“Although a few individuals spend winter at Marion Island, September marks the return of the majority of the killer whales to the island following their absence during the winter months. Their return coincides with the elephant seal breeding season, an important food source for the killer whales.”
Individuals M040 “Bullseye”, M031 “Bent” and M030 “Top Notch” (top to bottom) in 2019.
Note Top Notch’s large eyepatches: despite Marion Island’s killer whales being cassified as “Type A”, they are known to display characteristics peculiar to other types (like Type B’s big eyepatches, as in this case).
Photo credit goes to Rowan Jordaan









