A sea of dolphins were caught on a drone video in Southern California NBC television affiliate in Atlanta 11 Alive reported Tuesday.
"I prefer to be called Captain Dave," David Anderson, who recorded the footage told 11 Alive.
Anderson received word about the spectacle from another water-goer who noticed the large group of whale species, and wanted to try out his drone for the first time, but took a precautionary approach while pursuing the sight in California's Dana Point. "But I can't rush this kind of thing," Anderson told 11 Alive.
"It's mysterious behavior," Anderson told 11 Alive. "Scientists don't know exactly what causes dolphin stampedes. I've seen them where they start slow and build up speed, and where they start suddenly with a burst of activity."
"They could be afraid of something or they may be heading towards food. The video doesn't show any obvious predator," Anderson told 11 Alive.
Anderson saw the dolphins forging ahead when he arrived to the area where his lead told him they were 11 Alive reported.
"They were already in stampede when my boat arrived. And they love to ride the waves behind the boat. Those dolphins are so used to boats," Anderson told 11 Alive. A hump back whale and its calf offspring are also shown.
The new idea of drone technology has welcomed discussion about its uses such as recording.
"People have so many concerns about privacy, and that's understandable. But if they outlaw drones, they have to realize they'll be outlawing this window into the lives of these beautiful animals." Anderson told 11 Alive.
"I wanted people to be moved to tears and care about these animals without me saying a single word. This is smaller and more simple to fly," Anderson told 11 Alive.
