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classic behaviour of a feeding Manta Ray
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date: 28/2/2009
Author:Jess Howard
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Weather: Beautiful and sunny | Air Temp: 28ºC | Wind: South Easterly 10 knots | Water Temp: 26ºC | Water Visibility: 15 metres | Sea State: Calm
Wow! What a day! Clear water – check. Blue sky – check. Warm sunny weather – check. What more can we ask for?? Nature – check. Manta Rays were found all day around the Lighthouse Keyway, even moving under the Glassbottom boat, so guest could get a closer look and quick snap of their massive bodies. Turtles swam in circles around the boat, never moving out of sight. One very observant seasnake was spotted from the boat, moving along the surface. A very unusual sight, it seemed to be following the Manta Rays, he even came close to the side of the boat so guests could see the markings on his back before whipping around and heading deeper again. A moray eel was found by snorkelers, poking his head out of his coral crevice!
Afternoon Island discoverers found one lone little turtle hatchling wandering along the path at the back of the suites. The tired little one looked absolutely exhausted so he was kept in cool sand until nightfall when he was released to make that all important run down the beach into the water.
Fish Feeding gathered a massive crowd of Sergeant Majors and juvenile Sea Mullet darting in and out of the fish pool to grab bits of their food. A surprise visit by a Blue Linckia seastar in the fish pool had everyone excited and taking photos of the beautiful specimen.
Afternoon divers drifting from the Blowhole to tubes spotted Manta Rays above and below them, swimming in vertical loops with their mouths open. A classic behaviour of a feeding Manta Ray. Wow!! Who can say they’ve been absolutely surrounded by massive Manta Rays? The divers sure can!!
Guests gathered in the education centre after dinner to watch an informative presentation on rays, their behaviours and some of the individual species found around Lady Elliot. After such a fun-filled day, everybody is sure to sleep well tonight!!
Special Events / Activities:
Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you!!! Not one, not two, but THREE people celebrate their birthday with us today in paradise. Birthday wishes to Mr. Wayne Fox - resort manager, Mitch Campbell - skipper and Mr Martin a guest who celebrated his 50th birthday today!
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Manta - Jess Howard
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