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Saturday - Guests watch turtle egg-laying
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date: 8/11/2008
Author:Shay Young
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CONDITIONS
Weather: Morning rain with afternoon sunshine | Air Temp: 26°C | Wind: N/NE winds 15/20 knots | Water Temperature: 24°C | Water Visibility: 20m | Sea State: slight chop
ISLAND LIFE
Critter Encounters:
After an exciting night of turtles nesting with two confirmed green nests on the lagoon side of the island this left all the guests and staff on the island with a real buzz with most if not all given the lucky chance to see the turtle nest and lay those amazing eggs. One of the turtles is no stranger to these shores; this particular turtle was also previously known to the area with marine biologist Jenni having tagged her 9 years ago; making for an exciting return to the island.
The morning started with a slight shower that soon turned into sunshine making for a perfect day of exploring. The glass bottom boast headed out on the western side of the island, there was a slight chop however still absolutely beautiful for snorkelling. As the boat moored up on second reef for a snorkel a white tip reef shark swam on by with another soon to follow; the undulation of their tails ever so obvious to onlookers. The turtles dominated the water today once again with many to be seen; green sea turtles were mating everywhere left right and centre as 2 loggerheads were also witnessed mating. We are still yet to have any loggerheads nesting on the island this season so maybe we will soon see this female on our shores by night to lay her precious cargo.
The guided reefwalk explored the lagoon shoreline and reef area to find some interesting creatures. The sea stars were hidden quite well today with a blue linckia found intertwined with some knobbly coral towards the end of the reefwalk; however guests were lucky enough to sight a pin cushion sea star and have a feel of this amazing creature. The pin cushion sea star surprised all who held it with the amazing weight of this creature somewhat heavier than expected; a pencil slate urchin was found near the shoreline with iridescent red spines protruding from the coral, this spectacular red left many of the reef walkers in awe as they headed back to the shore.
Fish feeding today had many guests gather by the fish pool awaiting the arrival of our fishy friends to the area for a feed. The triggerfish, sergeant majors, moon wrasse and flagtails all were in large numbers today with our two favourite rabbitfish also showing for the feed; the rabbitfish were cheeky once again today winding through everyone’s legs and sneaking around for some of those aquaculture pellets.
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Pincushion Star - Shay Young
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