A Special Visitor off Tadoussac

October 17: offshore foray out of Tadoussac. Near Prince Shoal, we first cross paths with several minke whales feeding near the surface, followed by a group of close to 200 gray seals.

All of a sudden, a crew member spots a flock of birds in the distance; indeed, there seems to be a lot of activity in the area. As we approach we begin to realize the obvious: we are in the presence of nearly 200 white-sided dolphins!

A rare visitor in our sector. Some 200 individuals split up into several groups of 8 to 15 individuals. The animals are very active! We are treated to a remarkable show, with acrobatic jumps close to the boat and impressive bursts of speed by highly dynamic dolphins.

Circling above these dolphins are flocks of black-legged kittiwakes and Bonaparte’s gulls; there appears to be plenty of food in the area!

I am more than happy to take a few pictures of these gems! Here they are!

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GREMM research assistant from 2003 to 2009 and from 2012 to 2014, Renaud Pintiaux is a passionate observer and photographer. Year round, whether from shore or on the water, he takes every opportunity to observe marine mammals and birds in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park.