30.08.2017 – Identifying whales

Today we had at least three different Baleen whales in our area. The Identification is always interesting and needs a good look at the animal to identify the whale. We need to recognize the size of the animal. We need to recognize if the animal slim or burly? Which shape has the dorsal fin? Is it possible to see the head? Which behavior is observed? In these short moments of encounter it is not always possible to identify the animal right away and for that reason it is important to analyze the pictures later on the computer. On our morning trip we definitely had two different types of whales: Tropical whale and Sei whale. On our evening trip we can confirm a Tropical whale. For sure there were no doubt to identify the Atlantic Spotted dolphins.

by Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day:

Ribeira Brava

09.00: Tropical whale, Sei whale, Atlantic Spotted dolphins

17.00: Tropical whale, Atlantic Spotted dolphins

Stenella

09.00: Tropical whale, Sei whale, Atlantic Spotted dolphins

15.30: Sei whale, Atlantic Spotted dolphins, Striped dolphins, Rough Toothed dolphins