25.05.2021 – Everyone does what they want

This morning we went far, far, far out. And who likes to be so far from the coastline? Yes, the Striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba). They moved in large numbers to the west and on their way they found their brunch. Different schools of fish tried to get away from them and used Ribeira Brava for protection. Others, however, were less fortunate and became prey to these fast dolphins. We were able to observe the feeding situation from a distance.

Our second sighting with the Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) was very sporty. Several animals glided through the blue in front of the Ribeira Brava, while others enjoyed the company of the other belly to belly.

The afternoon brought a realization. Blainville’s beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris) are not shy, they just pretend most of the time. Even today, we were precisely targeted by these rustic whales. That’s how it is in nature, everything is always new and exciting.

There were as well two large schools of the Atlantic spotted dolphins. It was very interesting to see how many small sub-groups can arise in such a large group, each with a completely different interest in leisure time. Some, actually many, of the animals decided to watch us and take the boat to swim in competition. Others socialized. Some groups were extremely quiet, they seemed to be at rest. There were eating situations. Some surfed the waves and still others jumped in leaps and bounds towards the boat. And the spring love fever was also back in play. So in short, everyone did what they wanted. Which was wonderful to observe. We as well should do that much more often, isn’t it?!!

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

10:00 Striped dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins

Stenella

15:00 Blainville’s beaked whales, Atlantic spotted dolphins