Only half of our team remains for data collection and surface observations. The data collection today was much better than yesterday … we could actually see the dolphins under water. They mostly ignored my and the camera, although Gracie has decided that the extra length of ribbing from my weight belt is fun to tug on now and then with a quick swim by underneath me. The first time she did this, I was a tad bit startled, but the 2nd and 3rd times, I figured it was her having fun.
Tag: older content
GREAT Visibility under water!
Each session was at least 12 meters visibility with very little particulate matter suspended. There was much social activity in the morning. At first, I thought the dolphins were mostly resting, but then I spied the young males, in the same groupings as yesterday, playing with and rubbing on and rolling over and chasing around each other. They were also vocal as they charged each other.
I also watched as Gracie found a Mangrove seedpod and started tossing it in the air only to retrieve it and repeat.
Last trip of the season
I can’t quite believe it, but I’ve just returned from my last boat trip of 2006. We ended on a nice round trip #55, our most trips in a single year thus far. Sunset suddenly feels like an Alaskan winter, touching down at 19:23. Because of this, it was off the dock at 15:39 and as we left the harbor a spotted eagle ray leapt out of the water, twice. They are such beautiful creatures, definitely one of my favorites.
Some rough play among the youngsters
The young learn proper social rules by playing amongst themselves and adults We saw LOTS of play behavior and some social jockeying by the 6 younger males: Hector, Ritchie, and French in one group and Jack, Ken and Anthony in the second group. For the second group, at least one mom was never too far from the calves’ rolling and rubbing and chasing. Mrs. Beasley kept an eye on French as he played with Hector and Ritchie; she often inserted herself between me and the three of them as they charged forward.
A great day
I don’t want to dwell on the fact that I can’t believe it is already halfway through September, but I’m sorry, I CAN”T BELIEVE IT IS HALFWAY THROUGH SEPTEMBER! When did this happen? And I don’t think anyone asked my permission…. Before today’s boat trip I had a brief add-on discussion with passengers. Then it was off to snorkel at 3 Sister Rocks….I decided to take advantage since it will be awhile before my next opportunity. Weird. That’s all I can say.
Herman’s Dolphin Prodigies
{mp3}TheDolphinPod-2006-09-12-29930{/mp3}
Last week, we produced a podcast titled ‘the dim dolphin controversy’. You may recall from this episode that many scientists referred to the work of Dr. Louis Herman’s research lab when citing examples of intelligent dolphin behavior. In this week’s episode, we will learn what Dr. Herman’s research has taught us about dolphin behavior and why these studies are considered by many to be proof positive that dolphins are smarter than the average goldfish. In fact, even smarter than the above-average goldfish.
Last week, we produced a podcast titled ‘the dim dolphin controversy’.
Last presentation of the year
Today was rough. And I am tired! So, I think I’ll keep this field report short 😉 I headed over to the hotel property an hour & a half before boat departure for the usual DCP presentation. It was a great Q & A session with passengers. This week’s group may be small, but they are excited & engaged, which is so encouraging to be around. Then it was out to sea & what seas they were. Never unsafe, but at times uncomfortable, we saw dolphins at our northern-most range at 16:51.
Deja vu?
With respectful thoughts of 5th anniversary of 9/11, today passed with amazing ordinariness. But we were still enthused by the dolphins! We saw dolphins at 16:24 (a whole minute later than yesterday) and were able to observe Romeo (#10), Split Jaw (#22), Billy (#64), Nemo (#76) and un-named #78 & 80, nearly the same individuals as yesterday. In the last two days I have recorded over 70 minutes of video, so I know I’ll be busy logging tapes once I return to Anchorage.
A fabulous first day!
The day’s real work began with the usual Meet & Greet. We have just 8 passengers who will be with us for the week, with additional individuals joining us for various days. Because the sun is setting much earlier now (19:30), we left the dock at 14:30. At 16:23 we saw a group of spotted dolphins; this is extremely early to see them, but we were pleasantly surprised to continue watching them until well after 17:00. During this time we had two water entries & observed Romeo (#10), Split Jaw (#22), Lil’
Our Data Collection Volunteers arrive today!
Two morning sessions followed by an assist to Alson (aka Latta) & Ken Most of this season’s volunteer researchers arrived in the afternoon, so I took the morning to get about an hour of data. There was MUCH social activity – especially pectoral fin rubbing between Gracie and Mrs. Beasley and between Paya and Ritchie. This is more evidence that dolphins will select their rubbing partners – both among the wild dolphins and those in human care. I was able to record a few lengthy sequences of this pectoral fin rubbing. Very neat.