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.