09.12.2021 – Quarrel

We had the first sighting of Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) very quickly today. After we were able to observe these resident animals well, they were joined by Short-finned Pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus). These two species of marine mammals often roam the sea together. So far I have seen it mostly peaceful. I have typically seen a school of Bottlenose dolphins orbiting Pilot whales resting on the surface, almost as if they wanted to protect them.

But today I would like to highlight a completely different way of dealing with each other. A subgroup of the Pilot whales, consisting of juveniles, stayed near our boat. They even swam in the bow wave. They were accompanied by some Bottlenose dolphins. At first everything seemed to be harmonious, but suddenly the situation changed. Two Bottlenose dolphins pinned a young Pilot whale, harassed and stressed him. However, a full-grown, powerful Pilot whale that was in the vicinity intervened. He accelerated and shot at the Bottlenose dolphins to chase them away. Sometimes there seems to be quarrels in the sea too.

Here you will find our Petitions: https://www.lobosonda.com/whale-watching/marine-protection/

When we come into the harbor, we saw a Great Northern Diver (Gavia immer).

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

10:00 Bottlenose dolphins, Pilot whales

Stenella

15:00 Blainville beaked whale, Delphinus delphis