Risso's Dolphin (Grampus griseus) is in the Oceanic Dolphins family (Delphinidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 1,345 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in May.
Seasonal pattern in the national data: seasonal. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.
When to photograph Risso's Dolphin: observations by month (U.S.)
About Risso's Dolphin
Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus) is the only species of dolphin in the genus Grampus. It is commonly known as the Monk dolphin among Taiwanese fishermen.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Risso's Dolphin by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 1,322 | May | Mar–Dec |
| Virginia | 5 | August | Aug–Sep |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related mammals (Oceanic Dolphins)
Photography tips
- Keep a legal and safe distance: 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from other large animals in national parks.
- Dawn and dusk are peak activity times for most mammals.
- Use your car as a blind on wildlife drives.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Risso's Dolphin?
Nationally, May has the most observations, with the main season from March to December.
Where is Risso's Dolphin most often seen?
The most observations come from California, Virginia.