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Wildlife 1869 results

ORCA ALERT: Northbound off West Seattle
May 21, 2019 4:35 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Whales | Wildlife

(Added: Photo by Gary Jones)

ORIGINAL REPORT, 4:35 PM: Thanks for the tips! We’ve gotten several about northbound orcas passing west-facing West Seattle. Most recently, Kersti Muul – who says it’s the T65a transients – reports they’re passing Fauntleroy. Let us know if you see them!

(Added: Photo by Eilene Hutchinson)

ADDED 9:23 PM: Thanks for the photos! And also thanks to the commenters for the updates as they passed our shores.

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West Seattle scene: Fins and feathers
May 20, 2019 11:55 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife

Thanks to Trevor Simonton for the photos from Sunday, taken from the shore at Lincoln Park. He writes:

My wife and I saw some kind of porpoises (and a harbor seal) fishing off of the Fauntleroy ferry terminal … I thought it would be fun to share some pics.

We would love to get some opinions on what kinds of fins we saw… maybe Harbor Porpoise? Dall’s Porpoise? (on the far right of the pic of the paddleboarder there’s a harbor seal’s head… he was bobbing up and down along with the porpoises)

Trevor’s photos included one that needs no ID help:

As for the fins – even with a species guide like the one offered by The Whale Trail, we couldn’t tell. Can you?

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WEST SEATTLE TURKEY: School sightings
May 20, 2019 6:10 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife

At our West Seattle Bee Festival booth on Saturday, the bird we have uncreatively nicknamed “The West Seattle Turkey” was Topic A with those who stopped by to say hi. So we’re sharing news of three sightings today. Above is a photo sent by Lily this afternoon when the turkey turned up in the 3200 block of Walnut SW, just a bit south of West Seattle High School, where Zoe caught this quick clip:

Zoe reports, “The turkey that has been roaming around was behind the woodshop at West Seattle High School this morning. A fun addition to 4th period. And it was still in the area this afternoon – this photo’s from Ray:

Ray saw it this afternoon on the northeast side of the WSHS campus. As Rose reported last week, the turkey seems to have settled in the general east Admiral area. Sightings began in southwest West Seattle three weeks ago. No one’s come forward to say they’re missing a turkey; we’ve checked with the Seattle Animal Shelter and they’re mystified too.

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ORCA ALERT: NB, off Fauntleroy
May 18, 2019 6:55 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Second orca alert of the day! This time from Jeff Hogan of Killer Whale Tales, reporting northbound orcas in the Fauntleroy ferry lanes. Let us know if you see them!

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ORCA ALERT: Whales headed this way, southbound
May 18, 2019 9:22 am
|    Comments Off on ORCA ALERT: Whales headed this way, southbound
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Add to the list of things you can do today – go look for orcas! Kersti Muul sends word there are whales just north of Elliott Bay, headed southbound. Let us know if you see them!

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WEST SEATTLE TURKEY: Settled in?
May 17, 2019 1:03 am
|      42 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife

Almost three weeks after we started getting reports of sightings, the West Seattle Turkey seems to have settled into the east Admiral vicinity. The latest photos and report are from Rose De Dan of Wild Reiki and Shamanic Healing, who sent this on Thursday morning:

It appears that the turkey has made our neighborhood its home.

Every day I put nuts out for my crow friend Rogue and the squirrels. Both often come calling at my front door, and the squirrels will be really pushy and start banging on the window if they don’t get service. I jokingly refer to my house as the Wild Rose Café.

This morning I opened my front door to find the turkey standing right there, looking in, and asking for breakfast. Apparently he had heard the rumors. I’m not kidding, I have photos, and video!

He preferred the bird seed I put out, drank out of the birdbath, and then wandered on down the street where he had a bit of an interaction with two neighbor cats. It was an interesting dance. They were more curious than anything else.

Right now he is back, and warning off the squirrels from HIS pile of food. He puffs up to look really intimidating and has a go at them.

It appears that I may have been adopted by the turkey, and honestly, I am no longer sure he is wild, but he is welcome to stay. He is clucking right outside my front door at the moment.

Our previous report with multiple sightings is here.

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ORCA ALERT: Transient killer whales headed this way
May 16, 2019 11:11 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Just got the tip from Kersti Muul: A group of orcas identified as the T-65a transients (who, she notes, include a year-old calf) is headed southbound, seen off Yeomalt Point on Bainbridge Island [map]. Midchannel, so if you go out looking, bring binoculars. Let us know if you see them! We’ll keep updating this story, though we’re working on a lot today so it won’t be at the top of the stream for long.

