We are proud to show you the first pictures taken by Francesco Rossi in Pico during seasons 2008 and 2009.
The shots are about a close encounter with free-ranging Bottlenose dolphins, one of the friendliest species of dolphins we regularly see in the Azores. The animals are neither attracted nor fed, which makes such encounters the result of pure inter-specific curiosity.

Eye to eye with Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)
Photo by Francesco Rossi

To Francesco photography is a way to document and tell a story. In this particular case the story is about the relationship between the Azores and the cetaceans, from the time of Sperm whale hunting to the birth of the Whale Watching industry and the full protection now granted to both whales and dolphins.
Francesco has chosen black&white films for his 'Azores' and takes care personally of developing and printing his photos.

Pure curiosity between Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and Francesco Rossi (Homo sapiens)
Photo by Francesco Rossi

We are very thankful to Francesco for this beautiful present and we look forward to meeting him again in 2011 in occasion of his photo exhibition in Pico.

The Azorean archipelago appears to provide a safe refuge from the open ocean (and whatever dangers lurk there) for some cetaceans to give birth.  Perhaps it’s the combination of sheltered waters and rich foraging habitats. The provision of sheltered waters could be very important. New born cetaceans are not adept swimmers and are vulnerable in rough sea conditions when they may become exhausted and drown. An abundance of food is also important. Mothers need to remain well fed so that they can produce sufficient milk for their offspring.

A Bottlenose dolphin calf surfaces alongside its mother.

Earlier in the year during May we saw many new born Common Dolphins Delphinus delphis and Risso's Dolphins Grampus griseus. In June, soon after their arrival, many of the Atlantic Spotted Dolphins Stenella frontalis also gave birth.  Most recently we have seen new born Bottlenose Dolphins Tursiops truncatus (see photo). Yesterday we also saw two adult Sowerby's beaked whales Mesoplodon bidens with a small calf but best of all we saw a very recently born Sperm whale calf Physeter macrocephalus (see photo).  The calf looked tiny alongside its mother (perhaps just 3-4m long, its dorsal fin still bent over).  When the mother 'turned tail' to deep dive in search of food, two smaller sub-adults quickly moved to baby-sit the calf swimming protectively either side of it. A wonderful sight.

A new born Sperm whale calf swims alongside a protective sub-adult.

Yeah! The Atlantic spotted dolphins Stenella frontalis are here. On Pico these beautiful dolphins herald the arrival of summer. During winter the sea here is too cool for them but from now until October they are abundant. Already large pods are present, many with new born calves. Some of the calves are tiny perhaps just a few days old. Nevertheless they swim with ease moving side by side with their mothers in perfect synchrony. It’s great to see them back.

An adult Atlantic spotted dolphin passes by our boat just below the surface.

A sub-adult Atlantic spotted dolphin.

An ever present companion during our whale watching trips are Cory's shearwaters or the 'Cagarros' – as they are called here in the Azores (see pic). These birds occur in their thousands around the islands. Their nests can often be found under lava boulders or in lava caves (see pic). Never seen onshore during the day they only return to their nest sites at night when their eerie calls can be heard all around the coast of Pico.  At sea these birds are great opportunists and are quick to exploit an easy meal. Often this meal is provided by the dolphins, particularly the Common dolphins and Atlantic spotted dolphins. These two species often corral and drive fish such as sardines into a tight shoal or 'bait ball' near the sea surface where they and the birds can then easily catch them. 

This feeding association between the Cagarros and dolphins is well established and is something we too try to exploit. The sight of hundreds of birds and dolphins all gathered in a mass feeding frenzy is a great spectacle (see pic). Even better it is sometimes possible to swim and snorkel with the dolphins when this occurs.  The experience can be extraordinary as you find yourself centre stage among a mass of shoaling fish, diving birds and feeding dolphins.  Key to finding these spectacular events are the Cagarros and for this reason they really are a whale watchers friend.     

Much bigger than both the Common and the Striped dolphin, the Bottlenose dolphins in the Azores are actually even bigger than many of their co-specifics inhabiting other parts of the world.
Despite of the fact that there are tens of different species of dolphins, the Bottlenose dolphin has become an icon of all dolphins.
Do you remember Flipper? Have you ever seen dolphins in an oceanarium? If your answer to at least one of these questions is "yes" then you know what a Bottlenose dolphin looks like.

I hope you like the pictures below. They were taken by our Staff member Justin Hart off south Pico. 
The dolphins, for once, are swimming in a tank that is big enough for them. This tank was built by a phenomenon known as Continental Drift some 150 million years ago and its name is Atlantic Ocean.

(Tursiops truncatus)

LIVING FREE 

(Tursiops truncatus)

Bottlenose dolphins are one of the 5 species of dolphins you can swim with in the Azores. All of them are wild dolphins.