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Thursday - a second red-tailed tropic bird chick
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date: 4/9/2008
Author:Laura Smith
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CONDITIONS
Weather: Overcast with heavy rain | Air Temp: 20.0°C | Wind: SE/E 20-25 knots, shifted E/NE at 15-20 knots during the morning and eased 10-15 knots in the afternoon | Water Temp: 21°C | Water Visibility: ~ 30 m |
Sea State: Moderately choppy
ISLAND LIFE
Critter Encounters:
A downpour of rain today has brought the green tree frogs out, with the males’ mating calls being heard intermittently around the resort. With the fresh moisture covering the island, it is probable that the frogs will be seen in abundance this evening. These lovely amphibians are commonly used as environmental indicators for scientific research; this means that, because of their sensitivity to poor or degraded environment, the health of a tree frog population can be used as a proxy for the health of the entire ecosystem. Here on Lady Elliot, their survival is dependent on the fresh water lens that exists about 3 metres underground.
Today was an eventful day for our avian friends here on Lady Elliot Island – a second red-tailed tropic bird chick has been confirmed, this one belonging to the pair nesting under Suite 3. This is an especially exciting occasion, as this particular nesting pair has in the past thought to have been sterile. Although the couple has laid several eggs in the past, they have never successfully reared a chick to adulthood, so our hopes are with little “Zulu” for healthy growth! Meanwhile, the first chick of the season, “Sebastian” appears to be doing very well. Parents were shielding it today from gusty morning winds, one wing outstretched over the chick as it persistently tried to poke its head out and take in its surroundings.
The very first Bridled Tern (Sterna anaethetus) of the season “terned” up (no pun intended!) on Lady Elliot Island last night. These are one of the first species of seabird to arrive on the island for the nesting season. In just a few months time, bridled terns will line the paths and garden beds around the resort. These birds lay eggs beside large coral rubble pieces, and commonly leave them unattended, allowing the sun to incubate them.
Manta rays were once again seen from planes, boats, and underwater. The SCUBA divers today were awed by the sheer abundance of manta rays on the western side of the island. Dive instructor Kym Fiora guesses that there were more than 40 (yes – 40!!) mantas seen on a single dive this afternoon, including many pregnant females and juveniles. Not much is currently known about the lifecycle of manta rays, but hopefully ongoing research, such as Project Manta of which Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort is involved, will provide us increasing amounts of information.
The humpback whales are continuing to impress, their magnificent spouts clearly visible from a great distance off the southern end of the runway today.
Special Events / Activities:
Students from the University of Goettingen celebrated their last night on the island yesterday evening with sunset drinks and antipasto platters.
Special Guests:
Part owners of the island Michael and Trish Kyle arrived on Lady Elliot for a 3 night stay.
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Happy family tropic birds - Michael McMurry
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