White-Sided Dolphin Lagenorhynchus acutus (Gray)Author(s): John O'SheaSource: The Irish Naturalists' Journal, Vol. 24, No. 8 (Oct., 1993), p. 336Published by: Irish Naturalists' Journal Ltd.Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/25539867 .

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336 lr, Nat. J, Vol. 24 No. 8 1993

MINKE WHALE BALAENOPTERA ACUTOROSTRATA LACEPEDE

On the 25 June 1991 while shark fishing aboard the MFV 'Mark Antony' 8km SE of the Seven Heads, Courtmacsherry Bay, Co Cork, I observed a whale which surfaced briefly a few metres from

the boat. Only its back and small dorsal fin were seen at first but, after circling the boat once, the whale swam towards us from leeward, raising its head above the water before diving, not more than 5m. off

the port beam. From the shape of its head, it was obviously a rorqual and when it dived beneath us the

white patches on the flippers, diagnostic of the minke whale, were clearly discernible. The whale

stayed with us for about 15min and, while underneath the boat, could be seen turning over several

times; one moment it appeared as a dark shadow and the white patches on the flippers were visible; the

next, it was much lighter as one would expect if viewing the white underside, while the white patches were not noticeable. It measured approximately 10m and, as in previous sightings of these whales

while shark fishing, it appeared to be attracted to the 'rubby-dubby', i.e. the mashed up mackerel, bran and cod-liver oil used to lure sharks to the anglers' awaiting baits.

Courtmacsherry, Co Cork J. A. DORMAN

PILOT WHALE GLOBIOCEPHALA MELAENA (TRAILL)

After prolonged stormy weather, a female pilot whale in poor condition was found on 12 January 1993 at the top of the beach beside the road at Ballyconneely Bay (L6441), Co Galway. It was 4. lm

long, but the end of tail, including the flukes, was missing. The animal was identified from the

strongly domed forehead, the very long right flipper (the left one was rather damaged) and the teeth, there being a total of 20 in the upper jaw and 20 in the lower.

The head was removed and cleaned and is now in the collections ofthe Ulster Museum (BELUM:

Lhl00779).

National Parks and Wildlife Service,

c/o Connemara National Park, Letterfrack, Co Galway SEAMUS HASSETT

Ulster Museum, Belfast BT9 5AB TERRY BRUTON

Department of Zoology, University College, Galway J. S. FAIRLEY

WHITE-SIDED DOLPHIN LAGENORHYNCHUS ACUTUS (GRAY)

I examined a dolphin of this species, which had been washed up at Purteen Harbour, Achill

Island (F6203) on 2 February 1993. The animal was in a fairly fresh condition and was quickly identified from its characteristic markings. The tail-stock was compressed and, in the right half of the

head there were 28 teeth on both the upper and on the lower jaw. The following measurements were

recorded: length 1,37m, centre of back fin to tail notch 0.71m, tip of beak to blowhole 0.20m, length of both flippers 0.20m and height of back fin 0.13m.

Dooagh, Achill Island, Co Mayo JOHN O'SHEA

(Photographs of this animal were supplied by the author JSF)

RECORDS FROM THE IRISH WHALE AND DOLPHIN GROUP

Compilers: T. Bruton, Department of Botany and Zoology, Ulster Museum, Belfast

S. Berrow, Department of Zoology, University College, Cork

All records below have been submitted with adequate documentation and/or photographs to put identification beyond doubt. The dates given are those on which the animals were observed. Unless

otherwise stated a linear measurement refers to the length of the specimen.

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