Our Quest Begins
Our quest for elusive killer whales begins again today after a quiet day on the water yesterday.
We were all eager to get out to the hotspot and see what was in store for us today!
There’s something truly captivating about the vast expanse of the ocean, always holding the promise of extraordinary encounters with its inhabitants.
And today, the ocean didn’t disappoint.
Dorsal Fins and Pilot Whales
As soon as we arrived at the hotspot, our anticipation grew as we were greeted by a very slow-moving pod of long-finned pilot whales.
These magnificent creatures, numbering between 20 to 30 individuals, immediately captured our attention.
Among them were several mature males, easily distinguishable by the exceptionally broad base of their dorsal fins.
It’s fascinating to note that these fins can be more than twice as long as they are tall!
One of the adult males caught our eye as it engaged in the mesmerising behaviour known as lob tailing.
Lifting their flukes out of the water and splashing them down.
Such behaviour serves various purposes, from communication between individuals to warning off predators and even socialisation.
The Imposing Sperm Whale
However, our quest for the killer whale led us to bid farewell to the pilot whales.
As turned the Alison Maree to venture further in search of the elusive killer whales, also known as orcas.
Our perseverance paid off as we spotted another pod of approximately 20 long-finned pilot whales heading towards the others.
Adding another layer of intrigue to our journey.
Our excitement soared as we spotted a distinctive bushy blow up ahead, signalling the presence of a large sperm whale.
Sperm whales, with their imposing presence, never fail to evoke awe.
We were fortunate enough to observe this magnificent creature for six minutes before it gracefully disappeared into the depths of the canyon.
More Pelagic Species
A brief interlude in our quest for orcas led us to encounter six Indian yellow-nosed albatrosses soaring above the surface.
The bustling activity of these birds hinted at the presence of cetaceans below, further fueling our anticipation.
Quest Realised at Last
Our patience was rewarded as we laid eyes upon two massive dorsal fins belonging to two orca bulls named Nibbles and Digby.
Despite hanging back from the main pod, they exuded a commanding presence.
Intrigued, we approached the rest of their pod, where we were greeted by Razor and her calf, Lil Blade.
Their playful antics, swimming on their sides and even upside down near our boat, left us in awe of their intelligence and grace.
Among the other members of the pod were Lucy Dash, Dundette, Mia, and Galaxy, each adding to the tapestry of life in the ocean.
Witnessing their synchronised foraging behaviour, diving and resurfacing in harmony, was a sight to behold.
A Quest of Epic Proportions
As the day drew to a close, we were treated to another encounter with a sperm whale, this time a mere 200 meters from our boat.
Remarkably, it turned out to be the same male we had spotted just a couple of days ago, easily identifiable by a pronounced notch on his dorsal fin.
Capturing an ID photo of his tail fluke, (see www.happywhale.com) contributed to a vast database dedicated to understanding and conserving these majestic creatures.
To conclude our unforgettable day on the Alison Maree, we passed by Glasse Island, where Australian sea lions basked on the rocks.
Witnessing a juvenile suckling from its mother reminded us of the delicate balance of life in the ocean.
Today’s adventures reaffirmed the unpredictable nature of the sea and the wonders it holds.
It’s a reminder that every day on the water is a unique journey, brimming with the promise of discovery and awe-inspiring encounters.
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