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Wednesday - Lots of bird activity today
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date: 23/10/2008
Author:Jess Howard
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CONDITIONS
Weather: Moderately warm, clear blue skies | Air Temp: 22.5ºC | Wind: South/South Westerly 15/20 knots | Water Temperature: 23ºC | Water Visibility: ~15-20 metres | Sea State: Choppy
ISLAND LIFE
Critter Encounters:
TURTLE TRACKS!! More turtle imprints were discovered in the sand this morning at the northern end of the airstrip, although no nest was evident, its still exciting to have those huge female turtles wandering up our beaches at night and early morning. Morning reefwalkers braved the strong wind and headed out in search for mysterious reef creatures.
Morning divers drifted from Sandy Seconds to Anchor Bommie to Spider’s Ledge, escaping the choppy seas by venturing underwater. Reported sightings of Bronze whalers, Grey whalers and Manta Rays had the divers bubbling with excitement all day.
Glassbottom boaters reported that it was warmer in the water than out. The turtles are EVERYWHERE! Green and Loggerhead turtles are surrounding the island now giving guests the opportunity to glimpse them every twenty minutes or so when they surface for a breath.
Lots of bird activity today on the birdwatching tour where the Buff-Banded Rail chick was spotted with a parent nibbling on some yummy moths. The little chick is growing bigger unbelievably fast. Tropic birds were all home enjoying the afternoon sun and breeze, Sebastian was having fun teasing a White-capped Noddy that was sitting on the branch above him. He’d move forward, open his mouth, and then rapidly move back again, and the Noddy would start squawking, so Sebastian would do it again; a hilarious sight to see. Little Johnno sat content between his parents, trying to convince them for a feed by nibbling on their beaks. One lone Sooty Oystercatcher sat on the beach enjoying the view as the common Noddies tried unsuccessfully to take off into the wind.
The wind dropped out in the afternoon providing beautiful calm seas and perfect diving conditions. The afternoon dive drifted from the Lighthouse to Severance Wreck to the Coral Gardens, coming across HUGE turtles, giant schools of Trevally and the iconic Manta Ray. What a day in the underwater garden. Some guests jumped into the lagoon for a sunset snorkel at high tide, where others headed over to Coral Gardens to enjoy a sunset nibbles platter in the warm glow of the sinking sun.
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Buff Banded Rail - Photo taken Lady Elliot guest Neville Semmier
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