Dolphins
Dolphins,
porpoises, and whales make up the order Cetacea. Dolphins and porpoises along
with Pilot and Sperm whales are toothed whales as opposed to the larger baleen
whales.
Riding the Bow-wave
Dolphins riding the bow-wave of
the boat always add excitement to a pelagic trip. Almost any trip to Stellwagen
Bank will produce whales. Dolphins are more elusive and not expected on every
trip. What a joy they are when they do arrive. Experienced captains know how to
drive the boat to encourage the dolphins to ride with the boat.
A Common Dolphin riding the bow-wave of the boat
was photographed through the water.
Atlantic White-sided Dolphin
The dolphin
most likely to be seen on Stellwagen Bank trips is the Atlantic White-sided
Dolphin.. Named for the white patch on its side, it has a gray ribbon like
strip that extends from above the eye to the tail. with a gold stripe near the
tail. It readily rides the bow-wave. Notice the white stripe which is followed
by the golden stripe toward the tail.
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