Category Archives: Ocean Shore

Stealing Fish, Pelican And Dolphin

This is another strand feeding by Dolphin that included a brazen Pelican. Consider an adult Dolphin can be 13 feet (4 m) long and the Brown Pelican is 39.4-53.9 in (100-137 cm). No contest.

Stealing Fish, Pelican And Dolphin - click to enlarge
Stealing Fish, Pelican And Dolphin – click to enlarge

The shore here is a series of steep slopes and small inlets. I was able to capture this from a spit of sand up the shore. Pelicans will follow the fish and land where they think the Dolphin will be. Very clever and several of us have watched them land right where the action is about to start.

Click, or double tap, any image to view the gallery of the Pelican and Dolphin.

 

A Little Drama, Dolphins

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.

The Explosion Of Fish (2 Images), Dolphins

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.

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

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

 

Fishing, Dolphin Style

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.

 

Pelican Tried , Dolphins Kept The Fish

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.

 

Dolphins, A Quick Chase

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.

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

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

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

From start to finish this chase was just 5 seconds.

Big School Of Fish, Dolphins

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
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.

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

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.