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Thursday - Red-Tailed Tropic bird chick feeding
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date: 13/11/2008
Author:Jess Howard
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CONDITIONS
Weather: Sunny and hot | Air Temp: 27.8ºC | Wind Speed / Direction: South Easterly 15-20knots | Water Temperature: 24ºC | Water Visibility: 10-15 metres | Sea State: Slight
ISLAND LIFE
Critter Encounters:
Last night’s Night Stalk meandered to the western side of the island, on the look out for Green Tree Frogs, Mutton birds, land Hermit crabs, and of course turtles. Mutton birds were located by their ghostly wailing calls, hiding in the roots of the Pisonia Trees whereas the Green Tree Frogs were tucked inside a drain on the western side. No need for searching for the land Hermit crabs, one put on a spectacular display of movement as he wandered to the water’s edge for a drink. No turtles were discovered last night during the walk; however turtle tracks and signs of nesting this morning prove another successful night for the turtles.
Bird watchers this morning were treated to the sight of Red-Tailed Tropic bird parent-chick feeding. At the nest sights, youngest chick, was being fed by a parent. Other glimpses of feeding were also encountered on the breezeway where a Buff-Banded Rail parent was being closely followed by her three small chicks. Stopping every now and then to pick something up, one of the chicks would come up and grab it out of her mouth. How sweet! One Sooty Oystercatcher was discovered on the beach, lazing in the coral, whilst the Common Noddies were either sitting on eggs or attempting to fly into the wind to find some food.
Glassbottom boaters were delighted to see an enormous whiptail ray through the bottom of the boat, and right next to it was a Blue-Spotted Lagoon Ray, which is unusual to find on the ocean floor of the western side. How Amazing! Turtles, turtles everywhere! Green turtles are taking over our waters! From the boat or in the water, it’s hard to miss the turtle circus that’s occurring at the moment.
Reefwalkers found heaps and heaps of interesting creatures this afternoon. First of all, a Dolabella sea hare was found under a ledge of coral. After showing off flexing those rabbit ear-like tentacles, it was released to slide back under the coral. Next to find was a decorator urchin, usually well-hidden beneath pieces of coral and algae, this one was bare and clean and easy to spot. A Blue Linckia seastar was located hidden well in the folds of the coral, just in front of a red pencil slate urchin. Big black Diadema sea urchins were discovered in the middle of the sandy trails, making an obstacle to move around. A fun-filled cooling off experience for all who came.
Divers reported that the current took them “everywhere” today, drifting from Severance to Second Reef to the Lighthouse and back again. What a mission! Along the way, they encountered a HUGE silvertip shark, schools of Big-eye Trevally and schools of Rabbitfish!
Special Events / Activities:
Full moon rising tonight. A sight not to be missed! Welcome back to Amy Gilmore, returning to work in the Dive shop over the Christmas period. Also, welcome to Debra Ly and Alana Kirchhoff, who are commencing employment here on Lady Elliot today.
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Red-Tailed Tropic bird chick - Jess Howard
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