Tag: older content

Today was a full day of activities! We started the day with dolphin data collection followed by breakfast and then a talk about acoustics. But the next morning activity was the best – we had our dolphin encounter and swim! Half of us met Tilly and Carl and the other half met Maury and Kenly.

The swim provided much dolphin play and good underwater visibility. Lunch was a delicious feast! We then listened to Jennifer tell us about coral reef restoration and the coral nursery they have here off AKR.

Another very packed day was had by all of us! Our boat was waiting for us at 6:15 AM for our aquatic trek to Bailey’s Key. The dolphins were waiting.

The forgotten title was something good … but we are a bit tired from all the activity today!

Our day was full! We started with good surface activity and space use data collection, as well as observing Kathleen with the dolphins. We were able to collect activity levels and panoramic photos, too. After breakfast, Dr. K gave his physiology lecture and regaled the students with fun tidbits that were engaging and educational.

After our second dolphin observation session, we had a yummy breakfast and then a brief informal discussion about sampling protocols. Then, we boarded a shuttle bus followed by a boat for a trip to Maya Key. The island is part of AKR and has rescue/rehabilitated animals.

This morning was our first dolphin observation session – we met the dolphins at Bailey’s Key for the first time. We also learned how to recognize the individual dolphins and spent time snorkeling with the fish and learned how to ID many species of fishes. It was a busy day … and we share our recollections and impressions below.

Camille – I found the fish ID talk very interesting and I’m looking forward to using some of the techniques in observations he talked about to look for different behaviors in the fish when we are snorkeling.

Before we go any further … we are mostly all here!

The group from Miami arrived early afternoon (on time, with no delay, and a smooth flight) and got to Anthony’s Key Resort to settle in and get the data collection gear ready.

The group from Denver, on the other hand, had some delays.

Happy New Year! We at DCP hope everyone has a festive and safe new year celebration and that 2022 will be a year of lessening pandemic issues, as well as a year of new experiences and learning.

Adopt-A-Wild-Dolphin Print Kit + Bracelet Bundle is back! For just $49, including shipping*, receive a Adopt-A-Wild-Dolphin print kit and DCP-Edition Dolphin Wanderer Bracelet. Select dolphins only. Offer available until 16 December, 2021. While supplies last. And yes! This bundle also qualifies for 3 free DCP stickers! Click here to order.

*Free standard shipping to US addresses is included.

Our last AM data collection session was filled with many exciting interactions and all kinds of switch-a-roos – between adult females and calves and young dolphins playing amongst themselves! After a fortifying breakfast, we returned to Bailey’s Key to meet Maury and Poli during our encounters, and then to swim with the dolphins! The swim was amazing!! It was a lot of group swimming, some speed swims, lots of interest by Poli and Sandy in several of us. There was also some rough housing between Rocky and Buzz.