More Whale and Dolphin Watching

Cetaceans and seabirds

Done a few more trips to search for Cetaceans and seabirds the last two months.

On January 19 a full day at sea gave many fantastic observations of Dolphins and one whale.
Possible Sei Whale Pelagic Lima. Photo: Gunnar Engblom
This may be a Sei whale that has lost its dorsal fin.

Dusky Dolphin Pelagic Lima. Photo: Gunnar Engblom
Dusky Dolphins come close to the boat.

Common Dolphin Pelagic Lima. Photo: Gunnar Engblom
Common Dolphins were also often seen on this full day trip.

On February 18 we had great observations of a Bryde’s/Sei Whale. Bryde's Whale Pelagic Lima. Photo: Gunnar Engblom

Sei and Bryde’s whale are very similar in appearance. One needs to see the head to be able to separate them. However, since Bryde’s is the most likely this time of year

On February 23 we saw large numbers of Dusky Dolphins. The Inca Terns and Peruvian Boobies follow the moving schools of hunting dolphins is an good way to detect dolphin activity.

Dusky Dolphin Pelagic Lima. Photo: Gunnar Engblom

Peruvian Booby and Dusky Dolphin Pelagic Lima. Photo: Gunnar Engblom

Dusky Dolphin Pelagic Lima. Photo: Gunnar Engblom
Also, far in the distance we saw a immense blow. This was most certainly a Blue Whale. Unfortunately, we had not time to follow up this time and the whale itself was not seen.
Robert Flood – a dedicated seabird watcher had particularily chartered the boat for the trip on February 23. The purpose of the day was to study Storm-Petrels. We had prepared a “chum” consisting of fish bones, heads and intestines, oil and pop-corn. Storm-Petrels have sense of smell and not before long we saw the first Markham’s Storm Petrels.
Black Storm Petrel, Pelagic Lima. Photo: Gunnar Engblom
More majestic were the impressive Waved Albatroses also attracted by the chum.
Waved Albatross Pelagic Lima. Photo: Gunnar Engblom
The Waved Albatross is visiting from Galapagos. It is an almost certain sight all year around.
Next whale/dolphin watching trip is planned for March 3 and April 1. Contact Gunnar at kolibriexp@gmail.com or 273 72 46.
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