I began Sunday with a talk aboard the Coral Reef II. The high school marine biology students were very engaging and full of great questions – thank you! The afternoon was the start to another “dolphin week” with www.biminiadventures.com. As excited passengers boarded the boat, the crew and I were just thrilled to have clear skies and calm seas. We did not have to go far before we saw of about six bottlenose dolphins. We observed the group long enough for me to (hopefully) get some dorsal fin ID shots, but the group opted to continue in search of spotteds. They were not disappointed! Very soon afterward we saw Tilly (#87), un-named #84 and a very young juvenile in quite the playful mood. At one point, Tilly was holding a jack (fish) in her mouth. It was difficult to tell if this was a play toy or something she actually wanted to eat as the other youngsters chased her about! Shortly after we observed another group of three – all were borderline calves/juveniles, but we did not see any adults in the area. Normally three dolphin sightings would be plenty of the day. But, today was busier! Soon, we were watching Finn (#09), Split Jaw (#22), White Blotch (#29) and her calf, un-named #94 (both pictured here). And happy birthday to #94, who turns six sometime this month (a long time for a calf of this species to stay with mom). Soon, Billy (#64) was also in the group. With such a great start to the week, I can’t wait to see what the rest holds (including the interns’ arrival tomorrow)!
Until then,
Kel