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2006: Behaviour: Mammals - Highly Commended

John Johnson Enlarge image Dolphin in its element

John Johnson (United States of America)

Dolphin in its element

The Bahamas have attracted John for three years in a row, for the clear waters and Atlantic spotted dolphins. One day, when he held his breath and dropped to the sandy bottom to watch a group of dolphins, this playful individual swam by to look at him. As it did, it arched its back and dragged its tail to swirl the sand ever so slightly before heading up to the surface. 'Though I try not to anthropomorphise my experiences with animals,' says John, 'I can't help wondering what the dolphins must think when they encounter people in the middle of their ocean like that'.

Canon 20D with 10-22mm f3.5-4.5 EF-S lens; 1/200 sec at f8.

This photograph is available to buy as a print.

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