What a great final day for this dolphin week! On Thursday, we saw some dolphins just after 1700. It was a group of 4 youngsters, including un-named #84, who were playing with each other and seaweed. In the distance we could see several other dolphins, but they did not approach the boat. We observed the young group under water for over 20 minutes until two older dolphins cruised through and appeared to lead the young dolphins away. Back on the boat we renewed our search and quickly came upon a group of 5 bottlenose dolphins.
Category: Bimini 2009
Dolphin sugar-rush?
Wednesday’s trip again included an extended snorkel stop and lunch for the guests. On our way, we were treated to some bottlenose which we observed from the boat. I have yet another folder of pictures to sort through! At one point in our afternoon of searching, we came across a group of adults, including Lumpy (#17) and un-named #75, both adult males. Lil’ Jess (#35) was also on the periphery of this group, with a fresh, but relatively shallow injury to the right side of her peduncle.
I think we’re getting spoiled
Tuesday was another fantastic day. It started “early” with a post-lunch dolphin talk with the passengers. They had great questions and stories to share – thank you! By 1530 it was time to leave the dock and although it took some time to find the dolphins, dolphins we found. The overall numbers were large (at least 15?) but as the individuals were scattered it was difficult to get a firm count. We did see Lil’ Jess (#35), Split Jaw (#22), un-named #91 and several calves and adults.
Calves and seaweed games!
Monday’s dolphin trip began with an extended snorkel stop for boat guests at the Bimini Road (aka Atlantis). I stayed on board, keeping my eyes peeled for the possible passing dolphin group, but saw none. Soon, we headed to “the dolphin grounds” where we came upon a group of what appeared to be 4 mother calf pairs, including un-named #25. As we were getting ready to get in the water, bottlenose joined the group with lots of aerial displays.
A great little Sunday
As I boarded the boat today, I jokingly asked the captain, “Can we please see dolphins early today?” Well, wouldn’t you know – bottlenose dolphins about 30 minutes into the trip! We observed the group for over an hour and the still camera’s memory card was filled. There will be a lot of photo sorting… Continue reading A great little Sunday
After a windy week, a great final day
Well, our patience paid off. After a windy and nearly dolphin-less week, we had a great day. We saw bottlenose dolphins very early and I was able to collect quite a few dorsal fin photographs. Later in the afternoon it was a scattered group of at least 16 spotted dolphins. In the mix were: Finn (#09), Romeo (#10), Juliette (#12) and her calf (who will likely be given ID#93), Tina (#14), Swoosh (#36) and her male calf, Lone Star (#56), un-named #25 (and her calf), 84, 91 and 92.
A busy dolphin weekend
Saturday’s dolphin trip was unexpected, but welcomed! We saw dolphins early (17:03) and the group of four became six and then nine. Lumpy (#17) and un-named #75, both adult males, were in the group. I also suspect that un-named #24 was present, but I’ll have to confirm when reviewing video. There was a single male calf in the group that had some shallow scratches and a very small injury to its lower jaw.
Brief bottlenose, lots of spotteds!
Today’s dolphin trip was hot and calm – just the way I like it! Not far from shore, we saw a group of about 7 bottlenose dolphins. They were very uninterested in the boat, so we had our quick glimpse and continued in search of Atlantic spotted dolphins. We had to wait a little while, but then, we saw them… It was a group of four dolphins, but I only recognized one. It is a young female who was first observed on 9 June.
No more students, but plenty of dolphins!
Wednesday’s boat trip was about as quick and easy as they come. We headed out with Bimini Undersea at about 1600. At 1705, we had our first of two sightings. White Blotch (#29) and un-named #43 were both riding the bow with two other adults and a young juvenile. I’m hoping I got some video footage, albeit it brief, of the juvenile who I suspect is White Blotch’s 2004 calf. She’ll be turning 5 years old later this summer and shouldn’t have too much more time with mom.
More than just dolphins…
Thursday morning, Kel described this past winter’s Bimini manatee. We learned about the steps that were taken in the community and between the US and the Bahamas. We also watched a video of the capture day. We are having a hard time imagining a 1200 pound animal on the bow of our research bow! During photo-ID we confirmed Split Jaw (#22), Swoosh (#36), Niecey (#48), Nemo (#76), Leslie (#80), un-named #43 and 84.This afternoon’s boat trip was a break from dolphins. It was our first time on the boat early in the afternoon and the sun is much stronger.
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