26.04.2023 – Potpourri

In music, a potpourri is defined as a composition of already existing compositions that are put together and form a new musical harmony. Today we had a sea potpourri on our tours. Marine mammal species, either resident, seasonal or migratory, made up a colorful mix of surprises.

In the morning we got a little taste of how fast Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) can travel. The second largest animal in the world quickly pulled through the waves. Surely he is on his way to his feeding grounds in the north. There are three subspecies of Fin whales. Balaenoptera physalus is a voyager in the North Atlantic and North Pacific. Balaenoptera physalus quoyi is found in the Southern Ocean and Balaenoptera physalus patchonica is found in the Southern Ocean. In addition there was a beautiful sighting of Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) and on the way back a pod of Blainville’s beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris).

At noon, the otherwise shy Blainville’s beaked whales became social. It was an encounter that so rarely happens with these little cetaceans. It was almost as if time stood still. So gently, so calmly they glided through the blue. They radiated an intense presence. We also had nice contact with a school of Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus).

There were four species seen in the afternoon. Blainville’s beaked whales just off the coast, an active group of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) delighted, Common dolphins sought close proximity to the boat and Bottlenose dolphins were spotted by us.

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

09:30 Blainville Beaked whales, Bottlenose dolphins

13:30 Bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins

Stenella

09:30 Fin whale, Common dolphin, Blainville Beaked whales, Loggerhead turtle

13:30 Blainville Beaked whales, Bottlenose dolphins, Loggerhead turtle

16:00 Blainville Beaked whales, Atlantic spotted dolphins, Common dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, Loggerhead turtle