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.