Strange Dolphin Behavior

[Scotty_Tradewind]

We had the priviledge of being joined by dolphin for much of the day whilst crossing the Bristol Channel from Dale to Padstow 21.9.12

One particular dolphin began breeching off our port bow and then slapping itself over onto his side ......

see the short video.. http://s725.beta.photobucket.com/us...t=3&o=0&_suid=1359249583418048577364381722793

 

[lenseman]

I think you mean "Breaching" not "Broaching" but I have seen dolphins swimming on their sides riding the bow wave. I always think they just do it to get a good look at me and the boat.

That one might have been injured (prop damage) or brain damaged and he was just doing the best he or she could?


.

 

[ukmctc]

Fantastic, we have had dolpins all the way around the UK, I don't think there has been a day without them. They have swam along side, sideways, even almost upside down as I recall riding our bow wave and just having fun. Great to see and a very welcome sight on our passages.

 

[ribrage]

Dolphins

We had the priviledge of being joined by dolphin for much of the day whilst crossing the Bristol Channel from Dale to Padstow 21.9.12

One particular dolphin began breeching off our port bow and then slapping itself over onto his side ......

see the short video.. http://s725.beta.photobucket.com/us...t=3&o=0&_suid=1359249583418048577364381722793

He is probably checking out your ensign........ they get a bit nervous around certain nationalities ! !

 

[Iliade]

We had a similar experience between Scilly and Lands End this summer. It appeared to be a very large pod and quite possibly the same one.
A least two animals were breaching &/or swimming on their side so I would guess it to be normal behaviour.

 

[snowleopard]

Hey mister, I've got this itch on my side, will you scratch it for me?

 

[Woodlouse]

It was a bleedin' show off.

 

[Rock Dodger]

I saw some dolphins off the coast of Spain last September and they stayed with us for some time. Their behaviour was quite spectacular as they would leap out of the water singly and in groups. Every now and then one would leap out and slap down on its side as you describe. They looked like they were just having fun.