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Monday - A Bar-tailed Godwit was spotted on the runway
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date: 12/1/2009
Author:Jess Howard
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CONDITIONS
Weather: Hot, windy, patchy showers | Air Temp: 29ºC | Wind: South East 15-20 knots | Water Temp: 26ºC | Water Visibility: 15 metres | Sea State: Slight
ISLAND LIFE
Critter Encounters:
Well what another beautiful day in paradise. A morning dive at Maori Wrasse Bommie saw divers seeking out Black and White tip Reef sharks, an endless Moray Eel and a number of distinctly coloured Parrot fish in just one hour. What an awesome start to the day!
Glassbottom boat goers were privileged to catch sight of a magnificent Manta Ray cruising around Second Reef. Originally mistaken for a shark, because of its pectoral wings, it proceeded to glide around the boat, unperturbed by its impressed audience.
The morning birdwatchers were thrilled to find the pair of Sooty Oystercatchers on the airstrip at the southern end. Their dark bodies and striking red beak and feet make them easily recognizable. A Bar-tailed Godwit was also spotted on the runway, recognized by its slightly upturned beak.. And of course all the gorgeous little chicks were marveled at, especially the abundance of them, they’re absolutely everywhere!
The afternoon reefwalk was braved by few people, heading into the strong wind on the eastern side, but what a reward. Blue-Linckias were everywhere, nearly every step taken found another blue leg sticking out of the coral. The delightful red pencil slate urchin was an easy find also, sitting well out of its crevice, just beneath the water surface. An overcast sky sometimes confuses creatures, as an Abalone wriggled its way across the coral. He mustn’t have known how early it still was.
Afternoon divers drifting from Lighthouse Bommie to Second Reef found a remarkable SIX Manta Rays swimming above them. In awe of the giant creatures, divers simply sat on the sandy bottom and watched them as they lazily cruised around. Snorkelers on the snorkel safari also had an awesome experience as two HUGE Grey whalers and two Spotted Eagle rays were spotted within a two minute time-span all in the shark pool off Coral Gardens. Not wanting to leave such an amazing sight, snorkelers stayed in the one area and were rewarded with Green turtles, a massive Loggerhead and a big school of Emperor. What a day to be in the water!
By nightfall, guests gathered in the education centre for an informative presentation on the different types of rays seen around Lady Elliot. After that, an early night for most, although keen turtle watchers headed to the beach to find their own special viewing of the amazing nesting stage of the Green and Loggerhead turtles.
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Noddy mum and chick - Jess Howard
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