02.07.2023 – A wonderful Sunday

What better way to spend a Sunday than going out to sea to watch dolphins. Today our Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) were very active. As we approached the sighting area, we saw Cory’s Shearwaters soaring excitedly over the pod of dolphins. They snatched up the remains of the fishy dolphin prey. What do they like to eat most? Sashimi of course. After the dolphins had filled their stomachs, it was time to have fun in the Ribeira Brava’s bow wave. Some dolphins were in jumping mood. There were different jumps. Was the particularly high one a sign of zest for life? Dolphins also jump out of dominance or to impress. They jump to give acoustic information to other dolphins. They can glide elegantly and almost silently or very noisily into the water. Due to its physical properties, sound dissipates 4.5 times faster than in air. The attenuation of the different frequencies runs very differently in the water. Loud and low-frequency sounds, for example, can be heard very far. Due to a jump dolphins can also inform their group members that they are meeting; a change of direction takes place or fish has been found. By smacking the surface of the sea, a dolphin can shed old skin or parasites, ensuring it is faster and therefore more successful in the hunt. Today the Atlantic spotted dolphins made for a wonderful Sunday morning.

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

09:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins

Stenella

09:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins

14:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins

17:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins