photo sharing and upload picture albums photo forums search pictures popular photos photography help login
Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Eighty-six: An American safari -- wildlife photography in southeast Alaska’s wilderness > Orca with calf, off Baranof Island, Alaska, 2013
previous | next
11-JUN-2013

Orca with calf, off Baranof Island, Alaska, 2013

We see much more of the calf here, as its body seems to rise out of the water. This pair of orcas was traveling so close to our skiff that I needed only a 93mm short telephoto focal length to make this image. We could even smell the strong odor of their spouts. These are resident orcas -- they will live with their mothers for their entire lives. They eat primarily salmon in these waters. Some females can reach age 90, and as many as four generations of orcas can travel together. Only humans, elephants, and primates have comparable social structures.

Panasonic LUMIX G5
1/1000s f/11.0 at 45.0mm iso160 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
share
Phil Douglis01-Sep-2013 20:03
That little splash is most likely caused by the nose of the young orca as it begins to dive.Thanks for noting it, Tim.
Tim May01-Sep-2013 15:46
I like the little splash in the center of the image.
Type your message and click Add Comment
It is best to login or register first but you may post as a guest.
Enter an optional name and contact email address. Name
Name Email
help private comment