Did you know that the Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis) is one of the cetacean species that forms the largest aggregations in nature?
They live in pods of around 25-30 individuals here in Azores. The pod that was observed today was of about 20 individuals, composed by mainly mothers and calves. They graciously swam around the boat, diving underneath us. So lovely to observe these animals underwater.
After leaving the pod and saying “Adeus” to the dolphins (“Bye” in Portuguese :)) we carefully placed the hydrophone underwater.
Clicks were heard, more clicks. Who could it be ?
You guessed it … Sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus)
So lucky observing a mother and a calf, the calf nursing with its mother and waiting while the large female explored the depths of the ocean.
Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus) a mother and a calf resting at the surface.
Not to long after, we observed the whole pod coming back to the surface, at last another 4 individuals.
Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus) resting at the surface after a deep foraging dive.
Our skipper Tiago said the funniest thing – “They are popping back up like pop corns”- Everyone laughed 🙂
So all in all what a beautiful trip with sightings of two very awesome resident species.
