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Tuesday - The Ancient Mariner Nesting Season has officially commenced
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date: 21/10/2008
Author:Jess Howard
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CONDITIONS
Weather: Sunny and hot | Air Temp: 26.4ºC | Wind: South /North Easterly 10/15 knots | Water Temp: 23ºC | Water Visibility: ~20-25 metres | Sea State: Glassy and calm
ISLAND LIFE
Critter Encounters:
LEI awoke to an awesome surprise this morning when we discovered our FIRST NESTING TURTLE!!!!! The huge Green Turtle was found in the bushes between the Coral Gardens and the northern end of the airstrip, and when she was discovered she was in the process of filling in her nest with her back flippers. Other turtle tracks were also found on the beach as well, but only one nest was evident. In the shallow water, there were FOUR more big Green female turtles, possibly thinking to nest, or finding refuge from the male turtles looking for a mating partner. But how AWESOME!! What an event for today. The Ancient Mariner Nesting Season has officially commenced ….. WOOHOO!!
Divers at the blowhole this morning reported amazing visibility, descending upon White-tip reef sharks, about five huge turtles, an Olive sea snake and a colourful Lionfish. The whales were very vocal, treating the divers to their harmonies, while they were exploring their underwater garden.
Interested historians trekked around Lady Elliot today on the historical tour; learning about the island’s fascinating past and present.
Glassbottom boaters at Second Reef today found a white-tip reef shark cruising around the snorkelling site, along with lots of Green turtles. Exclamations heard from the boat included “BEAUTIFUL day,” “STUNNING,” “A Postcard”!!!! Clinton’s fascinating story of the morning involved kayaking through the Coral Gardens on the way to board the boat and along side him came a mother and calf Humpback whale. The calf was using its pectoral fin to slap the water and was actually splashing Clinton! What an amazing experience with nature!
Fish feeding as usual gathered a large crowd, lots of diamond-scaled sea mullet and Nigel our big Silver Drummer. A turtle stole the show when it swam behind the fish pool, giving guests a quick glance before speeding off again. Afternoon divers at Sandy Seconds drifting to Spider’s Ledge spotted a lone Manta Ray cruising among them, along with some moray eels, silvertip sharks and ‘of course’ dozens of turtles.
Special Guests:
Congratulations to Kate Cowlishaw and Ben Lendel who are celebrating their honeymoon here on Lady Elliot. Also to Mr and Mrs. Knight who are celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary here today. Welcome back to the Froods who are returning to Lady Elliot for the seventh time.
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turtle tracks - Jess Howard
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click to download flash player