Orca hunting and chasing Antarctic Fur Seals

in #life7 years ago

This encounter was pretty damn sweet!! We spotted these guys just a few miles away from Deception Island, where we had been visiting in the morning. Shortly after lunch we spotted them from a distance and before I knew it we had dozens of black and white fins surfacing on all sides of the vessel. Then to make this encounter even more amazing we could see that the orca were playing with and chasing a group of fur seals.


SIMPLY AWESOME!
I LOVE IT!


The pod of orca were being followed by a few small Wilson Storm Petrels too, which suggested there was at least one killed and eaten whilst we were observing them. The petrels enjoy any scraps that the orca do not eat, which float up to the surface.


IMG_7754.jpg

Orca circling and herding an Antarctic fur seal (top right).
Click image to view full size.

It didn't take long to realize they were just toying with the seals. Herding them in various directions that the orca wanted them to go. I do know if they wanted to kill them, it would be over in seconds BUT the orca seemed to enjoy slowly playing with their food.


Got any questions for me whilst I am working away down in Antarctica??? Feel free to leave some in the comments below and I shall do my best to get to them as soon as I have reliable internet service!!!


Thanks for reading and all the support, Steemit!!

Dont forget to Upvote & Resteem!!!

All stories & photographs are of my own work unless noted under the picture in question.

For more stories and photos check out my Instagram feed: https://www.instagram.com/thomas_mitchell2912/

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What is the lowest temperature that you have recorded since you arrived in Antarctica?

You have such an amazing job.

i'm always a bit sad to see these nature videos. i know survival of the fittest but anyway its sad to see

I Upvote & Resteem!! done (y)

Great photos, beautiful orca on the sea

It is really a matter of fact that you can see them directly in Antarctica. That's not all. I do not know how happy you are with them, but I've got lots of fun watching the pictures. I have a question. They like to play during they are eating but why?

I love your stuff. Very interesting photos and stories behind them. Following :-)

Lol,what did you expect when you got cheap prey...nice one Op,but i thought both are commensals...

You must be enjoying your trip, I definitely would. Is that your job or hobby?

I wanna go so bad! I think i would die of cold but it is an amazing view!

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