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observing the Ruddy Turnstones waddling away on their short legs
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date: 30/4/2009
Author:Jess Howard
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Weather: Beautiful
Air Temperature: 25șC
Wind Speed / Direction: South/ South Easterly 15-20 knots
Water Temperature: 24șC
Water Visibility: 15 metres
Sea State: Slight
The morning bird watchers walked the eastern side of the island gathering around the Mutton bird chick sitting outside his nest, watching the few common Noddies still settled at the southern end of the airstrip and observing the Ruddy Turnstones waddling away on their short legs, changing colours as their breeding plumage sets in. In a Casuarina tree, at the southern end of the airstrip, one Frigate sat high and alone surveying the sight beneath it. With a massive flick of a great stretch of wing, she took off in graceful flight, maybe to rest, maybe to find some food.
The glassbottom boat trips saw an awesome relationship, where a Trumpetfish rode alongside a wrasse, which was nearly the same size. The precision in turning exactly on time and moving as one was incredible. Snorkelers watched on in amazement as these two fish swam in loops, never moving away from eachother, but always instinctively knowing the next move.
Turtle nest digging at 4pm found the front of the resort crowded with onlookers as two babies were discovered trapped in their nests. A little hunched over to start with, they soon straightened out by walking around, giving plenty of picture opportunities to the very excited crowd.
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Cynthia and Jess Snorkelling -J Howard
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