20.05.2023 – Expect the unexpected
May 26, 2023
23.05.2023 – Never a dull moment
May 29, 2023
This morning we had a small school of Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in front of the marina. One of the animals performed a few high, graceful leaps. A jump is a form of communication. It can express dominance; be an imposing behavior; give other group members acoustic information, but also have very practical reasons, such as getting rid of parasites or old skin particles. The leaps of this animal were definitely very impressive. Our bottlenose dolphins, which we saw today, stay off Madeira’s coast all year round. However, that doesn’t mean we see them every day. Lately we have observed them more often near the marina.
In the afternoon the school of Bottlenose dolphins decided that they wanted to accompany our fishing boat. As they glide in front of the Ribeira Brava, one cannot but be amazed at how such large animals can be so elegant.
By Fatima Kutzschbach
Sightings of the day
Ribeira Brava
09:30 Bottlenose dolphins
13:30 Bottlenose dolphins
Stenella
09:30 Bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphin
13:30 Bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphin, Loggerhead turtle
