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Sunday - a cool change for guests
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date: 9/11/2008
Author:Jess Howard
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CONDITIONS
Weather: Overcast, slight rain | Air Temp: 25ºC | Wind: South Westerly/ South Easterly 15/20 knots | Water Temperature: 24ºC | Water Visibility: ~20 metres | Sea State: Calm, slight waves in the morning
ISLAND LIFE
Critter Encounters:
A welcome cool change greeted the island this morning after last night’s Green Party affair. Guests and staff all joined in the festivities of green face painting, to support the “look but don’t take” policy of the Green zones on the Great Barrier Reef. Divers at the lighthouse this morning reported amazing visibility of approximately 45metres and the underwater zone was crowded with wildlife. Manta Rays, Eagle Rays, Shovelnose Rays, prettily coloured nudibranchs, and a Giant Moray that diver Kym reports never to have seen before.
Guests braved the wind and spitting rain to head out for a reef walk in the lagoon at low tide. Well worth the bravery, we located many Blue Linckias hiding within the coral crevices, an anemone waving gently in the cool water, and an abalone shrinking into the coral when approached. A final look at the strikingly red Pencil Slate Urchin concluded a successful reef walk.
Glassbottom boaters were appreciative of the cool water when they jumped in for a snorkel to catch glimpses of a Bull ray, a school of parrotfish feeding, and a Humphead Parrotfish mixed in with the school who was very impressive. Boat-goers also managed a rescue attempt on a White-capped Noddy who was floating in the water, unable to move. They took him to shore, where he waddled off gratefully.
Flotsam Fossickers this afternoon strolled the north east beach discovering all sorts of interesting material washed upon the shore. Box fruit and coconuts were located along the shoreline, as were plastic bags which were thoughtfully collected by guests. Turtle tracks were identified near Coral Gardens again, making it evident that nesting season is indeed well underway here in paradise. How Awesome!!!!
Island discoverers found Tropic bird Zulu right in the front of his nest, perhaps preparing to fledge if Mum and Dad don’t return soon. Sebastian is also looking like he’s preparing to leave soon too.
Afternoon divers at the Three Pyramids discovered Moray eels, Haley’s Barracuda, a colourful Flatworm that had Mark jumping up and down in excitement, and Manta Rays.
Guests gathered this afternoon to learn about the turtle life cycle and turtle happenings on and around Lady Elliot. SO far this season, seven nests have been recorded, all from Green turtles. Come on Loggerheads!!! As the night draws near, with some scattered drops of rain, a relaxing week comes to an end. All over Lady Elliot, the birds are chirping, green tree frog croaking and hermit crabs are scuttling to the waters edge as night pulls in. What a fantastic day!!!
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Moray Eel - Jess Howard
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