06.01.2022 – Snackbar Madeira

It was exciting today on both tours!

In the morning and in the afternoon, our guests were able to extensively observe the Short-beaked Common dolphins (Delphinus delphis). Both times the school was divided into different subgroups, who were here and there snacking on the fishy prey. Common dolphins hunt garfish in a very special way, they jump in a very specific way, while the garfish jump away in all directions, the hunters have already caught a fish as prey. On closer inspection, some photos show garfish trying to escape quickly to safety.

The high seas are not always rich in food for marine mammals, but the situation looks better along the coasts. Especially areas like Madeira, where the sea drops quickly, offer a great diversity of species. Where smaller fish find a home, there is food for larger fish. All of this has a positive impact on larger fish and of course marine mammals. Madeira offers contemplation, food and a shelter. Today it was very clear that the dolphins had found several small snack bars and knew how to use them.
In the morning there was also a quiet, close, nice encounter with a small group of Blainville beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris). One of the juvenile animals showed a clear interest in our boat.

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Stenella

10:00 Blainville beaked whales, Common dolphins

15:00 Common dolphins