern Resident Killer Whales doing? In a week and a half, The Whale Trail will present your chance to find out. The announcement:
Whale Trail Winter Gathering featuring SRKW Research Updates by Dr. Brad Hanson”
When: Tuesday December 10, 7:00 – 8:30
–Doors open at 6:30
Where: C&P Coffee Company, 5612 California Ave. SW
Cost: $5 suggested donation; kids free
Advance tickets: brownpapertickets.commThe southern resident orcas return to the central Sound each winter, following chum salmon runs. With just 73 individuals in the population, these endangered pods are nearing their historical low. What current research is underway, and how will it help protect J, K, and L pods?
Join us for the Whale Trail Winter Gathering featuring updates from Dr. Brad Hanson, NWFSC Lead Killer Whale Researcher, and field researchers Mark and Maya Sears. TWT Director Donna Sandstrom will discuss the conclusion of Governor Inslee’s Task Force on SRKW Recovery, and actions you can take to protect the southern residents now.
Come early and get your holiday shopping done too! We’ll have great gifts for the whale fans on your list, including signed copies of Erich Hoyt’s newly released edition of Orca The Whale Called Killer.
Buy tickets now to reserve your seat. And hurry – this will likely sell out!
About the Speaker
Brad Hanson joined the Northwest Fisheries Science Center in April of 2003. Previously, Brad worked as a Wildlife Biologist at the National Marine Mammal Laboratory in Seattle, WA. Brad received a Ph.D. from the University of Washington where he worked on the development of improved tag attachment systems for small cetaceans. He also holds an M.S. in Fisheries from the University of Washington and a B.A. in Zoology also from the University of Washington. Brad is an ecologist and is currently studying foraging and habitat use of Southern Resident killer whales and health assessment of harbor and Dall’s porpoises.
About The Whale Trail
The Whale Trail is a series of sites to view orcas and other marine mammals from shore. Our mission is to inspire appreciation and stewardship of whales and our marine environment.
Through our current sites and signs, including two on every Washington State ferry, we reach more than 50 million people each year. The Whale Trail is led by a core team of partners including NOAA Fisheries, Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary and washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Many members of the team first met on the successful effort to return Springer, the orphaned orca, to her pod.
The Whale Trail was founded and is directed by Donna Sandstrom. Donna served as a member of Governor Jay Inslee’s Southern Resident Orca Recovery Task Force. The Whale Trail is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, registered in Washington State. Join us!
Here’s our coverage of The Whale Trail’s event back in September, featuring Erich Hoyt.
(Photo courtesy Seal Sitters)
On Monday, we reported on a sea lion found dead just south of Lowman Beach Park. Today, Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network sends word that a necropsy has confirmed it was shot to death – and they have an “urgent request”:
Yesterday we examined the dead California sea lion discovered on Monday at Lowman Beach. A necropsy was done by a team from the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife Marine Mammal Investigations and SR3, assisted by Seal Sitters. Examiners recovered a bullet, confirming the suspicion that the otherwise healthy animal had been shot. This case will be turned over to NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement and is the fifth confirmed gunshot sea lion in Puget Sound and Hood Canal since August.
Seal Sitters requests your help in stopping the violence against sea lions and seals. If you hear gunfire coming from the water, please call 911 immediately. If you witness harassment of marine mammals, please call Seal Sitters at 206-905-SEAL (206-905-7325). You can also report incidents to NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement at 800-853-1964.
Many thanks to the property owners who gave us permission to secure the carcass until it could be examined. After the necropsy, the carcass was towed and sunk under permit from the EPA.
This is the second Thanksgiving Day in a row with a report like this – last night we were just checking the archive for last year and noted this report about 13 sea-lion deaths linked to “acute trauma from human interaction.”
Spyhopping (above) and breaching (below), Southern Resident Killer Whales put on a show as they passed West Seattle again late today, headed northbound after this morning’s southbound pass. Thanks to Trileigh Tucker for sharing the photos.
Thanks to Trileigh, Kersti Muul, and everybody else who provided orca-sighting reports today! Text or call 206-293-6302 with breaking news – that include whales! – any time.
(WSB photo)
On private shoreline south of Lowman Beach Park, volunteers from Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network are dealing with a dead sea lion. They describe it as a full-grown male, appearing to be in good condition aside from a wound which they are calling “suspicious.” Though a necropsy would be required to make the determination, two experienced wildlife observers who tipped us to the discovery say it might have been shot. Seal Sitters says the removal plan is still a work in progress; they’ve been working on securing the carcass, with high tide three hours away.
P.S. If you see a marine mammal on the shore – or in potential distress offshore – Seal Sitters’ hotline is 206-905-SEAL.
| 1 COMMENT