A Split Program

Kathleen continued data collection. The BGCA group visited Ardastra Zoo, the Pirate Museum and the Pompei Museum.

My (Kathleen’s) day began before sunrise as I prepared to take the early ferry to DE’s island to continue recording dolphin behavior and sounds. I was able to conduct two observation sessions. The morning was in pool 5 with Nina and Lagoona, Dot and Cacique, and Missy. The afternoon was with the big boys: Jake, Fatman and McGyver. The calves were all over the place and inquisitive during the morning session, but I was completely ignored for the afternoon. I have maybe 3 passes by any of the males in view. I watched a few times as one or two males would echolocate on me from ~24 feet away – I saw their back and dorsal fin at the surface. I slowly approached and they would move off. Still, I was able to collect data and had a productive day.
The BGCA group visited the Zoo and got to see many other types of animals. They also had lunch at the fish fry – where everyone gets to choose not just from the menu but from ~10 different restaurants! They also had a tour of one of the many forts and then spent time at the Pirate Museum. I was able to join them at the Pompei Museum for a UNESCO sponsored exhibit on Slavery.
The day rounded out with dinner at the Hard Rock and a brief presentation (i.e., the front gate) to the Straw market … an experience everyone will enjoy on Monday!
More data and snorkeling await us tomorrow.
Cheers
Kathleen