17.02.2022 – Commotion in the ocean

Hunting was the programme during the tour on board our Stenella this morning. While Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) were busy foraging near the aquaculture close to Calheta, several small groups of Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) were busy gorging on Halfbeaks (Belone belone) further offshore. While dolphins often create quite some commotion when hunting at the surface, the Portuguese Man O’War (Physalis physalis), an abundant visitor during this time of the year, doesn’t move at all. The polyp colony completely relies on ocean currents and winds to drift at the surface and patiently waits for a lost little fish seeking shelter in the wrong place. Our captain managed to scoop up one of these surprisingly beautiful colonies on our way to meet the common dolphins, allowing everyone on board a closer but safe look at these infamous oceanic visitors.

In the afternoon a massive group of Bottlenose dolphins was dashing west, creating so much movement that our spotters sharp eyes could immediately track them down for the crew aboard our traditional boat. When Bottlenose dolphins are in a hurry they rarely stop to interact but today they decided to engage in a brief bow-ride, much to the joy of everyone on board. We continued to search for other species after the sighting and our spotter soon informed us of a large whale, probably a Sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis) quickly swimming westward. Despite its size, the animal was impossible to find and it was soon time for us to return to the marina. Our guests were nonetheless happy with the Bottlenose dolphin sighting and understood that absolutely no encounter at sea, especially with an apex predator, should be taken for granted in todays day and age.

By Paula Thake

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

14:30 Bottlenose dolphins

Stenella

10:00 Bottlenose dolphins, Short-beaked common dolphins