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Sunday - Loggerhead turtles were out and about
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date: 12/10/2008
Author:Shay Young
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CONDITIONS
Weather: Sunny | Air Temp: 26°C | Wind: S/SE winds 15/20 knots | Water Temp: 24°C | Water Visibility: 20m | Sea State: Choppy/ slight swell
ISLAND LIFE
Critter Encounters:
The day started with glass bottom boat and snorkel tours running at both 10 and 11 on the western side of the island. Loggerhead turtles were out and about with a few males sighted cruising, sergeant majors also flourished with many using the boat as a good food source, picking off the algae from the underside of the hull.
e guided reefwalk embarked on a journey in the lagoon out the front of the beachfront café, to see an array of creatures. The local residents were out in force with a new Caledonian sea star sighted in the shallows at the end of the reefwalk; this sea star was starting grow a new arm after one had been bitten possibly by a fish. The major coral groups were also sighted today with the main interest leaning towards the Goniopora species. The Goniopora species is also known here as greedy; this stemming from the fact that the coral will feed 24/7 whereas other corals tend more to feed at night, the polyps of this coral are therefore continuously extended.
The island discovery tour progressed through the resort to end up at our fascinating red tailed tropic bird nests. All chicks are doing well with Zulu reportedly having a bit of a stretch when guests arrived- no doubt having another midday nap! Damien had both parents present to watch over him and Sebastian is now “huge” as Jess our interpretive guide explained; This means he’s getting bigger each day now losing his chick fluff and gaining his juvenile plumage. Jono-Elliot is still hiding under the wing of his parents keeping safe from any potential predators; while another adult Rose is still preparing her nest awaiting her small arrival.
The fish were also out in force at fish feeding today with our two friendly rabbitfish, Nigel the silver drummer and moon wrasse galore in the fish pool for a chance to entertain our guests with their presence.
For our guests diving today the western side of the island was where all the action was. The morning dive commenced at the Three Pyramids for a leisurely dive with turtles seen left, right and centre; and a huge green moray eel swimming out in the open. The afternoon dive explored the Severence wreck for a drift dive back to the Lighthouse; an octopus, eagle ray and lionfish and 2 moray eels were all spotted; the turtles were out again with a turtle sighted feeding on algae. Dive instructor Adam also lucky enough to find a helmet shell, our marine biologist Laura stated “the dive was awesome; a wonderful array of marine life from many different genus”
Special Guests:
Today we were visited by 11 travel agents all the way from New Zealand to spend time exploring our little slice of paradise.
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Loggerhead turtle - Laura Smith
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