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Puget Sound orca protection: What’s next? Find out with The Whale Trail on Thursday
May 14, 2019 3:37 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

(Photo by Mark Sears – permit 21348)

What did the Legislature approve to protect Puget Sound orcas, and what happens next? You can find out at The Whale Trail‘s next gathering, which also will feature orca researcher Mark Sears. Here’s the announcement for the event Thursday night (May 16th):

“Celebrate Orca Legislation and Puget Sound Orca Update Featuring Mark Sears”

When: Thursday, May 16, 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.com

Last week Governor Jay Inslee signed five bills to protect southern resident orcas. The new laws will reduce vessel noise and disturbance, improve salmon habitat, reduce contaminants, provide protection from oil spills, and educate boaters. The Canadian Government also announced new measures to protect orcas including establishing feeding sanctuaries for the orcas and setting a distance setback of 400 yards for all vessels. A good week for the whales!

Join us to celebrate a new era in orca protection, and hear an update about orca activity in Puget Sound from whale researcher Mark Sears. Learn what’s next for orcas, the Task Force, and the Whale Trail, and how you can help!

Buy tickets now to reserve your seat.

Our report on last month’s Whale Trail gathering/presentation is here.

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FROM SEAL SITTERS: Sad start to pupping season; two chances to help
May 14, 2019 11:57 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | Wildlife

The photo and report are from David Hutchinson on behalf of Seal Sitters Marine Stranding Network:

Seal Sitters’ 2019 harbor seal “pupping season” got off to an early and sad start this past Saturday. Harbor seal pups in our area of Puget Sound are normally born from late June – September. Our Hotline (206-905-7325) received a call from a resident along Beach Drive, reporting what appeared to be a seal pup along with two other seals on an offshore raft. It was later determined that the pup was deceased and it was retrieved at low tide, after the two larger seals had left. It was then taken to the WDFW Marine Mammal Investigations facility for a necropsy. We received a preliminary report today that the pup weighed 4.5 kg (10 lbs.), was 62 cm (24 in) in length and most likely was a “3rd trimester stillborn”. Further tests are planned, funded by Seal Sitters. For additional details, please see this link.

Also, you have two upcoming chances to volunteer on behalf of local wildlife and a healthier Puget Sound:

If you are interested in volunteering with Seal Sitters, our next training session has been scheduled for Saturday, June 15th. Seating is limited so an RSVP is required. Please use (this link) for more details, including instructions on how to RSVP.

Also: Seal Sitters along with our neighboring network Sno-King Marine Mammal Response and SR3 are co-sponsoring our annual Alki Beach cleanup on Saturday, June 29th. For more details and for instructions on how to RSVP (requested, but walkups are also welcome) for this event, please use (this link).

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WEST SEATTLE TURKEY: Mystery bird still moving east
May 10, 2019 2:28 pm
|      32 COMMENTS
 |   Seen around town | West Seattle news | Wildlife

FRIDAY REPORT: Thanks to Lynn Hall for the newest photo of the “West Seattle turkey,” two weeks since we started hearing about sightings and receiving photos. It seems to still be headed north/east – Lynn spotted it along Alki Avenue this morning; that’s where Jan Pendergrass saw it on Thursday:

Sighting reports started in Seola, moved through Arbor Heights and Fauntleroy, along Beach Drive, to Alki Point, and now north/eastward along Duwamish Head. Still no word of anyone looking for a missing turkey. We’re checking with the Seattle Animal Shelter to see if they’ve had any reports from elsewhere in the city; three years ago, SAS speculated the turkey seen around town then might have escaped from a “private flock.”

SATURDAY UPDATE: Still headed east – but now south, with sightings in Fairmount Ravine and Belvidere:

That photo is from Catherine, who says, “Just saw the turkey this afternoon while walking through our neighborhood. Made me smile. Up on 38th Ave SW in the Belvedere neighborhood.”

SUNDAY REPORT: A photo from 10:30 am at 38th SW/Olga:

Thanks for sending the updates!

MONDAY UPDATES: Jody spotted it on “37th Ave SW between Stevens and Olga.”

Then it turned up in Tim‘s garden int the 2700 block of 38th SW:

After garden mayhem, Tim reported, the turkey took a nap.

TUESDAY UPDATES: The reports we received today were from the same general area. From Michael Ross:

From Regan:

There might be a reason the turkey’s lingered there. Rose De Dan of Wild Reiki and Shamanic Healing said she invited it to visit. She finally got to see it:

Tonight, around 7:30 p.m. I heard the very loud and distinct sound of a turkey gobbling! I looked out my front window which faces 39th and Lander, and there he is in all his puffed up glory, strutting down the street, gobbling away, and headed right toward my house. It is definitely a he, since only the males gobble. He is issuing a call to any lady turkeys in the nearby vicinity. Poor guy, I sincerely hope he finds a lady love.

