31.07.2019 – The circle of life
August 9, 2019
02.08.2019 – Bottle-nosed boldness
August 12, 2019
As we set out on our trips, leaving the safety and shelter of the Calheta harbour behind. Most eyes are on the horizon, full of anticipation. But it never hurts to have a look back at our island, to see this green beauty from a distance and take in the view. So we do, but then we turn, as the anticipation gets the better of us.
This morning we were treated to some bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) a large and friendly animal that has been known since ancient times to have saved people at sea, luckily we did not need a rescue since we were snug and safe on our trusty boat. There were also some Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) around this morning, a much tinier but still friendly dolphin well know for their fondness of bow-riding in madeira waters. And later this day a spectacular sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), far too large to bow ride, these colossal predators only spend part of their day in the light, as they majestically raise their flukes to wave goodbye when they dive into the deep dark.
Nature can’t be controlled. Try as we might, as soon as we feel comfortable and on top of the situation. Mother nature sends us a message that she is in charge. We always have our eyes on the horizon, and with a spotter in the hills we get a nice feeling of comfort and control. But the message is clear: appreciate every trip and every sighting. For there are many wonders in the ocean, but you never know if you see something or what you get to see.
By scott Dorssers
Sightings of the day
Ribeira Brava
09:00 Bottlenose dolphin
17:00 No sighting
Stenella
09:00 Atlantic spotted dolphin, Bottlenose dolphin
12:00 Sperm whale
