08.01.2022 – The victims of overfishing
January 15, 2022
13.01.2022 – Lucky “Lischen”
January 19, 2022
Unusual! Breathtaking! Unique!
On our morning tour today, there were quite a few guests who came yesterday and were hoping for a tour. Unfortunately, due to weather conditions, the tour had to be canceled. Most of the guests agreed to try again this morning. It paid off absolutely. It was a wonderful and very special trip into the blue. Thanks to the captain and spotter for making this wise, experienced decision to postpone yesterday’s voyage. Thanks to the guests for being so patient.
In a very short time, we approached a group of Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). A few were very curious. Watching these three to four meter long dolphins in the bow wave is impressive. They appear strong and relaxed. This sighting was the first highlight of the tour. A Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) dived quickly into the depths. She didn’t want to be examined more closely.
Highlight two followed in the form of Short-beaked Common dolphins (Delphinus delphis). These elegant animals were after our bow wave. We were of course very happy about it. What a treat for the eyes and the heart! However, we don’t see the Long-beaked Common dolphins (Delphinus capensis) here, because they prefer warm, temperate to tropical waters. Compared to our animals here, their beak is of course even longer and their melon a little flatter than is the case with our winter dolphins.
Today, it was clearly noticeable that every beak of the Common dolphins is a wonderful, unique specimen. In addition to the dorsal fin, which is used by dolphins for identification, one could certainly also consider the drawing of the beak for identification. Take a close look at the photos. You will discover different beak drawings! But you will also find out that one special animal stayed in the bow wave of the Ribeira Brava over and over again. This animal has a beautiful drawing of the beak.
By Fatima Kutzschbach
Sightings of the day
Ribeira Brava
10:00 Bottlenose dolphins, Common dolphins
Stenella
15:00 Common dolphins
