Thursday’s boat trip included two Atlantic spotted dolphin sightings. First, we found a group of about 11 spotteds, but they were on the move. I think un-named #117, an adult female was in the group, as well as a juvenile with a small and shallow, but fresh, injury to its side. These dolphins heal so well, I won’t be surprised if it doesn’t even leave a scar…
Later in the day and farther from shore, we saw another group of spotted dolphins. This time, we were able to observe them under water.
Monday I had hoped to meet the first group of students from Chicago City Day School, aboard the Coral Reef II, but unfortunately they were delayed. I missed our talk, but hope they are having an absolutely fabulous program exploring the water around Bimini. Then, it was on to the Sea Crest, to meet this year’s students from Hunter & Manhattan Colleges.
On Wednesday, I was lucky enough to join a Bimini Adventures charter. The small group of guests was upbeat, friendly and excited for dolphins. As we cruised the shoreline, the sky was filled with clouds and rain came down in the lightest of sprinkles. We searched and searched and just after the boat hit a turbulent trough, there they were: four Atlantic spotted dolphins! Four turned into six turned into eight turned into at least 12.
Hope you enjoy Short Field Experience Intern J.P.’s final blog post!
On Saturday, I wake up knowing this is my last weekend in Bimini. Today I need to make new arrangements to make sure I get back home. Due to the airport snafu I have booked myself a ticket on the ferry which is filling up quickly. Since my phone has been acting up and the Wi-Fi keeps going out, I have had some trouble getting in touch with my airline to change my flight once I get back to the states. After getting somewhat stable Wi-Fi, I get my phone provider to help me fix my cellular service.
Did you enjoy reading about the May Eco-Tour (aka Research Experience)? We have another opportunity for supporters to join us at our Bimini, The Bahamas field site – where we study wild Atlantic spotted and bottlenose dolphins. There are only 4 spaces left!
Program start: 26 August 2018 (begins with lunch, so many guests are arriving on 24th or 25th)
Program end: 31 August 2018 (ends after breakfast)
Cost: $1875 (ask about $50 US check discount!)
Read all about this awesome program here.
The latest issue of DCP's quarterly newsletter, The Dolphin Gazette is here! Kel has been busy at our Bimini field site, and still has spaces available for different experiences that bring you to The Bahamas to help study wild dolphins. Kathleen reflects on the upcoming 20-year anniversary of DCP and she too looks forward to supporters joining her in the field. Of course, you can always wind down with a fun activity on the last page...
Click here to get your free copy.
On Friday, I wake up earlier than planned with a Bahamian head cold. Thrown off by a cold in the middle of summer and not able to sleep, I check my email. To my surprise I have an informative email about my airline and flights from Kel. Apparently the airport’s fire truck has malfunctioned and due to this development scheduled U.S.
The sun is out and the weather looks good on Thursday as I walk down to meet our group for our last boat trip. Today it looks like we are going to be on the big boat as there was a little engine trouble with the other boat. We board with purpose today since it is the last day and we have to adhere to a schedule as flights must be made. After the whole group has boarded we set off.
We approach the sand bar and it looks like a large boat may be stuck.
The weather is warm and sunny as I head to the Sea Crest to meet up with the rest of the group. It looks like today will be the day we help the beach get a little cleaner. I arrive at the suite with the smell of cinnamon bagels in the air.