High winds, choppy seas did not disappoint us. This week seems to be more of a weather and cloud and high seas watch than a trip for studying dolphins. We woke 4-6 foot waves and about 20 mph winds (gusting higher). Late morning gave us a few spotted dolphins. We had two short encounters with about 12 dolphins. That is, we entered the water twice to observe the dolphins but they seemed more interested in surfing the waves.
Category: WhiteSandRidge2002
Dolphin, and more rough seas.
Three encounters with spotted dolphins. Our first encounter was with two juvenile males. I think one was #208, a newly identified young male from 2001. These two males were very playful with each other and with the split-fins swimming with them (that is, us humans). They rubbed pectoral fins and sides together often. About 5 of us got into the water while we were from drift. The big boat was in search mode looking for dolphins. This encounter lasted 8 minutes.
Mother’s Nature Fireworks
Thunder & Lightning, stormy seas continue. We had a few sightings during the day and our first encounter from the dinghy late in the afternoon. Concordia (#114) was with a group of five other dolphins. They were young and seemed to be playing and feeding. They were not inquisitive about us at all. The visibility was pretty poor – low light due to so many clouds and the late time of day. Seems Mother Nature has other plans for us this week – the seas don't seem to be getting any better for us.
Leaving Port
Clouds, Choppy Seas We stopped and dropped anchor just north of Memory Rock. The seas were choppy with a two foot swell. But we saw one bottlenose dolphin and the feeling was for a good week. Our first group of passengers for this season is from the Tennessee Aquarium. They came with lots of questions and an enthusiasm to help with our research. I think we'll all have a good week and learn lots from each other. There are two couples: Ken and Ruth Ann and Jerry and Mary. Then we have Maxine, Polly, Mary and Sarah.
One last posting prior to departure.
Our passengers arrive in a few hours. I chatted with a few people who were on last week's trip with a different group. They had several sightings of dolphins and even saw Stubby about an hour north of our port, St. Tropez Marina. The sky is cloudy but with billowy white shapes. The wind is light and I believe we should have a good day tomorrow. Cheers for now.
Travel to the Bahamas
Great flights and good feelings upon arrival. An early morning departure brought us to the Bahamas in the early afternoon. All our gear, equipment and clothing (mostly bathing suits and shorts) arrived safely. Bill was already here and Peppie greeted us with a loud (loud) hello and hugs. We unpacked and helped prep the boat a bit and then settled in for the evening. Tomorrow the passengers arrive and we'll leave on Sunday. So, I'll be writing more to this field report site later this week …
Bahamas’ White Sand Ridge – 2002
Atlantic spotted dolphins – data collection field season Welcome to my 11th year studying the Atlantic spotted dolphins north of Grand Bahama Island (GBI) – examining their communication and patterns of signal exchange. We will continue to record dolphin behavior and sounds underwater with simultaneous video/audio gear and observe how dolphins interact with one another. We are into our second and third generations of dolphins (since 1991). It is wonderful to see our old dolphin friends, watch youngsters grow and see the next generation thrive.
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