Whale watching at Kaikoura. This was a spermwhale, which was as big as a Boeing737. His head is so big that it can contain an adult male elephant. His heart is so big that it can contain a small car.His length is 18 metres. His food consists of , among other things, the giant squid.
The sperm whale (Physeter catodon) is the largest of all toothed whales, making them the Earth's largest living carnivore and largest living toothed animal. The whale was named after the milky-white waxy substance, spermaceti, found in its head and originally mistaken for sperm. It has a cosmopolitan distribution across the world's oceans. The species feeds on squid and fish, diving as deep as 2,200 metres (7,200 ft) in order to obtain its prey, making it the deepest diving mammal in the world. Pods of females and young live separately from older males. Sperm whales live for 50 years and possibly more.
The sealions were in the Milford Sound on the South Island of New Zealand.
For watching more critters visit Misty Dawn's place.
19 comments:
I'm just awed by the size of the whale - enjoyed your sea lion photos too!
wow! that big!? :D
Great shots! I love pictures of the sealions sunning themselves on the rocks or beaches. You were very lucky to get the shots of the whale.
Lisa
Awesome shots Wil. There are lots of sea lions around Victoria BC too - and what a racket they make :)
The size of it. I would love to be able to photograph this.
the feeling must be amaizing...great post
What some wonderful photo's. I'll bet you enjoyed yourself. By the way, I thought 'critters' was something you find on cats and dogs
Thanks every body for the visits! I am now in Australia and blogging is slow and difficult with limited time.
Oh Wil, these are fabulous pictures! What a life. Enjoy every minute down there! Blogging can wait. We will see your adventures when you get home and have more time and access.
To see such a whale, what a dream.
That is amazing facts about the whale. Can't even imagine something that large. Great photos of the sealions. Hope you're enjoying the trip.
Wow, that is amazing. The sea lions look so good relaxing in the sun.
Whoa! I have never seen so many sea lions together. Great shots of the whale too.
That would be so much fun! Thanks for sharing!
That must have been a thrill. Gee, the largest thing I have ever seen is an elephant at the zoo. Just doesn't measure up to the whales.
OMG! he could sniff that boat down his hatch!
Love love your camera critters today!
Mine are land lovers posted today!
Have a wonderful day! :)NG
Thank you for sharing animals we don't usually get to see in our daily life!
I've mentioned you in a post today
http://nonizamboniblue.blogspot.com/
Great very familiar pictures.I love Kaikoura. We went whale watching once but I was seasick all the time. Still had a good time though. Are you on holiday in our paradise
Wonderful shots! Not something I would be able to see here in landlocked Illinois.
By the way, I've tagged you for a Bookie Meme. The rules are on Rubbish...hope you don't mind.
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