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the beautiful sight of feeding Manta Rays
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date: 27/4/2009
Author:Nick Brennan
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Weather: Sunny
Air Temperature: 25.6°C
Wind Speed / Direction: NW10-15 knots
Water Temperature: 25°C
Water Visibility: 20 m
Sea State: Chop
This morning woke to easing conditions, with the north west wind moderating throughout the day. The glass bottom boat headed out to second reef and saw a plethora of marine creatures amidst the turquoise clear water. The silver drummers were absolutely wild swarming on the surface to feast on the plankton that had accumulated along the current line. As the current strengthened throughout the morning, so did the number of Manta Rays and by midday there were Manta’s absolutely everywhere. Guests sighed in awe at the beautiful sight of feeding Manta Rays. One very large individual that was completely black surfaced right next to the boat allowing for some killer photos and a great look at its interesting shape.
When guests entered the water they were blown away by the intensity of the reef. Brightly colored plankton fish came right up into the water column and the reef dwelling fish made for some incredible discoveries. The butterfly fish always attracts a lot of interest, and the guide explained its clever coloration to avoid predation.
In the afternoon guests came along to fish feeding and were rapt to see a cleaner wrasse that has just taken up residence in the fish pool. It was doing its characteristic wiggle dance advertising its services but the fish were too busy getting a feed to notice it. It was a great opportunity for everybody to see this special creature because it is found all over the reef and is very exciting to watch.
After a delicious dinner guests enjoyed an evening stroll around the island on the Night Stalk. They came across a fluffy mutton bird chick that ducked back into its hole when guests approached it. This amazing bird migrates north of Tonga during the winter months and it won’t be long until this cute little fella does the same. The mutton bird life cycle is fascinating. Mum eventually migrates off leaves the chick by itself in the nest. Then when the little chick is so hungry it can’t wait anymore it comes out of the nest and migrates off functioning purely on instincts. Absolutely amazing.
Guests had a magnificent day learning about this wonderland island and went to bed to rest up for another incredible day out here at Lady Elliot!
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big eye trevally - Jess Howard
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