Surge before the storm was thrilling today as the Orca flew through the swell at huge speeds pursuing their prey as it evaded them into the growing storm headed our way. It was set to be a high paced, energy filled and fun tour as a morning of good weather was set to change with a strong westerly storm front arriving in the early afternoon. Heading out we enjoyed a speedy arrival to the sighting grounds and within moments of arriving at The Patch we were surrounded by the beautiful Orca, excited and ready for some fun times ahead. Playing and socialising together, we smiled to see matriarchs Queen, Valerie, Alki and Cheryl hanging back as the members of their family pod took the opportunity to play and enjoy their Sunday morning of family fun.
The boys from the family pods moved away from the youngsters and females to make the most of some time with fellow males, a rarity for the boys in the family as they are always travelling with the females of their pod. Playtime was interrupted by a huge increase in energy as the call went out and the surge was on! Flying towards the west, we watched on as Orca surrounded us as far as the eye could see and lit up the southern coast with their fierce energy and speed. It appeared they were likely chasing a Beaked Whale as they moved with huge momentum but a sharp turn to slightly deeper water had the Orca puzzled and following in their preys movements. It appeared after a little while what they had been chasing miraculously had gotten away from them for now, although they are apex predators not every forage attempt will end in success.
It didn’t seem to both the youngsters and males of the family pods involved though as they reverted straight back to social time. It was also very special to spend some time with enormous male Biggs, he is looking well and you can learn more about why he is named in honour of Dr Michael Bigg in this link here. The winds were growing as the forecast had indicated and our team was keeping a close eye on the weather, the south coast deserves the utmost respect as just like the Orca its power and strength should never be underestimated. It was perfect timing by the Orca as they started to regroup and settle after a high energy filled morning of fun and movement. Although this prey had evaded them for now we were confident that they would have success in the coming hours ahead. The storm’s energy intensified just as we returned to the Bremer Bay Boat Harbour, witnessing the south coast transition from a serene, calm day to the wild, blustery winds from the west.
