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West Seattle whale watching: Orcas swimming past us again

November 10, 2015 9:00 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

9 AM: As mentioned in our traffic/transit roundup – since the report was from a ferry – orcas are back in the area this morning. Just after 8 am, commenting on one of our stories from last week, Michele reported, “A big pod of killer whales just showed off for the passengers on the 7:50 ferry to Southworth! Huge pod going south!” She didn’t report which side of Vashon they were passing – which would make a difference for visibility from here – but Orca Network regulars say it’s the east side, so they might still be visible from south West Seattle, and of course they’ll have to head back this way eventually. Updates appreciated if you see them! (You can also text our 24/7 hotline, 206-293-6302.) *Just as we were publishing this, we also heard from Donna Sandstrom of The Whale Trail, who reports researcher Mark Sears confirmed they’re southbound off north Vashon.*

1:30 PM: Per commenters and text, they’re now passing Fauntleroy, northbound.

2 PM: We and quite a few others are along Emma Schmitz, hoping to see them soon. One request, if you’re in a car and happen to see this … please don’t idle.

2:13 PM: Saw them! They are off Emma Schmitz, midchannel. Look for the blows, and the small research boat. Visible WITHOUT binoculars! We’ve opened a new story here.

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9 Replies to "West Seattle whale watching: Orcas swimming past us again"

  • Carolyn duncan November 10, 2015 (12:51 pm)

    Over a dozen orcas south of ferry dock at north Vason. Babies.

  • Kim P November 10, 2015 (1:28 pm)

    Putting on spectacular show right in Fauntleroy Cove, heading north.

    • WSB November 10, 2015 (1:54 pm)

      I’m down off Emma Schmitz hoping to catch them and I certainly am not alone … hard to tell if I’m too soon or too late, though. Anyone who reads this and has them in view, please say where – thanks!

  • Kim P November 10, 2015 (1:56 pm)

    I’m sure they are not yet to you. They were approaching Lowman about 10 minutes ago.

    • WSB November 10, 2015 (2:00 pm)

      Thank you! The growing turnout here along Emma Schmitz is fascinating … glad so many people care.

  • Donna November 10, 2015 (2:02 pm)

    They’re heading right towards you WSB! We are watching from alki and they are heading north, close to west Seattle side!

    • WSB November 10, 2015 (2:13 pm)

      Saw them! I’m going to start an afternoon story since, well, this is really the only big thing happening right now … https://wsb.blackfin.biz/?p=328747

  • SLJ November 10, 2015 (2:13 pm)

    There are two people in a small boat very close by them. I wish they would stay further away, but they’re getting the show of a lifetime.

    • WSB November 10, 2015 (2:26 pm)

      SLJ – those are researchers – so they have permission to be close, and a lot of experience.

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