Dolphin days are much fun as we met the worlds largest dolphin and most mischievous with Orca and Pilot Whales sighted today along with a duo NZ Fur Seal special! It was a beautiful day and a wonderful opportunity to spend some time out on our south coast exploring and discovering the beauties who call these waters home. Plenty of Shearwaters, Albatross and Storm Petrels worked over gatherings of Skipjack Tuna and it appeared the NZ Fur Seals had enjoyed a good feast on these fish as they floated together nearby. A first Fur Seal duo as generally we tend to find just a lone individual hanging out in the canyons. Today though these two seemed pleased to have some company as they drifted together and stretched out in the morning sunshine. A commotion appeared as Pilot Whales cruised together and covered ground efficiently, little tuffs of white water filling the horizon with energy and movement.
Covering ground and on the move the Pilot Whales were happy and plenty of news bubs were sighted which is just wonderful to see. A little while later further Pilot Whales were observed moving a bit quicker than the last pod and it was soon clear why, they were chasing down the Bremer Bay Orca! Queen and Cheryl along with their family members were travelling and socialising together. After a little while they lost track of the mischievous Pilot Whales and continued to cover ground while youngsters Shadow, Prince, Wonks, Razor and Teddy began to play. Bubbles was also very excited to see us with some bouncy head lunges on our approach, she is such a beautiful girl and always seems excited to welcome us to the fun. Orca and Pilot Whales are both within the dolphin family and although they look very different from your usual Bottlenose Dolphins, many of their behaviours and movements reveal their dolphin connection.
