![]() (Note, I would welcome any confirmation or refutation of this ID by those more knowledgeable. This species is common at Blue Heron Bridge, but I have never encountered one so small before. What I was seeing appeared to be a tiny scorpionfish! Upon reviewing the shots I took, I think I found a juvenile Spotted Scorpionfish (Scorpaena plumieri). But something wasn’t right… A New DiscoveryĪs I moved around trying to get a better viewing angle to distinguish the fish from the bryozoans and algae in which it was hiding, I could see it was supporting itself on its large, flared pectoral fins. The creature’s two-inch length and pair of cirri above the eyes definitely made it a blenny candidate. My first impression, as I moved in for a closer look, was that the eye belonged to a blenny. Then, while inspecting a lump of debris on the bottom, my light caught the reflection of a tiny eye. Roving about over the sandy bottom turned up the usual cast of bottom creatures-sea cucumbers, starfish, and tube-dwelling anemones. Not exactly the type of subject I was looking for with the macro lens, but I decided to take a couple shots just to see if my camera setup was working properly.īut this was a cowfish on a mission-none of the usual slow daytime ramble for him! I managed to get off a couple shots as he made a beeline toward his appointment, but I quickly decided to look for subjects more appropriate to my lens. Putting on a little speed, I caught up to a 14” Scrawled Cowfish (Acanthostracion quadricornis). ![]() As I finned into the light current, I saw something large crossing my path up ahead. Visibility was about 20 feet as I set out, with enough twilight left that I could pick out darker shapes on the bottom without a light. I had a 100mm macro lens in my housing and hoped to find relatively small critters to photograph. Then, as the tidal flow slowed to slack high tide, I would explore the west side pilings for about an hour, and finally scoot back into the southern sandy area at the end of the dive. I planned to spend the first thirty or so minutes checking out the tiny, well-camouflaged creatures that lurk in the sand. I started my trek from the west end of the beach, heading south. Even in adverse conditions, however, the Blue Heron Bridge came through with another fine dive! The sky threatened showers most of the afternoon, a stiff SE wind was stirring things up a bit, and diving near the full moon usually means encountering a bit faster current during high tide. But I finally got my schedule to sync up with an early evening tide at the Blue Heron Bridge and headed out to join one of Pura Vida Divers free night dives at the site and take advantage of a little diving after dark. ![]() Personal golf cart transportation is required.Wow! We were already past February and I had yet to make a night dive in 2019. The tour typically lasts between 1-2 hours, depending on the size of the group and the location of the wildlife. The guides will provide all the necessary equipment, including flashlights and binoculars, to ensure that participants have a safe and enjoyable experience. This program is suitable for individuals of all ages, and no prior experience or knowledge of wildlife is necessary. Guides will use spotlights to scan the surrounding area and locate animals, including frogs and other nocturnal creatures. ![]() Spotlight surveys are another method used by biologists to locate and observe wildlife at night. During the tour, participants will have the opportunity to observe this technique in action and learn how it is used to study and protect the island’s wildlife. The Conservancy uses radio collars and antennas to track the movements and behaviors of various animals, including deer and alligators. Radio telemetry is a method used by biologists to track and monitor wildlife. The guides will use a variety of techniques, including radio telemetry and spotlight surveys, to locate and observe these creatures in their natural habitats. One of the highlights of the tour is the opportunity to see some of the island’s most fascinating creatures, including deer, alligators, and frogs. The guides will take the group on a journey through the island’s various habitats, including forests, marshes, and wetlands, to locate and observe the diverse creatures that come out at night. ![]() This program is designed for individuals who are curious about the island’s creatures and want to learn more about the techniques used to locate them.ĭuring the tour, participants will be led by experienced and knowledgeable guides who will provide an in-depth understanding of the island’s ecosystems and wildlife. The Bald Head Island Conservancy offers an exciting night-time tour and exploration program that allows visitors to witness the nocturnal wildlife of the island. ![]()
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