Offshore Bottle-nosed Dolphins by Steve Mirick on Hydrographers Canyon
Dolphins
Two populations of
Common Bottle-nosed Dolphins are recognized. The coastal
population is well known by its representation as "Flipper"
of television fame, performing in dolphin shows and
exploited in "swim with" programs. Pelagic birders are
more likely to encounter the offshore Bottle-nosed Dolphin
on continental shelf edge trips.
Bottle-nosed Dolphins are a combination of gray tones
lighter on the underside and darker on the upper part of the
body. They jump and ride bow waves. are a
different population from the
more familiar inshore dolphins usually seen in dolphin shows and "swim with" programs. These
were photographed by Steve Mirick on 2001 Hydrographers Canyon trip.
Bottle-nosed Dolphins photographed by Steve
Mirick on the 2001 Hydrographers Canyon trip.
Risso's Dolphin
Also called "Grampus", Risso's Dolphin can be seen on
offshore trips on the east coast. The Risso's Dolphin has a
beakless head and a body that is larger toward the head
tampering toward the tail. The body lightens with age and
is often highly scarred. The dorsal fin is tall and
remains dark. Flippers are sickle shaped.
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