Killer Whales of Western Australia were busy again today as Lucky and her family pod were successful with a couple of squid hunts and plenty of social time enjoyed. Our first sighting for the morning though was a big surprise for our team as a tall, lofty blow was sighted moving past the Bremer Bay Boat Harbour… it was a Humpback Whale! The individual was not looking in the best shape with an emaciated body condition and increase in whale lice on the skin. We will be keeping an eye out for this Humpback Whale in the coming days and with the body condition observed it is likely this young Humpback never left our coastline to make its way back to Antarctica but instead has remained along our southern coast. Moving away from the coast and out towards The Patch all eyes scanned as we slowed for the Orca. Blows were sighted on our arrival and the family was busy as they travelled together, an impressive sight to watch on as over twenty Orca moved as one.
Lucky led the charge and travelled quickly with the family as they covered ground efficiently and appeared to be closing in on something nearby. A little while later after a steady paced surge a good sized oil slick formed and it appeared that Lucky and her family had successfully secured a mid morning meal. The family began to socialise around us with a bit of bow and wake riding as they embraced their inner dolphin. It is always thrilling to be so close to the Killer Whales of Western Australia and not only see them but also hear the strength in each exhalation. The family rested for a little while before reverting back to that powerful forage mode from earlier on as a replica of the morning unfolded with fast movements and strong foraging dives resulting in yet another oil slick. Smaller and medium sized meals all add up and ensure there is a consistent amount of food being consumed by the family pod. It also allows the Orca to place themselves in a good location where the movement of prey through the area they are working is consistent and likely to encourage the approach of larger prey. It was also clear a third predation had taken place as a much larger slick was found and Lucky approached with the family pod curiously to investigate. Earlier on in the morning we had observed white water and a short surge in this same area, it appeared a second family pod had also been successful in their foraging work today.
