SEATTLE — Residents and tourists at Alki Beach were treated to a rare front-row seat on Friday, January 16, as a pod of orcas turned the Puget Sound into a natural theater. The whales spent over an hour performing high-energy maneuvers, including massive breaches and rhythmic tail-slaps, just a short distance from the shoreline.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Hunt is On
While the display looked like a choreographed show, experts from the Orca Network say the reality was much more wild. The group was identified as Bigg’s killer whales (Transients), a population known for hunting marine mammals.
The high-octane behavior—leaping from the water and slapping the surface—was likely part of a coordinated hunt for harbor seals. The activity was so intense it drew in a “cleanup crew” of seagulls and bald eagles, all hoping to snag leftovers from the whales’ meal.
A “Baby Boom” in the Sound
This latest sighting adds to a historic month for Pacific Northwest whale watchers. January 2026 is proving to be a landmark time for the species:
- The Southern Residents: Both J and K pods have been frequenting the Sound this week.
- New Arrivals: Researchers are keeping a close eye on two new calves—one in the endangered K-pod and a second born to the Bigg’s “Sedna” matriline—signaling a hopeful start to the year for local conservation.
Viewing Guidelines for Enthusiasts
For those hoping to catch the next appearance, local authorities emphasize land-based viewing as the most sustainable way to enjoy the whales.
| Group | Required Boating Distance | Best Viewing Spots |
| Southern Residents | 1,000 Yards | Alki Beach (West Seattle) |
| Bigg’s (Transients) | 200 Yards | Point Robinson (Vashon Island) |
| All Whales | Slow Speed / Neutral Gear | West Point (Discovery Park) |
