29.09.2017 – Carlos Eagle-Eyes

Again we can be grateful for the generosity of nature, which enables us to enjoy intensive moments and experiences. In our case enounters with wild marine mammals. Today with many smiling faces and lots of Oohhss, and Ahhhs. A very big “thank you” was sent to land, to my colleague and Lobosonda spotter Carlos Drumond, who is guiding our boats to the right spots. Your eagle-eyes and expertise as professional Cetacean Observer are an important instrument for our success, in general. Respect Carlos, the whole summer, you have been on your daily lookout, coordinating our trips. Today again, five species on one day, what a great performance.

Our morning started with Pilot whales and Bottlenose dolphins. During the noon trips, Tropical whales and Blainville beaked whales joined the selection. The beaked whales had several calves in their pod. A big school of Bottlenose dolphins (oceanic type) were active, showing us great jumps and were also demonstrating their repertoire of sounds. Also they had calves with them. One adult Bottlenose leaped in front of the bow many times out of the water. Was it pure joy of live or maybe a sign of interaction because of our presence? Even a presentation of power and/or hierarchy? Secrets of nature.

The crowning finale of today was set by a Sei Whale on the evening tour. Courageously he was passing by, close to us. Showing his high dorsal fin and the massive body. The skin colour of the Sei was metallic blue, like being galvanized. Adult animals of this species can reach 18 m and are amongst the rapid ones of whales in general. According to IUCN status, the Sei Whales population is endangered.

by Astrid Haas

Sightings of the day:

Ribeira Brava

09.00: Bottlenose dolphins and Pilotwhales

13.30: Blainvilles beaked Whales and Tropical whales

Stenella

15.30: Bottlenose dolphins, Tropical Whales and Blainvilles beaked Whales

18.00: Bottlenose dolphins, Blainvilles beaked Whales and Sei Whale