28.02.2026 – A common day
March 4, 2026
An incredible characteristic of animals in the wild is that, although they gorge on their prey, they do know when do call it quits. Feeding in moderation, or at least avoiding the exhaustion of their resources is something that adds to the natural balance within our natural world and allows these resources, including prey populations, to regenerate rather than disappear. Greed is virtually non-existent, making this a valuable characteristic of our natural world where humans could learn a thing or two.
Todays observations with some beautiful and hungry Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) that were busing hunting Halfbeaks (Heramprhirdae). These spectacular hunting situations often only involve a handful of dolphins hunting a shoal of around 100 fish, a small shoal considering a dolphins appetite. This is why the pod splits into hunting parties each with their own shoal of fish. The hunts usually begin in the morning and continue into the early afternoon but the dolphins always leave enough behind because they know that tomorrow is another day.
By Paula Thake
Sightings of the day
Ribeira Brava
09:00 Short-beaked common dolphins
13:00 Short-beaked common dolphins
Stenella
09:30 Short-beaked common dolphins
13:30 Short-beaked common dolphins
