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Going Whale Watching? What to look for!
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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.
Logging: the orca rests on the surface for a few seconds.
While scientists surmise as to why orcas and other whales exhibit these behaviors, no one really knows for sure. See how many you can recognize the next time you go whale watching!
Photo by Carole May ©2009
For more info:
Whale Photography - How to photograph an orca
How are Orcas identified? Who is Who?
Killer Whales 101 - Orcinus Orca
Center for Whale Research
Whale Photography - How to photograph an orca
How are Orcas identified? Who is Who?
Killer Whales 101 - Orcinus Orca
Center for Whale Research
More About:
Orcas ·
killer whales ·
pods ·
Center for Whale Research ·
photography ·
whale photography ·
photographing orca ·
behaviors ·
breach ·
spyhop
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