Tuesday 31 March 2015

Touch tank trial

The Safari hasn't had the underwater camera out for a while but before we get on to our adventures 'beneath the waves' we've a couple of bits an bobs to fill you in on first.
The other day we had a quick clean out of the back of the Land Rover - WHAT!!! - and found a hibernating Garden Snail - how long has that been in there? Rarely does the back seat get sat on...except by snails!
The snail theme continued when we found a load of them at work still hard at hibernation by one of  downspouts.
This morning we had a bit of a wild watch in very stormy conditions on Patch 2 before the waves came crashing over the wall despite the high tide not being that high. We didn't have to wait long before a sparklingly white Gannet (128) contrasting against the dark grey sea followed by another about five minutes later. A couple of Red Throated Divers were all the mountainous seas gave us.
Mid morning we played host to a student on a placement from his marine biology course, he'd brought a touch tank with some dried pieces of coral, shells, shed crab skins and even some live inhabitants.
And so to the first attempt with the underwater camera in a smaller side tank.
Green Shore Crab
Not the best attempt, think we need a paler background and try one of our shallow trays; more sunshine in the exhibition hall wouldn't go amiss. He'll be in a several days over the holidays so we can have a few more attempts at a variety of creatures he brings - looking forward to it and if you're in town do come down have a look and support him.
Where to next? More Patch 2 stuff and another dip into the touch tank, might try some video too.
In the meantime let us know who's careening through the waves in your outback.

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