2.04.21
Today’s post as written by our lovely Marine Biologist intern Mel Faithful.
There was movement in the sea as we headed out to see what today had in store. It was an eerie day out on the water. On a day like today we wonder which of our Orca friends we might see emerge from the blue madness of the ocean.
Gliding through the waters we encountered Split Tip, our big matriarch. With her distinct dorsal fin, we were happy to hear the crowd recognise her. An Orcas dorsal fin helps us to identify them. Those that have special nicks, scratches or shapes are those we notice more clearly out on the boat. Another special feature of our orca friends is their eye patch; a spot of white on a dark black canvas. With varying shapes and designs each orca is its own individual. On a day like today with the Orcas moving fast, all cameras were poised hard on the waters to get the special shots. Our photos allow us to distinguish the smaller details we may use to identify each orca. With each pass of the pods we were able to identify various individuals.
Today the Orcas seemed determined to find food. We followed the pods as they cruised up and down the canyon. Working as one unit they seemed to be searching and foraging the depths below. We waited intently hoping to get in on the action. With a final synchronised sweep across the surface by some of our Orca whale mates we left them to it. A satisfied feeling knowing we got to be present on another day with these astonishing animals.
