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Tropic Bird flew in to land in front of Suite 3
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date: 21/8/2009
Author:Jess Howard
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Weather: Picture Perfect
Air Temp: 23ºC
Wind: North East/Northerly 10-15 knots
Water Temp: 21ºC
Water Visibility: ~ 20m
Sea State: Calm
An incredible day today.
Glassbottom boaters were greeted by a mother and calf Humpback whale as soon as they ventured out of the Lighthouse keyway. The calf, very light grey in colour, must be very young, following its mother’s every move and coasting alongside her giving onlookers a beautiful experience, without even getting wet!! Upon jumping in, guests were excited to find turtles everywhere, under the boat, sitting on the bottom, on the coral at the surface…Absolutely everywhere! A huge circling school of Big-eyed Trevally moved under the boat and towards Coral Gardens, letting the non-snorkelers experience that amazing view too.
Afternoon Island discoverers found the little family of Tropic Birds sitting together under their suite. Mum and Dad and chick in the middle. Whilst watching the family, another Tropic Bird flew in to land in front of Suite 3, and just down the road in front of Suite 4, another pair were guarding their egg and conversing loudly with cackles and squawks. The three week old Rail chicks tagged along with their parents, obviously getting good at hunting for themselves now. They almost have their adult feathers, just a few stray bits of baby fluff left.
Reefwalkers ventured into sea stars galore, Pincusion, New Caledonia, and Blue Linckia were all spotted along the walk. A little garden of Tiger Cowries were admired just before finding the Octopus’s lair. The orangey-red creature spat water then disappeared into his cavern of coral, obviously not happy about being admired.
In the evening, guests teamed up to have a go at the Reef Trivia, in the dining room. After lots of laughter, and questionable answers, the Leopard sharks were the clear and decisive winners of the evening. And their prize? A free Glassbottom boat Trip! AWESOME!
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Tropic Birds- J Howard
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