Our last day started with RAIN – lots of rain. It let up enough for us to get to Bailey’s Key and then drizzled often throughout data collection. Kathleen was wet, as were the dolphins, but we tried to stay dry! Lot of social behavior was evident from both above and below the surface. Tank and Buzz were synchronous in their actions, though Tank also spent time with Sandy. And, Champ hovered nearby. Our boat rides to and from Bailey’s are always an adventure, as you can see below.
After breakfast, we spent time in the classroom to learn about DCP’s research into killer whale social behavior and to discuss a couple of papers about killer whale behavior. It was a learning session, and we gained more information about animal welfare and assessing the same as well as understanding animal behavior and using it to confirm positive welfare.
After lunch, we learned from Teri about operant conditioning and use of positive reinforcement to train dolphins. We also learned a bit more history about the dolphins at RIMS.
Our mid-afternoon was spent on one last snorkel where we saw what seemed to us to be a giant stingray! The water was warm and we enjoyed the short ride for the snorkel. Before dinner, we reviewed the AM data collected by Kathleen and practiced our IDs one more time.
Grace – I enjoyed learning about the reading study with the dolphins that the trainers are teaching them (for research).
Michaela – I had the experience of a lifetime.
David – Watching the sand settle around the stingray was like a scene out of a movie.
Madison – Unfortunately, I can’t ID all 20 dolphins, but I got a lot better so I’m happy.
Roxanne – This opportunity has been such a privilege, and I feel like I really maximized my time here.
Camdyn – I enjoyed seeing Champ swim around for the first time this week #palapa was active! (finally)
Aubrey – Despite the constant rain, this experience was once in a lifetime.
Kristen – I’ve never had so much chocolate cake in my life #Roatan15.
Annabelle – Studying with the DCP is something that I’ll take with me for the rest of my life.
Emma – Best class ever with the best people ever.
Cody – 95% vacation, 5% class – a great experience #MrFrench (you had to be there)
Emma J – This class has changed my view on field work for the better (despite the rain and wind)
Jamie – It has been so much fun watching how excited everyone gets when they ID a dolphin or all of the critters they’ve seen.
Justin – I thoroughly enjoyed working with and learning from this crew of talented, charismatic, and devoted future scientists and really appreciate DCP for making this experience possible for students.
Manon – I was very impressed with everybody’s attitude regarding the weather challenges we faced throughout the week, including during data collection. Good Job Everyone!
It’s been a great week … and we have one more data collection session tomorrow before heading to the airport!
Cheers
The URI RAMbling Pod