Do you ever have a day that turns into something magically unexpected? Our last Sunday was like that. We are blessed to live near water, the Collie River, the Leschenault Estuary, Koombana Bay and the Indian Ocean. We decided to take our boat out in the bay to see if we could catch a feed of herring.
The water was at it's sparkling best. So flat the reflections were a perfect copy.
The pelicans were at their usual spot having their morning meeting on the sandbar between the river and the estuary.
And soon we were out in Koombana Bay with the Indian Ocean beyond.
As soon as we anchored a dolphin swam right up to our boat. I had my newish point and shoot camera with me. It has an underwater feature that I hadn't used before. I leant over the edge of the boat with the camera, but at this angle I couldn't see the camera screen, so I just pointed the camera in the general direction of the dolphin and kept snapping.
The dolphin came right up to where I was. Then minutes later returned with her baby. This was a truly magical and most amazing experience to interact like this with these wild dolphins. It is a day that I will always remember. We have encountered dolphins many times out in the bay, but never like this.
At one stage we had four or 5 dolphins swimming around our boat. But despite this we still managed to catch our bag limit of herring.
In Bunbury the Dolphin Discovery Centre located on the Koombana Bay beachfront aims to educate people about wild dolphins through their education programs, interpretive centre, beach interactive zone, and dolphin boat tours.
Koombana Bay is home to about 50 dolphins who live in the Bay all year. An estimated additional 100 visit throughout the year.
You can read more about the Bunbury Dolphin Discovery Centre, their history and work by visiting their website here - Bunbury dolphins
People are advised if out boating to let the dolphins come to you, don't pursue them, and please don't feed or touch them.
Have you ever had a dolphin smile at you?
Other places in Western Australia where you can interact with wild dolphins are:
The Peel-Harvey Estuary at Mandurah
Monkey Mia, Denham, Shark Bay
We are so lucky to have these amazing creatures so close to home.
The camera I used is a Olympus Tough
Thank you so much for stopping by. I hope you have enjoyed this little look at the wild dolphins of Bunbury. I value your comments and look forward to hearing from you. I will try to visit your blogs in return. Have a wonderful week.
All Seasons
MosaicMonday at Letting Go of the Bay Leaf
Sharon's Sovenirs
Our World Tuesday
Pictorial Tuesday
ThroughMy Lens
Image-in-ing
My corner of the world through my camera
Wednesday Around the World at Communal Global hosted by Randomosity.
and Little bird - Pienilintu
Thankful Thursday
Der-Natur-Thursday
The Lovin' Life Team over at: Deep Fried Fruit
Month end link up @ Live love craft me
Hello there! I love reading your comments. If you scroll down to the bottom you can comment too! I would love to hear from you.
am happy your point and shoot camera works so beautifully for under water, Jill! Marvelous captures! Hope one of these days you're also going to tell us how the art festival of last week was. Many thanks for sharing your perfect Sunday outing with All Seasons! Have a beautiful week, Jesh
ReplyDeleteOh! I forgot I didn't tell you about the Art market. I had a really fabulous day. Lots of people even though it was very hot. I made lots of sales, so very happy. Now I am hard at work preparing for the next Art Trail in a few weeks. Thanks for asking!
DeleteSo cool. I might have eased into the water with them. They feel like wet balloons!
ReplyDeletewet balloons! goodness!
DeleteThat is so neat! And now I just feel like I need to know what kind of camera you have; it takes wonderful pictures. We were thrilled to see a few dolphins on our last Florida vacation but we never saw a mom and baby and definitely did not get a sneak peek underwater at them! What a magical experience indeed.
ReplyDeleteMy camera is an Olympus Tough. The look underwater of mother and calf was truly magical.
DeleteWhat beautiful anmimals. And the baby!
ReplyDeleteSuch amazing photos! And what a lovely experience. Your point and shoot with your talent did really well!!
ReplyDeleteyes it did considering I couldn't see the screen!
DeleteThese are beautiful images!
ReplyDeleteThe photos are amazing, and very special to see the dolphins like that. Thank you so much for sharing. Wishing you a Happy Easter.
ReplyDeleteOh how superb Jill - what a magical experience. I am so pleased for you - and that you were game enough to try your waterproof camera; it didn't disappoint! Blessings
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to using it next time we are snorkelling.
DeleteAmazing! My husband and I were in the Florida Keys in January and we rented a boat to go snorkeling. On our way out to the reef we encountered a pod of dolphins, turned off the boat and just experienced it. Very magical.
ReplyDeleteso privileged to be able to do this. Magical.
DeleteWow, Jill, that is truly special. And the mama brought her baby to you - twice as nice! The last time I saw dolphins? When I was 9 or 10, living in Florida. They were swimming right next to the canoe we were in. I am not sure I was old enough to really appreciate how unique it was! Thanks for linking to Mosaic Monday!
ReplyDeleteWow - how truly special and magical!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful!! That mama was showing off her baby :) Thank you for linking up and have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteSuch a delightful surprise! I'm reminded of seeing three whales pass the bay when the boys were fishing at Waitara a few years ago. It was a solemn and amazing sight.
ReplyDeleteThank you for being a part of 'My Corner of the World' this week!
Jill, What a wonderful experience. The photos are terrific. Have a great Easter. Sylvia D.
ReplyDeleteWow, wow, wow! What a wonderful experience. I love seeing and capturing animals in their habitats. It must have been such a thrill for you.
ReplyDelete