We departed the dock shortly after 1500 and soon were observing a group of traveling bottlenose dolphins. Hopefully I’ll be able to get some IDs from the photos! Since this week’s boat passengers (visiting researchers and students) are more interested in spotted dolphins, we headed in search of them. Soon, we were watching a group of at least 10 Atlantic spotted dolphins, including Trudy (#57), Tilly (#87) and un-named #92 and #93. Over the course of the afternoon, the composition of the group changed, but we also saw Tina (#14), Split Jaw (#22), Lone Star (#56), Nemo (#76), Stefran (#82), un-named #40, #84 and possibly Cerra (#38). There were several water entries and at one point, we were watching a calf play with a blade of sea grass at the surface (pictured here). Unfortunately, we had to leave these dolphins with sunset looming. On the way back to Bimini, we were greeted by spotteds on the bow, including Finn (#09), Romeo (#10), White Blotch (#29), Lil’ Jess (#35), possibly #94 and two un-identified adults. As usual, White Blotch was one of the last dolphins to leave the bow!
Until next time,
Kel