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Spectacular Orcas Delight Crowds in Seattle's Alki Beach

1/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On January 16, 2026, a pod of Bigg's killer whales entertained spectators near Seattle's West Seattle neighborhood.
The orcas, known for hunting sea mammals, drew onlookers to Alki Beach.
Summer Staley traveled across the city after seeing a Facebook post from the Orca Network.
The whales breached and slapped their tails for about an hour as seabirds and a bald eagle followed seeking scraps.

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Story summary

On January 16, 2026, a pod of Bigg's killer whales entertained spectators near Seattle's West Seattle neighborhood.
The orcas, known for hunting sea mammals, drew onlookers to Alki Beach.
Summer Staley traveled across the city after seeing a Facebook post from the Orca Network.
The whales breached and slapped their tails for about an hour as seabirds and a bald eagle followed seeking scraps.