He is definitely wild. As soon as I opened my front door he hightailed it in the direction of the greenbelt that runs behind the houses across the street from me. The neighbors have seen him fence hopping from yard to yard.

I did not see him again, but heard him gobbling away for a little while longer. I am so grateful that he came to call (literally), and I hope that he finds the female turkey of his dreams …

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SIGHTINGS: The West Seattle turkey continues heading north
May 6, 2019 7:10 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Seen around town | West Seattle news | Wildlife

One week ago – Arbor Heights and Seola. A few days ago, Fauntleroy. Now … still northbound:

Fred sent that photo after a Beach Drive backyard sighting on Sunday. Today, a texted photo from Alki Point:

Where will “the West Seattle turkey” turn up next? Is it the same one that wandered the peninsula exactly three years ago? We haven’t yet checked in with Seattle Animal Shelter but that year, they told us their guess was that the wandering turkey had escaped from “someone’s private flock.”

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PHOTOS: Turkey (?) turns up in another West Seattle neighborhood
May 4, 2019 4:02 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   Seen around town | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Same turkey (at least, that’s the majority vote on ID so far) as last Sunday in Seola? Charles sent the top photo today after the big bird showed up in his backyard near Lincoln Park; Jon sent the photo below after a backyard visit in Fauntleroy on Friday:

As noted last weekend, the previous wave of turkey sightings was right about this time three years ago.

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Salmon in the Schools: A double first at Fauntleroy Creek
April 30, 2019 11:10 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news | Wildlife

(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)

Every spring, salmon fry like these are released into Fauntleroy Creek with the hopes of students, educators, and volunteers swimming right along next to them. Today, these were the first school-raised fry of the year to be set free. And the occasion brought another first:

Fifth-graders from Louisa Boren STEM K-8 are the first at their school to participate in the Salmon in the Schools program. They arrived by bus at Fauntleroy Park in the midmorning sun and headed to the creek:

Watershed steward Judy Pickens tells us that lead teacher Christina Massimino and students at Boren have “jumped in” wholeheartedly with a lot of environmental learning tied to coho-raising in the four months since eggs were delivered.

Another 19 releases are planned in the next month. Judy adds, “Volunteers Dennis Hinton, Pete Draughon, and Shannon Ninburg will be in the woods again this year, dipping fish, looking out for safety, and coordinating habitat exploration.”

After the fry are freed, it’s off to Judy’s end of the creek, closer to the overlook across from the Fauntleroy ferry dock, for Q&A and lunch. The annual cycle at Fauntleroy Creek also includes the fall watch for spawners; last year, volunteers counted 18, the most in four years.

P.S. In case you haven’t already seen it, Fauntleroy Creek – and Dennis and Judy – got a TV showcase this week.

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West Seattle whale-watching: Orcas nearby
April 24, 2019 5:31 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle whale-watching: Orcas nearby
 |   West Seattle news | Whales | Wildlife

Thanks to Kersti Muul for word that orcas are in the area – southbound transient killer whales passing Bainbridge’s Restoration Point as of a little while ago. Let us know if you see them!

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Can Southern Resident Killer Whales be saved from extinction? Optimism surfaces on The Whale Trail
April 22, 2019 10:25 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news | Wildlife

(November 2018 photo by Trileigh Tucker – resident orcas being observed by licensed researchers)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Many point out that Earth Day isn’t really about saving the planet – it’s about saving those who live on it, ourselves included.

Some are in more imminent danger than others. In particular, the Southern Resident Killer Whales, whose plight was the focus of this month’s Orca Talk, presented by The Whale Trail.

Their population remains at 75, only four above their historic low of 71. “If they go below 71, no one can say whether they’ll come back.”

That was the somber reminder from both TWT founder/executive director Donna Sandstrom and the Thursday night event’s featured guest, retired marine-mammal expert Dr. Tim Ragen. He opened with toplines on his background, including working on the Marine Mammal Commission in D.C. 2000-2013. More recently – in “retirement” – he’s spent time focusing on other species in danger,from Hawaiian monk seals to Florida manatees.

Addressing the status of the SRKWs, Dr. Ragen explained that the number 75 doesn’t tell the whole story.

