Orcas Make Rare Winter Visit To Puget Sound

Saturday, February 21, 2009
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, WASHINGTON - Whale researchers are getting a rare treat.

Two resident orca pods are in Puget Sound for a rare winter visit.

"This is rare in the last few decades," said Ken Balcomb of the Center for Whale Research. "Back in the 70s they'd visit once a month during the winter, but not lately."

Balcomb and other researchers believe the "L" and "K" pods are cruising through, possibly in search of Chinook or Coho.

From SkyKING, KING 5 News was able to spot about 40 orcas including one very small one which may be one of two newborns spotted recently near Vancouver Island.

Source: KING 5 News