10.10.2018 – Autumn is coming

The days are getting shorter, night temperatures go down and heavy rainfalls increase. We observe these clear signs on land but also see the changes on the ocean. The intense precipitation and terrestrial run off in combination with a big swell turned the formerly crystal-clear coastal waters into murky breakers – summer has ended.

Due to strong winds for the South-West we have not been able to go out recently but the conditions have been alright today. It is interesting to see the differences: the sky is very clear, all dust washed off from the rain, particles of plants and wood are widely distributed and float on the surface and the swell is higher. Driving over the ocean sometimes feels like going up and down a hill on every single wave.

Also, the species compositions seem to have changed a bit. Some regular summer guests are not as abundant anymore. The sightings of the Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) are decreasing and the Bulwer´s petrels (Bulweria bulwerii) have not been seen for weeks. Fortunately, other species like Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) can be seen in big numbers. That has been the case this morning. A pity the pods left and no animals could be found in the increasing swell of the afternoon.

Let´s see what autumn will bring. There are chances for very big species rarely seen around Madeira to come around this month.

by Jan-Christopher Fischer

Sightings of the day

Stenella

10:00 Bottlenose dolphins, Short-finned pilot whales

15:00 No sightings