A research team has captured rare footage of Bigg’s killer whales in Puget Sound quietly stalking sea birds in a shallow cove, showcasing behavior that appears to be more about practice than predation. This unique behavior was observed while researchers sought to record the vocalizations of the whales; they instead witnessed an intriguing scene where several whales stirred up mud while another attempted to sneak up on a group of loons and scoters.
According to the Orca Behavior Institute, this stalking is not considered hunting but rather a form of target practice to refine their skills. Unlike their endangered southern resident counterparts, Bigg’s orcas primarily hunt marine mammals and are known for their stealth and cooperative hunting techniques. This recent encounter raises questions about the playful interactions between orcas and birds, prompting the organization to seek public input on similar sightings.
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