I woke to what I thought was someone lightly dancing on the roof of my cabin. Nope … just more rain. It apparently rained all night but the morning was thick clouds with occasional rain – from drizzle to down pours. The sun tried to make an appearance, but failed to extend its stay. Still, I was able to collect a bit of video this morning at about 6:30 AM. Ronnie greeted me with nudges. Not the welcome I wanted, but I accepted it. Calli and Polly were enthralled with the MVA faceplate this morning.
Our last day of data collection began with more blue sky than we’ve seen all week! It was short-lived! We delayed my entry for observations until about 7:50 AM so that I’d finish up at about the time the trainers arrived for a session. Ronnie was still VERY inquisitive of me, but after a time-out session and a short “hand-to-pectoral fin” rub, he was done with the inquisitive behavior at me.
The rain was prevalent again in the evening and early morning. But the day cleared a bit in the morning and offered good underwater visibility for a session in the morning. So, my team – all early risers – and I were on the taxi boat by 6:00 AM and I was in the water by 6:10 AM. I went in from the beach rather than a platform to see if that might divert Ronnie and the attention of some of the younger dolphins.
What a way to start the field season at RIMS! Our first session began at 6:40 AM – I have four participants who are early risers like me! The underwater visibility was great and the dolphins were inquisitive and vocal and playful. It was nice to see Ritchie and Bill again and the youngsters from 2013 have grown! Calli is more raked that last year but also more rambuCallinctious! She’s the closer of the two dolphins in the photo.
The second session was of a “tandem create” training session with Hector and Han.
I woke several times last night … to the sound of pouring rain and wind! But, when I looked at the visibility at 6 AM, it looked sort of ok. So, we trekked over the Bailey’s for me to collect some data. The gang was all out and I slipped into the water to really good visibility, albeit a tad dark due to the thick cumulous clouds overhead.
The dolphins – the younger ones – decided I was indeed their play toy.
We were greeted to a deluge of rain on waking! The wind joined the rain and the sound was like a freight train rumbling by! Luckily, the sun came out a bit later … but the wind remained all day. Rain, plus rolling breakers just outside the reef meant the underwater visibility was not good (technical term: yucky!). And, the sun, rain and wind were joined by a strong current across the reef.
My flight from Miami to Roatan began well! Check-in was smooth and security lines were short. The flight departed on time. As we neared Roatan, seemingly ready to prep for landing, the captain informed us the ceiling was too low. We’d have to circle for a bit of time. We tried our first attempt at landing about 25 min later … the wind shear had other ideas! Same thing for our second attempt! So, we headed to Belize to wait out the weather and refuel.
My pile of gear is ready to go … I finished packing last night, much earlier than usual for a week of data collection!
But, everything is set – the SM2M, the MVA, and my mask, fins, snorkel and wet suit … and a few bits of clothing!
Today, I’ll pull together some files and other details to work on when not collecting and logging the data to be collected.
I’ve connected with the folks at RIMS and look forward to returning and to seeing and recording the dolphins this season.
I’ll update you on the dolphin group and our
Apply to Sacred Heart University's Field Course in Cetacean Ecology and you can join DCP and Dr. Deirdre Yeater at our field site in Bimini, The Bahamas.
It is that time of year again! I’ve begun packing gear in prep for travel to Roatan to continue our studies of dolphin social behavior, acoustics and communication at the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences (RIMS) at Anthony’s Key Resort. I am bringing the MVA2 and the SM2M passive acoustic recorder to continue documenting dolphin interactions and vocal behavior.
I depart on Saturday and will be at RIMS for a week. I’ll be joined by four participants – Bill, Ron, Lance and Jeanne.