Many islanders have been lucky enough to see visiting orcas in nearby waters in recent weeks. All the southern residents of J Pod have been nearby and were joined by L87, the longtime companion of J2, or “Granny,” who died in 2016 at 105. All of K Pod has been present, as has Vivaldi, a humpback whale spotted passing through.

Widely photographed since their arrival, the orcas appeared to be relaxed and were socializing, according to Ann “Orca Annie” Stateler of the Vashon Hydrophone Project.

“I’m seeing stuff that reminds me of 15 years ago, how they would use the waters around the island,” she said, adding that contrary to worries on social media suggesting the orcas are suffering from “peanut head,” a sign of malnourishment, it is not the case for most, though several are underweight.

Above, southern resident Alki (J36) breaches near Vashon on Nov. 8.