12.02.2022
In Formation
The orca we spent a large part of the morning with were identified to be Nicki, her calf and Billie. Nani, the big male bull and Neo the tiny calf were here too.
They changed to a tight group, and were spending longer periods down on each dive. Something had their attention. No surprises here considering Orca can forage for up to 80% of their day!
With more orca blows off in the distance, we parted ways here and found Nibbles, Digby and the twelve other pod members. In another tight group formation moving back west they were surfacing consistently in synchronisation. Suggesting resting behaviour. Midday Siesta.
A formation change started with a calf rolling onto its back and an oil slick appearing soon after! Nibbles and his close family members went one way and Digby and his close family went the other. We cruised along with Digby and the youngsters, every 500 metres a new slick would appear. They would dive down on the spot and resurface with another slick! Messy eaters.
As they were navigating the fishing task, a mother calf pair would give us a quick close pass on each surface. The mothers took it in turns. Razor and Blade sat in the bubbles on our stern, while Akama and Dundette took us by surprise spraying passengers with snot!
