BirdForum

Michael Daniel Ho · Sunday 4th October 2009, 21:47

A few photos of Orcas from my recent trip to Alaska. These cetaceans are so magnificent. A big male can reach almost 30 feet with a 6 foot tall dorsal fin.
Visit my website to see more cetaceans.

**Dave B Smith** · Sunday 4th October 2009, 23:03

As always, great photos!

OhCanada · Wednesday 7th October 2009, 00:47

Fantastic and exciting photos, Michael. Orcas are such amazing and majestic mammals. What equipment do you use?

**KCFoggin** · Wednesday 7th October 2009, 02:26

Beautiful shots showing all angles.

Mysticete · Wednesday 7th October 2009, 05:52

were all these photos of one pod, or did you see multiple groups? I only ask because most of your pictures seem to be of Transient type, while one picture has a fin more reminiscent of the Resident type.

It is possible these different types may warrant species recognition.

Farnboro John · Wednesday 7th October 2009, 09:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mysticete

were all these photos of one pod, or did you see multiple groups? I only ask because most of your pictures seem to be of Transient type, while one picture has a fin more reminiscent of the Resident type.

It is possible these different types may warrant species recognition.

I didn't know the two types werre physically sepaerable. What are the key features?

John

Michael Daniel Ho · Wednesday 7th October 2009, 16:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mysticete

were all these photos of one pod, or did you see multiple groups? I only ask because most of your pictures seem to be of Transient type, while one picture has a fin more reminiscent of the Resident type.

It is possible these different types may warrant species recognition.

The photos were taken in different parts of Alaska. I doubt one can spot a resident vs. transient Orca just from a causal glance. It takes multiple contacts and a good reference data base to get a good ID or unless one is study and following a particular pod for a long time.

Michael Daniel Ho · Saturday 10th October 2009, 16:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave B Smith

As always, great photos!

Hi Dave. You are too generous with your comment. I can't get enough of Orcas and cetaceans.

airmile · Saturday 17th October 2009, 01:05

Wow, these are great photos. Orcas are such powerful animals. Where did you take these fantastic pics?

Migaloo · Sunday 18th October 2009, 12:37

Great stuff !

(check out my Petrel post in the Information Wanted section)

**delia todd** · Sunday 18th October 2009, 12:43

Wonderful shots Michael.

I've only seen these once and that was off the coast of Fair Isle. They didn't hang around though.

It's a sighting I'll never forget.

D

Mysticete · Tuesday 20th October 2009, 16:42

Shirihai and Jarrett give Id clues for the different forms of killer whale; Transients usually occur in small groups and lack and have a darker, less distinctive saddle with dark pigmentation, while Residents occur in larger groups and have an large boldly contrasting saddle. The saddle is the band of pigmentation of the back behind the dorsal fin. Transients apparently have taller dorsals but it is so variable a trait that it is not useful.

They are field separable but there is enough variation that you probably need good views of multiple animals to be sure.

Sunday 4th October 2009, 21:47	#1
Michael Daniel Ho Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: California, USA Posts: 514	Killer Whales in Alaska A few photos of Orcas from my recent trip to Alaska. These cetaceans are so magnificent. A big male can reach almost 30 feet with a 6 foot tall dorsal fin. Visit my website to see more cetaceans. Attached Thumbnails __________________ http://MichaelDanielHo.com

Sunday 4th October 2009, 23:03	#2
Dave B Smith Super Moderator Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Trinidad Posts: 6,564	As always, great photos! __________________ Dave Smith
	Click here to Support BirdForum

Wednesday 7th October 2009, 02:26	#4
KCFoggin Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Myrtle Beach SC "Smiling Faces, Beautiful Places" Posts: 46,231 My location	Beautiful shots showing all angles. __________________ KC a/k/a common KC If I can't be a good example then I'll just have to be a horrible warning
	Click here to Support BirdForum

Sunday 18th October 2009, 12:43	#11
delia todd Moderator but.......If I say the wrong thing put it down to Senior Moments Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Perthshire Posts: 12,324 My location	Wonderful shots Michael. I've only seen these once and that was off the coast of Fair Isle. They didn't hang around though. It's a sighting I'll never forget. D __________________ In between goals is a thing called life, that has to be lived and enjoyed 2006 63, 2007 52, 2008 46, 2009 32 Total 80 The only true wisdom is knowing you know nothing - Socrates
	Click here to Support BirdForum

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Wednesday 7th October 2009, 00:47	#3
OhCanada Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 31	Fantastic and exciting photos, Michael. Orcas are such amazing and majestic mammals. What equipment do you use?

Wednesday 7th October 2009, 05:52	#5
Mysticete Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Wyoming, USA Posts: 378 My location	were all these photos of one pod, or did you see multiple groups? I only ask because most of your pictures seem to be of Transient type, while one picture has a fin more reminiscent of the Resident type. It is possible these different types may warrant species recognition.

Saturday 17th October 2009, 01:05	#9
airmile Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Seattle Posts: 106	Wow, these are great photos. Orcas are such powerful animals. Where did you take these fantastic pics?

Sunday 18th October 2009, 12:37	#10
Migaloo Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Snails Bay, Sydney Posts: 31	Great stuff ! (check out my Petrel post in the Information Wanted section)

Tuesday 20th October 2009, 16:42	#12
Mysticete Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Wyoming, USA Posts: 378 My location	Shirihai and Jarrett give Id clues for the different forms of killer whale; Transients usually occur in small groups and lack and have a darker, less distinctive saddle with dark pigmentation, while Residents occur in larger groups and have an large boldly contrasting saddle. The saddle is the band of pigmentation of the back behind the dorsal fin. Transients apparently have taller dorsals but it is so variable a trait that it is not useful. They are field separable but there is enough variation that you probably need good views of multiple animals to be sure.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Group of 200 killer whales off Scotland	Martin Thomas	Mammals & Sea Life	1	Saturday 18th October 2008 15:31
New Video: The killer whales (added by Cheepcheep)	BirdForum TV	BirdForum TV Discussion	0	Friday 1st August 2008 11:55
New Video: Killer Whales attack Seal (added by featherme)	BirdForum TV	BirdForum TV Discussion	0	Friday 1st August 2008 11:40
Killer Whales	kas	Mammals & Sea Life	12	Monday 22nd May 2006 17:28
Brünnich's Guillemots and Killer Whales	Edward	Your Birding Day	3	Friday 21st May 2004 21:23

BirdForum

The net's largest birding community, dedicated to wild birds