Our first AM data collection session saw all students (from the old/first batch) arrive early to the water taxi departure spot. (WOOHOO!) We introduced them to the dock area and the dolphins, and you can see them confidently walking on the dock before data collection (feature photo). We collected a good session with the young males mostly ignoring KD’s fins. We started learning how to recognize the dolphins but have a bit of practice still required. Stan and Trixie spent time together this morning (see below).
We enjoyed a yummy breakfast after time at Bailey’s before returning for a snorkel and to get used to our gear and the salt water. Everyone did well and saw some neat fish. Dr. Hill was really proud of our snorkeling ability as you can see below!
After rinsing and drying off, we watched an encounter and did our first space use data collection session during a dolphin swim program. We need work with grid and counting dolphins but were told we did a good first session.
Lunch, though later than usual, saw the arrival of our few stragglers … those who graduated (congrats!!). We all caught up over a festive meal and then went back to Baileys to actually meet the dolphins and learn from the trainers. Half of us met Gerrald with Elli, Gizmo, and Lightning and Bailey and Georgie.
The others met Dr. Tom, and Chastlyn with Gracie who was getting a health ultrasound check. Everything was normal. We spent a bit of time kayaking, paddleboarding, resting, swimming or other before heading to the Fish ID talk – very cool! And dinner was scrumptious! And, we got to sing happy birthday to Manon and enjoy some passion fruit ice cream (or other boring dessert), as you can see below.
TJ – Today I really enjoyed learning about the marine life in Roatan – I learned ~20 different fish and about ~5 different anatomy parts of a dolphin.
Jonas – I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Mario being frightened by a barracuda.
Annabelle – I really liked the veterinarian, and I thought it was cool we got to see him do his work. He was passionate which made me passionate.
Maddie – I loved seeing Elli and Gizmo do the Michael Jackson moon walk (aka backwards tail walk).
Bella – I discovered that I really really REALLY enjoyed being around dolphins.
Nate – Today, I got to pick up a conch shell and watch a dolphin ultrasound.
Abby – The wind sucks and counting dolphins in the quadrants is very hard.
Jose – Today I enjoyed kayaking and I should have pulled the door closed when I left for the fish ID talk.
Brielle – I really liked getting to watch the ultrasound and learning about all the stuff that makes a healthy dolphin.
Taylor – I found it really intriguing getting an up-close view of the relationship between a dolphin and its trainer.
Jove – I really enjoyed experiencing Honduras and its culture for the first time.
Dallas – I really loved kayaking with Kelly. (Happy Birthday, Manon!)
Kelly – I really liked seeing the trainers with the dolphins and all the behaviors the dolphins can do.
Mario – Two years ago I gave a piece of seaweed to a dolphin and today a dolphin gave me a piece of seaweed.
Megan – I liked collecting data again, but I loved meeting Trixie and Gracie.
Robert – I really liked the opportunity I had to snorkel for the first time and I enjoyed seeing the fish and coral.
Heather – I’m really glad that everyone has made it here safely and is on the way to a spectacular week.
Melissa – I liked the updated fish talk that included some geography and history of the island.
Manon – Thank you everybody and let’s hope that the wind decreases in the next days.
We start tomorrow early again and then do some photo ID practice.
Cheers
St. Mary’s Roatan Research Rattlers (aka StMU R3)