Large numbers of resident, or "home range" dolphins, allows for exceptional dolphin watching, with seasonally varied sightings. May and June are peak months to spot newborns. The first efforts by these little fellows to perform the graceful dolphin arch can be comical. Though they hang close to mother's side for the most part, their playful puppy like nature gives new mothers good reason to stick together.

Throughout the summer, feeding behavior, involving natural food sources and shrimp boat buffets lines, provides lots of good entertainment. Encounters with habituated dolphins are more common, and friendly guys like "Nicky" and "Schooner" make routine visits to the Skimmer.  They seem to know me as well as I know them.

Perhaps the best dolphin watching takes place in the fall, peak time to observe an incredible group effort known as "strand feeding". Entering small creeks at low tide, up to six dolphins will work together to corral schools of fish against a muddy bank.  When the pieces are in place the dolphins charge on cue, creating a wave that carries them and the fish well up the bank. As the water recedes, dolphins and quarry lie completely exposed. A few fish are grabbed by the dolphins, many more by marauding birds. This is truly  world-class nature, good enough for National Geographic.

The leaping, frolicking, and splashing associated with dolphin social life occurs daily and year 'round. Seemingly it also peaks in the fall when "dolphin parties" take place. Lots of dolphins, lots of acrobatics, and perhaps the celebration of cooling water temperatures and a prosperous summer.