Scratchpad: Gray whale, orca sightings
Dec. 13—Orcas are a rare sight to behold, even in their home waters. Their breaching and spyhopping above the sea's edge is such an event, in fact, that even in Washington's San Juan Islands, where whale watching tours abound, a single appearance is enough to prompt an intercom announcement over the state ferry system.
In the Columbia River Estuary, despite rich feeding grounds, sightings are even less common. A 2018 report noted the first known orca spotted near the Astoria Bridge, a sight that followed previous reports of foraging near the mouth of Willapa Bay.
The visitor belonged to a group known as transient killer whales, those that feed on mammals as opposed to northern and southern residents that feed on fish.
November marked the latest in a series of sightings, this time a family of four, spotted by wildlife photographer Mark Ludwick near Hammond. Images identified the group of orcas as members of the T137 family, often spotted foraging for seals and sea lions in Puget Sound, but seen for the first time in Oregon.
Astorians remain unlikely to spot orcas feeding near the bridge, but may have better luck at Ecola State Park or Neahkahnie Mountain.
Mid-December marks the beginning of winter whale migration season. Through January, thousands of gray whales — and a few orca pods — will make their way toward warmer waters, a promising sight along the coast.
