Blog 13th Dec
‘Survival of the fittest’
A few hours after departing Port Lockroy as we headed northwards, we were treated to what could have been an episode from Blue Planet Live. We found ourselves amongst a very lively playful pod of Orcas which we agreed were most likely Gerlache Killer Whales, as we were negotiating the Gerlache Channel between Ronge Island and Parker Peninsula. They were two-toned grey and white with a white eye patch and sporting a large dorsal fin. We assumed they were quite young Orcas as they appeared to be about 2 – 3 metres in length and nowhere near the size of the fully grown adult that can reach 10 metres.
The real entertainment began when a small group of four started to chase and hunt down a very speedy but alas unlucky Gentoo penguin. He put up a brave fight but he never really stood a chance. Following this they must have felt battle-hardy and ready for greater challenges as they then turned their attention to a Humpback whale. He was not in the mood to linger and swiftly escaped to safety.
With the Orcas now satisfied, a number of opportunistic Skuas and Petrels were more than happy to enjoy the leftovers as they hovered and dove to feast on this gift of nature. However, before making their final departure a few of the Orcas appeared to show some keen interest in our rudder as they lingered at our stern, but thankfully this did not go beyond idle curiosity.
Then the sun came out and so did the zodiacs and the kayaks as we got to explore and enjoy this new location and meander between the graceful iceberg edifices.
Another great Antarctic day !
Mary.
