Joe Pender Wildlife Photography

Tuesday 29 May 2012

Risso's Dolphins



These Risso’s dolphin's were in St Mary's Roads last night they are one of the largest species out there. It is also one of the most distinct when it comes to their appearance. From a distance it may appear that a Risso’s dolphin has been involved in some type of battle. They have distinct markings on their bodies though that are different from each other.
The coloring ranges from various shades of gray. The distinctive markings on them are white. The darker that the color of the dolphin is the more apparent these types of markings are. These markings will likely be more apparent as they get older. They are the result of battles with each other and with their prey over the course of their lives.
Another unique feature is that they have seven sets of teeth on their lower jaw but none on the top. They feature one dorsal fin and two flukes. They range in length from 10 feet to about 12 ½ feet. Males can weigh up to 1,100 pounds with females weighing much less at about 650 pounds.
Distribution
These dolphins don’t come to the shore very often unless they are desperately searching for food. They prefer to remain out in the water and that makes it harder for people to see them. Some of the common locations where they have been noted include Monterey Bay, British Columbia, and the coast of California. It is estimated that there are close to 265,000 of them in the world.


1st Summer Drake Eider

2nd Summer Iceland Gull
This 2nd summer Iceland gull has been around for most of the winter and was by the quay last night and the Eider which has also been around since November was on the Crow beacon . And the Risso's were In St Mary's roads last night in a group of about six .



2 comments:

  1. Great pictures ...and information too!Thanks Joe.

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