Category Archives: Dolphin

Charleston, Dolphin, Ocean Shore, Wildlife

A Little Drama, Dolphins

August 6, 2018 Ted Jennings - TPJ Photography 7 Comments

It has been a bit quiet around here, it’s monsoon season. Getting out was only for a short spell before the famous Lowcountry thunder storms popped up.

No storms today, so out for a looong walk. It was a morning tide and I broke my own rule about too much sun and temperature.

Dolphins will always feed, where is the issue. Today it was near us.

A Little Drama, Dolphins - click to enlarge — A Little Drama, Dolphins – click to enlarge

This charge was at the expected spot, and right angle. How often does that happen!

The Dolphin on the left, the one with all the fish, was the winner. He was catching them so fast at one point I saw a half fish fly up in the air.

After the last few days I needed some drama, I got it.

Charleston, Dolphin, Ocean Shore, This and That, Wildlife

The Explosion Of Fish (2 Images), Dolphins

August 5, 2018 Ted Jennings - TPJ Photography 2 Comments

The first photograph here shows the power of the Dolphin charge, and the resulting explosion of water and fish. Before the final push to shore these Dolphin have been circling and herding this school.

The Explosion Of Fish, Dolphins - click to enlarge — The Explosion Of Fish, Dolphins – click to enlarge

Once on shore fish that have not jumped over and back are spread out before the Dolphin.

Dolphin will grab what they can and quickly roll right, then twist until back into deeper water.

Charleston, Dolphin, Ocean Shore, Wildlife

Fishing, Dolphin Style

August 3, 2018 Ted Jennings - TPJ Photography 5 Comments

This is a single photograph from a series of images I am working on now. Here 3 Dolphin charged a school of fish, driving them to the shore. The steep bank made it easier for the Dolphin to follow the school in.

Fishing, Dolphin Style - click to enlarge — Fishing, Dolphin Style – click to enlarge

At least 2 have caught fish (click above to view full screen).

It is hard to capture just how explosive this strand feeding really is. However, consider each Dolphin is approximately 13 feet in length and look at the waves they have caused.

Birds, Dolphin, Ocean Shore, Pelican, Shore Bird, Wildlife

Pelican Tried , Dolphins Kept The Fish

August 1, 2018 Ted Jennings - TPJ Photography 2 Comments

This Pelican was caught not being ready once this day. He looked determined if Dolphin came up the point again.

Pelican Tried , Dolphins Kept The Fish - click to enlarge — Pelican Tried , Dolphins Kept The Fish – click to enlarge

The Dolphin pushed the fish right to his spot. I give the Pelican credit because he jumped in middle of this. He didn’t get anything but really did try his best.

Click, or double tap, any image to view the gallery.

Pelican Tried , Dolphins Kept The Fish – click to enlarge

Charleston, Dolphin, Ocean Shore, Wildlife

Dolphin Grabbing A Fish On Shore

July 30, 2018 Ted Jennings - TPJ Photography 2 Comments

Photographed just as this Dolphin hit the shore stranding this fish.

Dolphin Grabbing A Fish On Shore - click to enlarge — Dolphin Grabbing A Fish On Shore – click to enlarge

The waves behind are caused by the Dolphins tail pushing him foward.

Birds, Charleston, Dolphin, Ocean Shore, Pelican, Shore Bird, Wildlife

Dolphins, A Quick Chase

July 28, 2018 Ted Jennings - TPJ Photography Leave a comment

Even the Pelican was surprised at this one. There was only one big splash, which I never did see.

Dolphins, A Quick Chase - click to enlarge — Dolphins, A Quick Chase – click to enlarge

This stranding was down the shore from my spot, along a steep incline.

Pelicans will steal fish right in the middle of a feeding. This one never had the opportunity.

From start to finish this chase was just 5 seconds.

Charleston, Dolphin, Ocean Shore, Wildlife

Big School Of Fish, Dolphins

July 27, 2018 Ted Jennings - TPJ Photography 4 Comments

This was a stranding that involved 3 adult Dolphins. The charge was very successful given the number of large fish driven to shore.

Big School Of Fish, Dolphins - click to enlarge — Big School Of Fish, Dolphins – click to enlarge

Both Dolphin above have grabbed fish. There were fish flying through the air to escape.

Click, double tap, any image to view gallery size.

Big School Of Fish, Dolphins – click to enlarge

When there is more than one Dolphin pushing the fish the amount of water displaced is amazing. They create their own waves, real waves.

They are on shore for only a moment, just long enough to grab fish. Then each will roll back into the water. And again, waves and huge splashes of water.

Click, double tap, any image to view gallery size.

Big School Of Fish, Dolphins – click to enlarge

Charleston, Dolphin, Ocean Shore, This and That, Wildlife

First Sighting Of The Day, Dolphin

July 26, 2018 Ted Jennings - TPJ Photography Leave a comment

It’s not easy to photograph an animal underwater, from the shore. Most all the images I capture are a dorsal fin sticking out of the water. Hardly exciting, unless you are there.

You don’t typically see much of Dolphins feeding, or even stranding, until the last few seconds. However a lot happens up to that point.

First Sighting Of The Day, Dolphin - click to enlarge — First Sighting Of The Day, Dolphin – click to enlarge

The first clue is the huge exhale, breathing through their blow hole. In this place it is loud, and close. Dolphins first swim close, along the shore looking up to be sure there is no danger on the sand where the fish will be stranded.

They also move as a group. Above there are 2 in this soft light swimming just feet off shore.

In the last image there is a little more happening. The dorsal fin close to me shows a Dolphin slowly gliding by. The back fin is not the same. Compare that fin to all the photographs in this article.

Several of us noticed sharks following the schools. Most likely this was a shark moving along with the Dolphins.