Killer Whales: Bullies of the Monterey Bay

On April 10th 2011 we observed about 9 killer whales in scattered pods on a gorgeous day in the Monterey Bay. Nearby, there was a lone gray whale that quickly became targeted by a few of the killer whales. The gray whale turned belly-up (to protect it's vulnerable organs) and was eventually left alone. He appeared injured, as he swam slowly in circles taking shallow breaths. Here's a picture of a killer whale beside the unfortunate gray.

Killer Whale and Gray Whale-- Photo by Kate Cummings

Below is a picture of the gray whale after the orcas had gone. Looks like there's a depression on it's left side behind the blowholes. Sometimes when orcas attack or harass gray whales, you won't see any blood as most of the damage is internal.

Bewildered Gray Whale-- Photo by Kate Cummings

Killer whales are efficient hunters and will typically target gray whale mothers and their calves. They divide and conquer-- separating the mother from the calf and attempt to drown the calf. Today, it looked like the killer whales were either teaching the young ones how to attack whales, or they were just being bullies!

Early Birds: Black-footed Albatross

Black-footed Albatross-- Photo by Tony Thomas

This photo was taken by one of our volunteers, Tony Thomas on a whale watching trip we had on Friday, April 1st. While we were out observing gray whales, we saw a couple of black-footed albatross flying near by and around the boat; but as we were heading in to Moss Landing, we came across the largest gathering of them we have ever seen. It's more common to see albatross in the bay July-October since most stay by their breeding grounds in Hawaii November-June. If you're seeing black-footed albatross in April, it means that those individuals are most likely non-breeders or failed breeders, i.e. they don't have chicks to care for and are free to head out to sea and feed.

Pregnant Harbor Seal in Point Lobos

Pregnant Harbor Seal in Point Lobos-- Photo by Kate Cummings

In the Monterey Bay Area, harbor seals have their pups in April and May. Here is a very pregnant female resting on a beach in Point Lobos State Reserve. I highly recommend taking a hike through the reserve-- it's easily one of the most beautiful places on earth.