13.05.2019 – The plastic challenge
May 27, 2019
15.05.2019 – Coastline update
May 29, 2019
The wavy Atlantic seemed void of cetaceans as we set off aboard our traditional boat. While our guests bravely stomached the high swell under the early summer sun, our captain suddenly saw movement at the surface. A small group of Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) was socialising at the surface, breaking into short surges of speed that created the splashes that gave them away.
Although they are often seen forming large schools, the common dolphins often move in smaller subunits of like-minded individuals that are also likely in similar stages of their lives and share common interests. Dolphins are even thought to establish friendships and nurture such relationships over longer periods of time.
For those of us who are aware of the profound intelligence of these creatures, this doesn’t come as such a surprise but let’s just let that sink in for a second. To establish a friendship an individual either needs to possess a degree of emotional sophistication or foresight into the benefits such a relationship could bring. Or both. We may never know but we are lucky to have these interactive, charming creatures put their social dynamics on display during our time with them on the ocean.
By Paula Thake
Sightings of the day
Ribeira Brava
14:30 Short-beaked common dolphins
