Alki’s pod Beaked Whale hunt was successful today as the family secured a vital meal after a few days of minimal prey movement through The Patch. It was a truely beautiful day to be out on the south coast with our southern ocean mesmerisingly beautiful. Clear and silky conditions made even the tiniest of fish below the surface visible as the clarity and visual range today was the best day of the season so far. Alki and her family pod completed a successful hunt of a Beaked Whale and it is the first big hunt and feeding event for March and a good start to the month for the Orca. The weather was perfect for watching this feeding event take place as every little detail could be observed, the ocean was so still it was like looking through glass. A unique perspective as we watched Billie hold the prized skull and beak (upper and lower jaw) and carry it like a precious trophy.
During the time she would carry it the youngsters would gather near her to feed and share the meal together. It was heavy and she would sometimes release it for a few moments and because it was so clear we could watch it sink quickly before the family would dive back down to retrieve it again. Shredder, Samurai and Arry came over to visit and also were welcomed into the family meal and provided a small bit to share amongst themselves. The interactions between family pods and their ability to share food builds a strong bond amongst the individuals and today we were able to observe these special and intimate interactions. The family fed for a very long time and the meal was enjoyed right below our feet and around our vessel as the family carried over their meal to show off their achievement today.
It is always a bitter sweet observation, how wonderful that the Orca, sharks, fish and birds all receive a vital meal today but always a shame to say farewell to another beautiful Beaked Whale. Nothing ever goes to waste and that was very clear today as during each surfacing the remaining food would be smaller and smaller as the family ensured everyone was well fed. It has been a few days of travelling and rest for the Orca so today was a significant meal for them all and it was very clear to see they were not rushing their feeding process one bit. The calves had a great opportunity to learn more about food sharing and the feeding process today which was fantastic to watch the teachings and learnings take place. We were grateful for the opportunity to witness such a special interaction in such perfect weather conditions which accentuated every sound and visual aspect of this beautiful day.
