Going Whale Watching? What to look for!

Orca Breach  ©2008 Carole May

Whale watching is a lot of fun. It’s even more fun if you know the behaviors of the whales and what to look for.  

Here are some to watch for!

Breach: Undoubtedly the most popular activity for whale watchers and photographers alike. The orca leaps out of the water and then lands on its side, sending water flying through the air.
 

Spyhop!
©2009 Carole May

Spyhop: the orca lifts its head above the water to look around at its surroundings. It is thought that they do this to look for prey, to see where the other orcas are, or to watch for boats. We can also wonder if they are curious about us, and perhaps, people watching :-)

Taillob           ©2009 Carole May

Taillob: an orca lifts its tail out of the water and then smacks it down. This is said to frighten the fish who then group together making it easier for the orca to feed on them.

Bellyflop        ©2009 Carole May

Bellyflop:  an orca leaps out of the water, but lands on on its belly.

Pectoral Slap  ©2002 Carole May

Pectoral slap: the orca raises its pectoral fin and slaps it against the water.

Photo by Carole May       ©2009