I’m Sensing a Pattern

 How does a dolphin save you from a shark? There are several stories from all over the world about dolphins “saving” people from shark attacks.  Stories include dolphins forming a protective ring around the person endangered, tail slapping the water, or chasing the shark away.  But, sharks are a very real threat to dolphins, so they need to make sure that they are safe too.   How does a dolphin save people when they can’t hear underwater?

Tabby & Adam are here!!

 The 2008 Bimini interns are here!  There wasn’t much time to settle in before they were thrown into the water.  Adam got his first chance to see the Bimini Road (aka Atlantis) & we all got a good look at a group of bottlenose and spotteds.  Again the spotteds made us wait until the very end of the day, but we were able to observe Lil’ Jess (#35), Cerra (#38), un-named #86, another C5 and a very young juvenile. 

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Well, today was a lot like yesterday, except that the spotted dolphins really made us practice our patience.  We left the dock shortly after 1600, and quickly came upon a small group of bottlenose dolphins.  I haven’t downloaded the pictures yet, so I’ll have to see if I can recognize anyone.  Then we spent a… Continue reading D

A bottlenose + spotted day

And spotteds we saw!  The underwater visibility was quite poor today thanks to almost a week of east wind.  The thermocline was also a bit bizarre; the water temperature at the surface was  normal for this time of year (likely close to 80 degrees F), but about 15 feet down, it got really warm.  It was creepy.  But, we did see Tina (#14), Lil' Jess (#35), Nemo (#76), un-named #78 and two very young calves.   There are more dolphin trips to come this week, including this afternoon.  So stay tuned! 

A long, good day

Today was a long day – but a good one.  I was able to catch up on a backlog of DCP work, cram in a few domestic chores and spend a great afternoon on the water.  We saw dolphins fairly early again, including Finn (#09), Romeo (#10), White Blotch (#29), Lil’ Jess (#35), Cerra (#38), Lone Star (#56), Stefran (#82), un-named #79 and #84.  We also got a very quick glimpse from the boat of the injured calf that we first saw on Friday. 

A milestone day starts a couple of great dolphin days

Today, was another dolphin trip, again with plenty of dolphins.  Included in the bunch were Finn (#09), Romeo (#10), White Blotch (#29), Nemo (#76), Leslie (#80) and un-named #84 and 87.  This was the first time that #84 was seen without her mother, #57.  Perhaps this means that #84 is on her own now?!  Now, a quick task for the Bodine Bulldogs & anyone else out there who is playing around.  Can you use the link Shop à Adopt A Dolphin to find out some information about the dolphins we saw over the last two days? 

Rain, rain, won

I must commend this group of eco-tour passengers for being in such good spirits after such a windy & rainy week.  It seems that our Monday dolphin swim is a faint memory, but I do hope that everyone enjoyed it.  We occupied our time by watching dolphin videos and today, visiting the South Bimini Biological Field Station (aka SharkLab).  I think everyone really enjoyed the insightful tour & I gratefully thank the folks over there for taking the time to show us around.  We learned all about the species found in Bimini, the impact of large development &

A happy trip

After a short lunch break, it was time for the thing everyone has been waiting for:  the dolphin trip!  We left the dock shortly after 1500, stopping at the Bimini Road (aka Atlantis) for a quick snorkel.  Everyone did a great job and is very comfortable in the water.  Soon, we were in the dolphin grounds, but keeping an eye on some nasty squall systems in the distance.  Our captain first spotted a group of mating spotteds (about 18 animals).  They were busy doing their thing and moving too quickly for us to enter the water. 

A big welcome to the 2008 Bimini Eco-Tour passengers!

Is a dolphin a mammal or a fish?  And, while we are at it, what is exactly is a shark?  (Find the link to FAQ – this means Frequently Asked Questions.  Then you’re looking for the link to Dolphin FAQs.)  What is the difference between a whale and a dolphin?  And what about a porpoise? (Stay on the Dolphin FAQ page.  The question, “Is that a dolphin or a whale?” will lead you to a Dolphin Pod episode –

WARNING #1: This field report has nothing to do with dolphins

Warning #2: No one was hurt.A small plane unfortunately crashed off the coast of Bimini on Monday afternoon.  Fortunately, the only person onboard, the pilot, was unharmed.  So, with the news of his safety, there was a subtle dash to the new snorkel sight – before the salvage company takes it away.  The plane is in astonishingly good shape, which makes it all look a bit eerie.