28.08.2022 – Butterflies in the stomach

There was a lot to see on our morning tour. First, we encountered Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis). As usual, they were very interactive. Spotted dolphins are a guarantee for a good mood. Daniel, our skipper, discovered the spout of a Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus) very close to shore. Unfortunately, shortly before we got there, he dove. The second Sperm whale showed the same behavior. On the way to the harbor, however, we saw four Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), which swam relaxed towards Funchal.

In the afternoon, we were quickly surprised by the Atlantic spotted dolphins, which were not far from the harbor. This time, the dolphins had butterflies in their stomachs. We watched different groups in love frenzy. If this mating behavior is successful, we will be able to welcome little calves to Madeira’s waters in nine months, which is the gestation period of the Atlantic spotted dolphins. We also observed a particular leap. It’s not a high leap, and the dolphin’s back is arched. Since last year I have observed this special leap, always in connection with mating behavior. It seems to be a behavior to impress.

The Blainville’s beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris) we were looking for showed up after the second attempt, but we could only observe them from afar. There were two females with their calves and another adult animal.

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

10:00 Sperm whale

15:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Blainville beaked whales

Stenella

10:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Sperm whales, Bottlenose dolphins

14:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins

17:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins