Post by ferryfast admin on Oct 25, 2011 14:09:07 GMT -5
They're back! Orcas return to Seattle waters
by AMY ROLPH, SEATTLEPI.COM STAFF
Published 10:27 p.m., Monday, October 24, 2011
Center for Whale Research, Kelley Balcomb-Bartok
Keep an eye out, Seattle ferry commuters. Orcas are migrating farther south in the Puget Sound in pursuit of salmon, meaning you might get an eyeful on your way to work.
Washington's orca population usually spends its time around the San Juan Islands in the north Puget Sound, but the whales venture a little farther south during the wintertime following the migration patterns of their favorite snack.
Now that orcas are heading south, the Orca Network is seeking help from amateur whale watchers. If you spot an orca, you can report it to the network by calling 1-866-ORCANET, emailing it to info@orcanetwork.org or posted about it on Facebook.
The network is trying to track and interpret orcas' winter migration patterns in Puget Sound, and volunteers are looking for information related to the location of sightings, the number of whales spotted and behavior.
"Scientists are trying to track the whales' movements to learn where the whales go to find salmon and where it's most important that toxic chemicals are cleaned up," according to a plea for information from the Orca Network.
Not sure what you're looking for? Ferry commuters should take a look at newly-posted on-board guides to identifying Puget Sound marine mammals, courtesy of the Washington State Ferries and the Whale Trail.
Visit seattlepi.com's home page for more Seattle news. Contact Amy Rolph at amyrolph@seattlepi.com or on Twitter as @amyrolph and @bigblog.
Read more: www.seattlepi.com/local/article/They-re-back-Orcas-return-to-Puget-Sound-2234135.php#ixzz1bp1LV19u
by AMY ROLPH, SEATTLEPI.COM STAFF
Published 10:27 p.m., Monday, October 24, 2011
Center for Whale Research, Kelley Balcomb-Bartok
Keep an eye out, Seattle ferry commuters. Orcas are migrating farther south in the Puget Sound in pursuit of salmon, meaning you might get an eyeful on your way to work.
Washington's orca population usually spends its time around the San Juan Islands in the north Puget Sound, but the whales venture a little farther south during the wintertime following the migration patterns of their favorite snack.
Now that orcas are heading south, the Orca Network is seeking help from amateur whale watchers. If you spot an orca, you can report it to the network by calling 1-866-ORCANET, emailing it to info@orcanetwork.org or posted about it on Facebook.
The network is trying to track and interpret orcas' winter migration patterns in Puget Sound, and volunteers are looking for information related to the location of sightings, the number of whales spotted and behavior.
"Scientists are trying to track the whales' movements to learn where the whales go to find salmon and where it's most important that toxic chemicals are cleaned up," according to a plea for information from the Orca Network.
Not sure what you're looking for? Ferry commuters should take a look at newly-posted on-board guides to identifying Puget Sound marine mammals, courtesy of the Washington State Ferries and the Whale Trail.
Visit seattlepi.com's home page for more Seattle news. Contact Amy Rolph at amyrolph@seattlepi.com or on Twitter as @amyrolph and @bigblog.
Read more: www.seattlepi.com/local/article/They-re-back-Orcas-return-to-Puget-Sound-2234135.php#ixzz1bp1LV19u