Sunday’s passengers were only here for the day, so everyone was hoping for a great encounter! We found dolphins just past north rock, which is closer to the island than most of our sightings. It was an adult and a calf, and it was the calf’s leaping and splashing that caught our attention. Once we caught up to the pair, we saw that the youngster was one of the dolphins we saw on Tuesday. Recognized by a notch in the peduncle, we saw that today the calf had a new injury to its right side.
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Overcast, gray and windy
My field reports seem more like weather reports lately. The ferry arrived with tourists and the boats were full. I met up with a few people who had been dolphin watching/swimming. While the underwater visbility was great (>12 m), the sea conditions were not good and the dolphins not interested in hanging around the people or the boats. I guess I didn't miss much … still, I cannot help having wanted to be out there with them.
An Afternoon on Choppy Seas
Dolphins were resting or snacking on small fish called 'Takabe' Just leaving the port we encountered our largest swell (~2 m from trough to peak), but we also saw dolphins after passing around the new pier walls and breakwater. There were four other boats out today, with three at this sighting. This dolphin groups was mostly adult females with juveniles (2-3 years old). They were quiet and traveling counter-clockwise around Mikura. We saw them twice, briefly each time. But, we saw some body rubbing, pectoral fin contact and even nursing behavior.
Another In-Port Day
More Okyakusan (tourists) arrived. Today went by rather quickly. Of course, since I was in port, I reviewed a bit of video. For every hour of data gathered we have about 20 hours of analysis time. I enjoy that part of the research because it is where patterns become evident: patterns in behavior, patterns in sound, patterns in the scars, spots and other marks on a dolphin's body leafing to its reliable re-identification.
A Rocky Last Day
The conclusion of our first dolphin week has left us 7 for 7 in sightings and encounters–seeing dolphins 7 trips in a row is rare. We had a great group of passengers who were very interested in the dolphins and our research and even helped us with IDs! Our talk with passengers on Monday to introduce the research was very well received.
Out on the Water Again
A last minute morning boat trip was offered which I gladly accepted The call came at 7:45am. A trip at 8:30am was offered and I gladly accepted. Luckily, I keep the array ready for a last minute trip. The ECD and wide-band hydrophone batteries needed to be volt checked. The camera manual focus set. The o-rings lubed with silicone. Every cable connected and the ports sealed. I suited up, grabbed all the gear and trotted down to Marui.
I was indeed lucky – on two guests and the dolphin guide, Ma-chan.
A School Visit & more Dolphin IDs
Hurray – we have 2 of the 4 videotapes of data complete for dolphin ID confirmation. I went to school this morning, to Mikura's school. I visited their English class and helped with the lessons. Mostly I just spoke some of the lessons so students could hear a native English speaker. But, I also learn because I listen to the comments made in Japanese. Okay, I also worked on my Japanese grammar today from my lesson book too. My sentences are simple and I want them to be more complex.
New Member on the Island
Darcie arrives in Bimini on June 16 This is a special guest field report from Darcie Blanding! I arrived on Bimini on 16 June to spend a month learning from Kathy and Kelly. I brought the Top Dawg housing with me so we now have it as well as the MVA1 to continue the spotted dolphin research for 2004. I've spent the last two days getting acquainted with the island, taking bike rides with the girls to learn locations.
Dolphin ID’s and more
Typhoon #6 will affect all parts of Japan.So, we are feeling the affects with respect to wind (it has arrived) and waves. They are predicting 7 meter waves(!) for this area off the coast of Japan. I watched for a short time as the waves simply rolled over and covered the pier here at Mikura. The 'fury' of the sea is truly amazing to me.
My morning began a bit early: 4:32 am. I heard a strange noise, like some animal caught in the walls.
Happy Father’s Day!
An 'In Port' day filled with slight breezes, clouds and drizzle. The sea was still rough from typhoon #6 but the typhoon was losing strength and remained on its course along the western side of Japan. It looks like we'll get only the waves action and some rain tonight and tomorrow.
We did have an earthquake today at 14:40. It originated on Hachijo Island and was a 5.2. The walls and floor shook for about 10 seconds. Then, all went back to as it was.