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A black tip reef shark also passed through
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date: 20/1/2009
Author:Nick Brennan
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Weather: Sunshine with isolated showers | Air Temp: 29.1°C | Wind: SE/E 15/20 knots | Water Temp: 27°C | Water Visibility: ~15 m | Sea State: Calm
Guests on the glass bottom boat were ecstatic to see so many turtles in the water today. One couple told of a very friendly juvenile green turtle that seemed to be more curious of them than they were of it! They took away some great memories and photos from this special encounter. A black tip reef shark also passed through the snorkeling area and for many this was their first ever experience with a shark. Guests admitted they were terrified at first but later said it was their defining moment in the water and were rapt to have had the opportunity to do it. Black tip reef sharks eat tiny mollusks, crustaceans and small fish for the record, certainly nothing human size!
The divers saw leopard sharks right through the duration of their dives. These guys are one of the few sharks that can sit on the bottom still, so they provide the divers with a unique opportunity to get really close. The guests thought that they were incredibly beautiful and elegant in the water.
The night stalk was a real treat today. Under the Pisonia tree’s two muttonbirds were sitting at the entrance to their burrow. They weren’t particularly bothered about being the centre of attention either! They sang their signature ghostly song used to locate their partners, and the guests could totally understand how early settlers might have thought the Island was haunted.
The Night Stalk went around to the Lighthouse where guests were informed of a very special surprise. Our turtle expert Jenni had processed a nest of turtles during the day and was waiting to release them at the top of the beach. Everybody was absolutely thrilled and made sure they got some photos, then as instructed by the staff the children formed a tunnel with their legs and shone their torches so that everyone could see the turtles make their way to the water. The parents thought that the experience was just so special for their children and it was really a perfect way to wrap up a beautiful day at Lady Ellliot Island.
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Hatchling relealease - Wayne Fox
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