04.11.2021 – Chunky companions

Oh how we love our lovely Short finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus)! These peaceful yet powerful cetaceans can be admired all year round here in Madeira but there presence during this first rather choppy week of November has given both our team and guests all the feels!

Both in the morning and in the afternoon, a group of pilot whales was observed blissfully close to a nursery group of Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Seeing both species together here in Madeira is hardly a rarity and, since most of these encounters take place in offshore “pilot whale” territory, they are thought to be initiated by the Bottlenose dolphins. The reasons as to why the Bottlenose dolphins seek out the companionship of their chunky cousins remains unknown and includes theories such as hunting advantages (for squid), protection or curiosity. Another reason may be because the dolphins simply know that they can approach these gentle cetaceans without being harmed. Whatever the reason, the encounters were so moving that it helped take our guests minds off their churning stomachs due to the choppy conditions and focus more on this absolutely peaceful coexistence of two very different animals.

Our team also pointed out several young Cory’s Shearwaters (Calonectris borealis) circling around areas. Many of the birds may have just left the nest and are aggregating with conspecifics for safety and to gain hunting advantages. We’re happy so many of them managed to make the dangerous first journey out of the parents nest safely to sea!

By Paula Thake

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

10:00 Bottlenose dolphins, Short-finned pilot whales

14:30 Bottlenose dolphins, Short-finned pilot whales