Behaviors of local dolphins
Strand Feeding
Strand feeding is a unique feeding behavior where dolphins corral fish near sandy shores then create a large wave to push the fish and themselves onto shore to eat the fish before returning to the water. Strand feeding is not common in most parts of the world. It’s a learned behavior from mom.
Bow Riding
"Dolphins ride bow waves and stern wakes of boats, probably as an adaptation from surfing on large waves and nearshore breakers. While easy travel has been postulated, it is more likely that bow-riding is more often simply for the fun of it, or play." (Würsig 2017)
Photo Credit: Bernd Würsig, Science Direct
Maternal Care
One of the many great things we have in common with these animals is maternal care. It's what makes us mammals! Just like us, they have live births and raise their young. This photo was taken of two of our known locals. In this shot, the mother is nudging the calf to strand feed. Not all mothers teach their young this learned behavior!
Begging
This is NOT a good behavior to see. Unfortunately, we see begging dolphins more often due to human interaction, specifically, as a result of people feeding dolphins. The consequence is that dolphins are now spending more time begging for food than hunting, socializing, or playing.
Socializing
Socializing takes up most of a dolphin's day. It can be breeding, playing, aggression, or gentle body contact. Dolphins have a very structured hierarchy system so much of their socializing involves figuring out individuals' rank. Communication plays a huge park in socialization too.
Often dolphins are spotted playing which is another form of socializing. It is thought that they do many things, just for fun.
Photo Credit: S. Bonizzoni, Gulf of Corinth, Greece