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Thursday - Eager birdwatchers gathered
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date: 16/10/2008
Author:Jess Howard
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CONDITIONS
Weather: Overcast, turned sunny | Air Temp: 25ºC | Wind: North Easterly 10/15 knots | Water Temp: 24ºC | Water Visibility: 25 metres | Sea State: Calm
ISLAND LIFE
Critter Encounters:
Today began with a splattering of clouds caked over the sky. A nice cool breeze swept through the resort as guests woke to the melodious tunes of White-capped Noddies.
Eager birdwatchers gathered to discuss differences between sea birds and land birds, whilst watching the Noddies prepare their nests. Guests were able to glimpse a pair exchanging leaves and try to add it to their small nest, unfortunately it was dropped, and the male was off again searching for more leaves. After a quick sighting of a pair of Bridled Terns dancing around one another, guests were off to visit the tropic birds. Well, Zulu and a parent were sitting cosily under Suite 3, Damien greeted a parent as it crashed in next to him and the other parent, and Sebastian was gazing around in wonder at the sight of so many people visiting his nest. Little Johnno was all alone this morning cleaning his feathers and looking adorable. An exciting view of the two Sooty Oystercatchers resting together, their heads tucked into their feathers, brought cameras and binoculars out of pockets. Awesome to see our resident Sooty Oystercatcher has found a partner.
When snorkelers jumped in off the glassbottom boat this morning, they found masses of goatfish scrounging around in the sand for food. Using their barbels, goatfish are able to smell invertebrates in the sand, which they feed on. Divers at Severance wreck this morning drifted to Spiders Ledge and found Bullrays, Leopard sharks, mating turtles and a Tawny Nurse shark along the way. Afternoon divers at the Lighthouse found that Rodney the resident Angler Fish wasn’t at home, but also reported Leopard sharks and Tawny Nurse sharks. What a great day for wildlife. Reefwalkers spotted pink Christmas Tree worms, little worms that build their home in coral skeletons, masses of Blue Linckia seastars and a tiny cowrie shell, “not much bigger than a big toe”. Fish feeding was shadowed today by a sea hare, a type of mollusc with no external shell. Guests were more excited to learn about his characteristics than the fish swimming through their legs. Not to worry, the little sea hare took off again and the fish were fed, hungrily devouring their rations.
An afternoon crowd gathered to take a turn at hitting golf balls at the Pitch and Putt course. No clear winners were distinguished but the sport was enjoyed by all. As the sun sinks below the sweeping of clouds in the sky, people are gathering at the Lighthouse and Coral Gardens to enjoy the view with a yummy sunset platter to nibble on. What a way to end the glorious day here in paradise.
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White Capped Noddie - Wayne Fox
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