What it feels like to be surrounded by 2000 leaping dolphins

[n2doc]

The normal pod of dolphins tends to tally at 16-20 — this statistic makes the sighting of this "mega-pod" of 2000 dolphins off the coast of Dana Point, California all the more special. Researchers speculate that the dolphins — who were hitting speeds of 25 miles per hour — were racing a whale-watching vessel for kicks. You shouldn't watch this if Day of the Dolphin gave you the vapors, and here's another fine example of dolphins at play.

http://io9.com/5888599/what-it-feels-like-to-be-surrounded-by-2000-leaping-dolphins

[aquamarina]

1. Darn - I went on that Whale Watching Trip in Dana a couple a months ago.

Saw several dolphins and whales but nothing like this. It must have be thrilling for the watchers.

[liberal N proud]

2. We took a whale watching trip off Dana Point once

Saw some sea lions on a bouy, not even a dolphin. It was supposed to be prime whale migration season too.

[aquamarina]

4. But you have to admit - the sea lions are entertaining.

[Ready4Change]

3. I more wonder if they were herding fish?

I don't think they were racing the boat doing the filming, as the boat was catching up to their leading edge. I instead wonder if they were forming a line and herding fish ahead of them, perhaps to get those fish to gather into a bait ball so the dolphins could feed?

Here's a smaller version of what I am thinking about:
http://www.wired.com/video/dolphins-feeding/1116747799001

[cyberpj]

5. SO LONG! AND THANKS FOR ALL THE FISH!

LOL.

[AlbertCat]

7. I was just gonna say that!

[cyberpj]

10. OK! NOW...

[life long demo]

6. Wow, just wow

My heart was pounding just watching them.

[babylonsister]

8. Fantastic! Thanks for sharing. nt

[1monster]

9. I'd be terrified that my boat would injury the dolphins...

but what a thrill to see that!