Shannon

In a very rare occurrance, 14 killer whales (Orcinus orca) were observed by offshore fisherman this past weekend (January 18, 2004), about 90 miles off the coast from Port Aransas, Texas!

According to scientists, approximately 70 orcas may live in the Gulf of Mexico. However, only 9 verified sightings of orcas in the Gulf were made prior to 1990, and only another 14 sightings have been documented since 1990. In short, it's a rare treat.

Read more about it from these news articles and resources we've collected while reading about the event:

• Local Killer Whale Sighting Goes Down In Record Book - Jan. 19, 2004 (KRIS TV News, Corpus Christi)
  
• Killer whales spotted off Port Aransas - Jan. 20, 2004 (Corpus Christi Caller-Times)
  
• Learn more about the variety of marine mammals that inhabit the Gulf of Mexico, including orcas. (Texas A&M, Corpus Christi)
  
• Sometimes, marine mammal standings occur on the Texas coast. That's why the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network exists.

All I can say, having only observed orcas in captivity is... Wow!.

Methinks the folks at Dolphin Dock and other charters in Port Aransas might do well to add a "wildlife observation charter" to their list of business offerings... it's not a mental leap, since so many of the fishing charters down there supplement their income in the winter by providing exciting and memorable whooping crane/birdwatching tours.

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- Shannon Moore
Your Host @ WildTexas.com
http://www.twitter.com/ageekgal

dolphindock

The killer whales were spotted on one of our long range fishing trips about 90 miles off shore. The whales traveled with the boat for 30 minutes, then went swam off. This is just one of may wonderful sights we see each year. Other things we seen just this year are pilot whales, whale sharks, giant sun fish, huge sharks and tons of little neat looking fish, but that is not everyday and alot of times it is gone before everybody can look. Other times the fish hang around just curious as to what the boat is doing.

Shannon

DolphinDocks, thanks for getting my email and dropping in to share your first-hand account of the "orca experience." I didn't realize the orcas spent so long within view -- that's remarkable! Did the orcas vocalize at all? I'm aware most of their vocalizations are underwater, but occasionally they'll whistle and squeal above the surface, as well. Regardless, what you and the folks on the charter saw is a treat. Many of us would've been thrilled just to see one orca dorsal way off on the horizon... much less have 14 virtually accompany you for part of your voyage!

On a related note: Earlier this year, I often visited the OrcaLive website; the site is part of an ongoing research study of orcas in the Johnstone Strait area (Canada). Each summer, they broadcast live webcam video and audio of orca pods as they swim, feed and play. It's entertaining and educational, but obviously not like seeing them with one's own eyes.


That's terrific! Although Justin and I have taken one of the Rockport-based boat tours, ours was a winter birding trip so we didn't go very far offshore -- indeed, the focus of that tour was the wintering whooping cranes, so we spent our time in the Intercoastal Waterway. We didn't even see dolphins, though we saw scores of bird species including the whoopers. There's an amazing array of wildlife, including sea life, out there for all to see and appreciate.

Thanks again for stopping in to share your comments!

Folks that enjoy fishing and/or are intrigued by what they may see on an offshore charter should check out DolphinDocks in Port Aransas!

__________________
- Shannon Moore
Your Host @ WildTexas.com
http://www.twitter.com/ageekgal