Read More

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FOLLOWUP: Local participation in investigation of Elliott Bay gray-whale death
April 19, 2019 9:47 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife

Back on Monday, we mentioned that a juvenile gray whale was found dead in Elliott Bay. We found out last night that local observers were part of what happened next. The photos and update were subsequently shared by David Hutchinson of Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network:

It was reported to Sno-King Marine Mammal Response, our partner network to the north. WDFW Enforcement towed the whale up to a site on Whidbey Island, where a necropsy was performed that afternoon. While the whale was not found in Seal Sitters’ West Seattle territory, we were present to observe the procedure.

The necropsy team included participants from Cascadia Research, WDFW Marine Mammal Investigations, SR3 and World Vets. Measurements were taken and samples of the blubber, baleen (photo below), and various organs were collected for later analysis.

No food remains or plastics were found in the whale’s stomach.

Please see Seal Sitters’ Blubberblog for additional details and a link to the preliminary report by Cascadia Research.

Archives note: It’s been exactly nine years since a young gray whale stranded and died in West Seattle.

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WHALES: Dead gray in Elliott Bay today; Orca Talk on Thursday
April 15, 2019 2:21 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife

Two whale-related notes:

DEAD GRAY WHALE: Thanks to Kersti Muul for the tip on this – a dead juvenile gray whale was found near the Coast Guard station on the downtown waterfront and towed away. Cascadia Research Collective will do the necropsy to determine the cause of death.

ORCA TALK THURSDAY: The Whale Trail‘s next Orca Talk is 7 pm Thursday at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor). The announcement, if you haven’t already seen it in our calendar:

(Spyhopping Southern Resident, 12/18, Mark Sears, Permit 21348)

Recovering the Southern Residents: lessons learned from other populations
Presentation by Dr. Timothy Ragen

With just 75 individuals in the population, the southern resident orcas are in danger of going extinct. Is it too late? What will it take to recover the southern residents, and what can we learn from similar efforts with other populations?

Dr. Tim Ragen will review the status of the southern resident killer whale population and then review conservation efforts for other marine mammals to highlight lessons learned and relevant to killer whale conservation.

Whale Trail Director Donna Sandstrom will also give an update on orca legislation, and Governor Inslee’s Task Force on SRKW Recovery.

Buy tickets now to reserve your seat.
$5 suggested donation; kids free.

Donna also sent word today that TWT has just been spotlighted in this KNKX Radio feature.

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For the orcas, for us all: Volunteer for Duwamish Alive! on April 20th
April 10, 2019 9:39 pm
|    Comments Off on For the orcas, for us all: Volunteer for Duwamish Alive! on April 20th
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | Wildlife

(WSB photo from spring 2018 Duwamish Alive!)

Are you registered yet to volunteer for the spring Duwamish Alive! event – multiple locations on Saturday, April 20th? This time, the focus is on how your help can assist in saving Puget Sound’s endangered orcas. Here’s the official announcement:

One of the key elements identified by the Governor’s Task Force in saving our Southern Resident Orcas is not just saving our salmon runs but also increasing the vitality and abundance of salmon runs, especially Chinook Salmon. They are the primary food source, almost exclusively, for Southern Resident Killer Whales. The Green-Duwamish Watershed is home to all 5 species of salmon, including Chinook. The Task Force identified restoring and increasing salmon habitat as one of the 3 primary actions required to save our orca and where individuals can make a positive difference in the orca’s survival and in improving the overall health of our watersheds. Orca are among many wildlife that are dependent on salmon for their survival. Volunteering throughout the year to improve salmon habitat with the many organizations dedicated in improving salmon health in the Puget Sound region will make a difference for the orcas’ survival.

Duwamish Alive! is a watershed-wide effort in improving the health of our salmon by restoring their habitat which provides food, shelter and cool, clean water that salmon need. Starting at 10:00 am Saturday, April 20th, volunteers will be restoring native habitat in multiple urban parks and open spaces from Seattle to Auburn in the ongoing effort to keep our river alive and healthy for our communities, salmon, and Puget Sound. Proving that many individuals working together can make a substantial difference.

Duwamish Alive! is a collaborative stewardship effort of conservation groups, businesses, and government entities, recognizing that our collective efforts are needed to make lasting, positive improvements in the health and vitality of the Green-Duwamish Watershed. Twice a year these events organize hundreds of volunteers to work at multiple sites in the river’s watershed, connecting the efforts of communities from Auburn to Seattle. Volunteers’ efforts include, a river cleanup by kayak, shoreline salmon habitat restoration, and native forest revitalization.

