Dolphins, gannets and a surprising garden rescue
The Sardine Run is accompanied by the wonderful spectacle of flocks of Cape gannets.
Nature always has a surprise and sometimes it’s right on our doorstep.
The annual Sardine Run on the South Coast is inevitably accompanied by remarkable wildlife moments.
Jenny Koen, chairman of the Leisure Bay Conservancy, said it was always fascinating to watch dolphins at this time of year.
When relaxed, dolphins cruise together, covering huge sections of the east coast, surfing the waves for fun, and showing humans how it should be done.
But when the hunt is on, everything changes.
“Feeding behaviour becomes frenetic!” explained Jenny. “You’ll see the pod speed up, breaking the water’s surface and diving in all directions to catch their prey.”
Another interesting fact, Jenny said, is that the Sardine Run also brings flocks of Cape gannets (malgas in Afrikaans and injula in isiXhosa and isiZulu).
Large groups often rest together on the water (in what is called a raft of gannets). It’s a sign they have eaten so much they need time to rest and allow the food to digest.
Gannets are strikingly attractive birds, bright white with black wing tips.
“In flight, it always looks like their wings are too far back on their bodies but you cannot mistake them for anything else,” said Jenny.
One of the gannets made headlines last year when it crash-landed in Sarel Cilliers’s garden due to being chased by a crowned eagle.
Lynne Crocker from CROW was called and she released the bird safely at Kidds Beach.
At around the same time, a crowned eagle was rescued by a ski-boat further north, showing how clever raptors have learned to follow the seasonal food source.
REMEMBER:
When you find an injured animal, or one in distress, whether it be a marine or terrestrial species, contact your nearest nature authority.
It is important to remember that these animals are wild and unpredictable and now in a stressful situation.
Keep calm and as quiet as possible when dealing with them.
Contact options:
1. SAAMBR (South-African Association for Marine Biological Research) – 031 3288222.
2. Ushaka Marine World – 031 3288222 or 031 3288060 (after hours).
3. KZN Sharks Board – 031 5660400.
4. CROW (Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife) – 031 4621127 or 083 2125281.
Details to note when reporting a stranded or injured animal:
1. Location (as precise as possible)
2. Species
3. Status of the animal (alive, injured, deceased)
4. Any visible injuries
5. Situation circumstances (crowded beach, difficult to access position)
6. Take a photo if you can and send to the relevant organisation
Information courtesy Bêrendine Jordaan of Umtamvuna Marine Conservancy.
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