You're Nicked Mate !

Hi Everyone,

It's been a quieter and very grey end to the week with not such big groups moving around this part of the Firth. I was looking through the past couple of weeks photos and was chuckling to myself at how big my namesake Charlie is getting. He will be 3 this summer and as I have maybe told you before he has some very noticeable nicks in the trailing edge of his dorsal fin, unusual for such a young dolphin.

© WDCS/Charlie Phillips

These happen when another dolphin has a bite at the dorsal fin of another and the skin is quite thin at this part so these bits of skin are nipped out - it doesn't really hurt as the pain receptors (nerves) on this part of the dolphins body are few and far between. I really have to concentrate when he's around now because I keep thinking that this new, big dolphin has turned up when in reality it's really him - almost as big as his Mum, Kesslet.

Best Wishes,

Charlie.

This entry was posted by Charlie Phillips on Sunday, February 7. 2010 at 14:00. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own blog. By clicking Submit you are indicating that you have read WDCS%s acceptable Use Policy and agree to abide by its terms.

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michelle Brewis says:

#1 2010-02-08 07:22 (Reply)

HI Charlie

Does Charlie still rely on Keslett or is he independant now
best wishes
Michelle Brewis

Charlie says:

#1.1 2010-02-09 18:27 (Reply)

Hi Michelle,

He is catching food for himslf now but still stays close by to Kesslet in case of danger. He, like all youngsters of this age are at a difficult stage in their lives - they think they know it all but still have a lot to learn about hunting, social rules, protocol and survival in lean times. After he's 4 or so he might disappear but we still see some big lads hanging about the area years after they should have "flown the nest". We are surprised at how big these 2 to 3 year old calves are and just like humans you get early developers that seem to mature quicker than others. Moonlight's big lad Mellow Yellow, for instance was huge when he left the area and so was Rainbow's youngest Raindrop.

Best Wishes,

Charlie.

geoff farrell says:

#2 2010-02-09 12:32 (Reply)

Hello Charlie

What a wonderful job you've done with the "boy". Will these marks change regularily ( need spellcheck)?

Tried a comment on the photo of a few weeks ago(with the rwo groups), but the comments part is missing.Is it an optical illusion as the nearest group of dolphins look smaller in size!

Regards

Chris and Geoff

Charlie says:

#2.1 2010-02-09 18:18 (Reply)

Hi Geoff, Hi Chris,

The nicks and scratches that he has already will likely be added to over the years. It looks as though he has been a bit cheeky to one or more of the big males who has taken him aside and given him a "talking to" as you might say. He is a precocious brat (just like his mother)and likely deserved an attitude adjustment. Sorry about the lack of comments - I was having a fiddle trying to stop spam and maybe switched off the comments bit - should be fine now. Yes it's a bit of an illusion...the front group of dolphins seem to be coming out of the water more than the second group as they surface. Hope you are both well.

Best Wishes,

Charlie.

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