the day explored Major Rock, Hernando Reef, and Copeland Islands
– U. Koleszar
there was no shortage of cormorants and seals
– D. Koleszar
Pigeon Guillemot on quiet water
– D. Koleszar
Rhinoceros Auklet
George was pretty excited to see this one!
– D. Koleszar
landing at the reef
– U. Koleszar
you had to get your feet wet on this trip!
– U. Koleszar
Nature guide George Sirk describing the marine life at Major Rock
– U. Koleszar
up close and personal with a sea cucumber
– D. Koleszar
what the best dressed crab wears!
– D. Koleszar
George directing the underwater photography
– U. Koleszar
underwater view of a sponge
– D. Koleszar
yellow crab in the tidal shallows
– D. Koleszar
leather star
– D. Koleszar
there were crabs of all sorts everywhere!
– D. Koleszar
small seal in the weeds near the reef
– D. Koleszar
do baby seals get any cuter?
– D. Koleszar
everyone had a swim after exploring the reef
– D. Koleszar
watchful eagle at the Copeland Islands
– D. Koleszar
adult gulls with a hungry chick
– U. Koleszar
Turkey Vulture at Copeland Islands
– U. Koleszar
but there was still time for Captain Jonah to relax
– U. Koleszar
a beautiful day to wander along the reef
– U. Koleszar
Misty Isles patiently waiting
– U. Koleszar
the seals kept track of things
– U. Koleszar
Misty Isles low tide trip
by Tom Koleszar, 24 July 2021
On a nice sunny day, 9 naturalists set sail with Captain Jonas and Naturalist George Sirk on the Misty Isles for a tour of the Hernando Reefs on a very low tide.
On the way they passed by Major Rock with all its bird and marine life. Many different species were spotted there and throughout the day – George even got quite excited about some of them!
Arriving at the reef, Misty Isles anchored offshore and everyone was taken to shore by zodiac. There they spent several hours exploring the reef and all its life – copious marine plants and crabs, sea stars, and even a sea cucumber and baby seal!
You had to get your feet wet on this trip and some wonderful underwater photos were taken. After returning to the boat, everyone had time for a swim before beginning the return journey. On the way home, they sailed past the Copeland Islands, witnessing yet more birds and seals.
Everyone was very happy to have had a wonderful day on the water. Many thanks to Jonah and George for making the day possible!