To volunteer, visit www.DuwamishAlive.org to see the different volunteer opportunities and RSVP to the contact for the site of your choice, or email info@duwamishalive.org

P.S. Even if you can’t volunteer, consider stopping by Roxhill Bog on Duwamish Alive! day, 11 am-1 pm – a special event there will help advance long-running efforts to fix hydrologic problems that threaten its future.

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ORCA ALERT: ‘Small group’ passing West Seattle
April 9, 2019 10:01 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

10:01 AM: Just in from Kersti Muul – orca alert! She says a small group, probably transients, is headed southbound, off Alki. Let us know if you see them!

11:11 AM: David Hutchinson saw them – from Constellation Park – and sent the photo we just added above.

1:55 PM: Kersti reports in comments that they are headed back northbound!

2:25 PM: Update from Kersti – they’re “just north of the Fauntleroy ferry, NB on the east side of the channel.” Research boat headed that way, too.

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PHOTOS: Orcas off West Seattle, headed southbound
April 5, 2019 8:18 am
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

(Added: Photo by Gary Jones)

8:18 AM: We’ve just received multiple reports of orcas in the area right now! Five seen headed southbound, south of Alki Point. Please let us know if you see them!

(Added: Photo by Gary Jones)

8:50 AM: Thanks to Jim, Kersti, and Betsy for the alerts. Jim was first to call and subsequently has reported multiple groups.

(Added: Photo sent by Lori)

9:37 AM: Still in view if you look toward Blake Island, we’re told. Kersti says they’re transients. Adding more photos – thank you, everyone!

FRIDAY NIGHT: Thanks for the photos added in comments! Also, Jim Borrow caught this view of the Vashon Water Taxi Sally Fox whale-watching:

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West Seattle whale watching: Orcas in the area
March 27, 2019 3:29 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Just got a text from Kersti Muul – orcas are passing West Seattle! Off Blake Island, midchannel, southbound right now.

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Fauntleroy Creek gets new native plants – just in time for fish!
March 4, 2019 1:46 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Big news from Fauntleroy Creek steward Judy Pickens: “(Volunteer) Dennis (Hinton) just spotted six fry zipping around in the lower creek – our first sighting of home hatch from the fall spawning!” That’s two days after volunteers’ “snow-postponed planting party” – here’s Judy’s report:

(Photos by Kersti Muul)

A dozen volunteers came out over the weekend to install 200 native plants on city-owned property in lower Fauntleroy Creek.

The work party was part of a multi-year Green Seattle Partnership project to improve water quality, eliminate invasive species, and benefit wildlife. A contractor has been weeding the 12,550 sf open-space site adjacent to the fish ladder and planting the steep slope.

Forest steward Peggy Cummings organized the planting party for the Fauntleroy Watershed Council.

Back to the salmon: Volunteer creek-watchers counted 18 last fall.

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Yard work? Be careful, for hummingbirds’ sake. Here’s what to look for
March 2, 2019 8:15 am
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife

Kersti Muul sent that hummingbird photo with the note, “Little Anna’s on the last stages of building her nest. A welcome reminder for people to check before the zealous spring pruning!” Since the weekend sunshine may have many outside pruning, as well as cleaning up what the February snows brought down, we asked her if there was more to say and show about what and who to watch for. She shared this, photos included:

Anna’s hummingbirds start nesting as early as December and can go through June. They love yards that have bright flowers (this one is in a camellia bush). They also nest where there are feeders because of the reliable, safe and close food source.

Look for tiny nests (see photo of my finger with an old nest for scale) usually on slightly downward facing [often forked] branches over an open space that have cover, but are also accessible to the fast-flying beauties. The nests are very delicate; they are constructed of spider webs, lichen, moss, feathers, and fluffy soft material (this one has dog-toy stuffing). This particular bird has been building this nest since around February 18, and is still perfecting it; now she is deepening the bowl by building up the rim.

The snow storm was catastrophic to many plants and I know people are anxious to get pruning.

Just take a peek around the borders of plants and maybe one to two feet back. They are really well camouflaged, especially before the last stages when there is usually some visible white fluff inside it. Anna’s are extremely territorial and if you are near a nest, they usually will have something to say to you, or may dive at your head. If you see hummers in the area, pay attention to where they travel, perch, feed etc. They just may lead you right to the nest.

Another clue is fuzzy nesting material stuck to their often-sticky beaks, as well as cleaning the beak back and forth on twigs. I watched this one take lichen off a nearby tree trunk to add to her nest.

Remember; it is illegal to tamper with an active nest. If you knock a nest down, try to put it back as close as possible to where it was.

But, Kersti – a community naturalist and conservation specialist – stresses that “if the tree is presenting a hazard, then of course safety should come first.”

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