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Orca

Orcas are wonderful creatures. Matriarchal society and very close family groups. In Washington State there are two eco-types. Salmon eating or Southern Residents that are endangered and the mammal eaters or Transients who eat seals, sea lions, porpoises and other prey. Hunting behaviors are different for both and they are fascinating to observe.

New Orca Calf

This was taken at Peninsula Valdez, Argentina. We were there to see the orca hunt the sea lions on the beach and our Naturalist spotted two new calfs. 2022

Orca on The Hunt 1

Orca on the hunt in Argentina. They will beach themselves to get a tasty baby sea lion but they were only scouting here. 2022

On the Hunt 2

These orca were scouting for baby sea lions but did not attempt to catch one in front of us. 2022

Orca Family

This family swam by us with a new calf. Peninsula Valdez, Argentina. 2022

T124A's

This Transient Orca family was taken in Saanich Inlet in Canada in March 2022. The calf is only 4 months old. You can see that in its size but also that the light areas are more cream colored which is true of all babies.

Orca vs. Sea Lion

This was taken off Spieden Island in the San Juan's. I think this orca was just messing with the sea lion. They are very efficient when they kill. 2021

Sea Lion Escape

You can see the sea lion escaped the tail pounding it was about to get. Near Spieden Island, WA. 2021

Resting Line

Orca line up like this. They are conscious breathers so unlike us, they have to remember to breathe. 2021

T123 Sydney

This is Sydney, doing a spy hop and checking us out. 2020

Orca Spy hops for meal

In Antarctica we were fortunate to see a group of three orca hunting for seals. This is a fur seal. They want Weddell Seals. One would pop up, then the other as if to say, 'Nope, not fat enough.' 2019