03.05.2022 – Big brother
May 11, 2022
05.05.2022 – Cold catch
May 13, 2022
This morning it was very easy. There was a lively group of Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) right on our doorstep and a little later, also close to shore, a pod of Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Both sightings were in their own way very beautiful.
In the afternoon, there were different subgroups of Common dolphins. A female with her calf delighted the guests. Together with some adults, the little dolphin swam on Mother’s side, a little behind the dorsal fin. The movement of the mother creates a suction that pulls the calf along. So it has to use less energy to keep up at a faster pace. The guests of the Ribeira Brava could clearly observe this effect on the way to the marina. Two kayaks approached the fishing boat. As soon as they find the right position in the stern wave, they no longer need to paddle themselves, because the Ribeira Brava pulls them with it. That’s how it works with dolphins.
One dolphin was missing a piece of its fluke. A good trait to identify for future encounters.
By Fatima Kutzschbach
Sightings of the day
Ribeira Brava
10:00 Common dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins
14:30 Common dolphins
Stenella
09:30 Common dolphins
15:00 Common dolphins, Sperm whales
