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Thursday - Lighthouse bommie is a well-known Manta Ray cleaning station
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date: 18/9/2008
Author:Jess Howard
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CONDITIONS
Weather: Sunny and hot | Air Temp: 24.3ºC | Wind: East/South Easterly 10-15knots | Water Temp: 22ºC | Water Visibility: ~25 metres | Sea State: Calm and crystal clear
ISLAND LIFE
Critter Encounters:
At an early 5:44am this morning, islanders were waking up to the chirps of Noddies and Bridled terns, whilst the sun rose above the still water of the Pacific. Already warm at 7am with a clear bright sky scattered with clouds, snorkelers were venturing into the lagoon for a high tide snorkel.
Divers at dive site, Hiro’s Cave this morning reported seeing lots of dazzling colourful nudibranchs, which are a type of mollusc. Their bright patterns warn potential predators of their inedibility. Delighted divers found a Barramundi Cod hiding in a crevice, and a sea snake surfacing for air. People on board the glassbottom boat today reported seeing a Bull Ray buried in the substrate, a giant school of Big-Eye Trevally, and one majestic Manta Ray. All who entered the water commented on the remarkable visibility and clarity of the water. A peaceful and relaxing snorkel for all.
Eager birdwatchers gazed in wonder at the Tropic Bird chicks, which had been left alone this morning by their parents who were out at sea feeding. Little grey Zulu and little white Sebastian stared fixedly back, opening their tiny mouths and shuffling their fluffy little bodies. Also encountered on the birdwalk, were a big flock of Pacific Golden Plovers happily chirping away whilst scavenging on the airstrip. These plovers, along with the Ruddy Turnstones come to Lady Elliot all the way from Siberia just to enjoy our summer. Now that’s a journey worth taking! Low flying Frigate birds patrolled the lagoon keeping a watchful eye out for smaller seabirds to rob them of their meal.
Island discovers this afternoon were momentarily distracted from their tour, when a whale started playing on the surface just beyond the reef. Amongst cheers of delight from the group, the whale spouted and its hump back glistened in the afternoon sun. Fish feeding proved to be yet another great experience, where fish swam through people’s ankles to nibble on their food.
Manta Rays frolicked at the lighthouse this afternoon, where eager snorkelers headed out to the bommies to try and catch a glimpse of the Manta Rays being cleaned. Lighthouse bommie is a well-known Manta Ray cleaning station, where small cleaner wrasse will swim all over the Manta Ray, even in their mouths and gills to pick off bits of mucus, dead skin and parasites. Divers this afternoon reported being surrounded by approximately 40 Manta Rays this afternoon. AWESOME!! Then to finish off the afternoon with a BANG, a pod of dolphins joined in on the activity. Definitely something to remember!
Reefwalkers were dazzled at the very beginning of their walk this afternoon when a Moray eel, only about 5metres inshore swam amongst the coral formations. Other creatures found today included two black-tailed sea hares, many Blue Linckia seastars and an ambitious little damsel fish who protected his territory so thoroughly, he actually nibbled on the reefwalking poles!
It’s definitely warming up here in the tropics, as the sun sets, and the night gestures in, sighs of contentment and relaxation can be heard all through Lady Elliot!
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LEI sunset - Wayne Fox
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