An EARLY day, but a good one with bright sun, a breeze and dolphins.
The morning was our first official data collection session with our volunteer team at Bailey’s Cay. Roger, Ron, Madison and Dave were up early and raring to go. The breeze kept them cool, the dolphins kept them engaged. They did a great job of filling out our surface observation sheets and documenting where the MVA and I were at 5-minute intervals and also how many dolphins were near (at 1 m intervals) to me. The dolphins only tempted them to play a couple of times!
The morning session provided medium visibility (4-5 m) and some interaction for viewing. I saw Mrs. Beasley and her calf and Carmella and her calf a few times and the other dolphins often. Ken, Bailey and Anthony ( a 3 year old and 2 two year olds, respectively) were very curious and all over me at varying times.
The afternoon session was not as productive for two reasons: less than 3 m silty visibility and after ten minutes dolphins that ignored me! I guess the latter is a case of “be careful for what you wish!” I have more video of water and coral and fish from the afternoon that of any mammals under water! Maybe they will be more cooperative tomorrow.
Cheers,
Kathleen