Week 16

Eight chitons on one stone! This was the sight that got me excited during one of my quadrats on Friday morning. Eight Chiton glaucus Green Chitons together on one stone. I finished counting other things in the quadrat before I took a photo. As I held the stone I could see them moving, sliding slowly away from the top of the rock. With the photo quickly taken they were back where they had come from.

It is sights like this that get me excited on the beach, large cats eyes, lots of little half crabs scurrying away from under a rock, the quadrats that are almost 100% sandy tubeworm, and some of the really big limpets I have seen lately. It illustrattes how well I am getting to know this area and the how much I am noticing within the marine reserve. It has been the continual working in the marine environment and having the chance to observe and research in one specific area that is bringing me this depth of knowledge and understanding. I did spot a seabird that I couldn't identify on my way back though. It sounded like an oyster catcher, but it was grey, will need to some more research on that one next week. 
Spent lots of the week writing, there are only a few short weeks left and a few things I need to complete, and some things I want to finish. This has also meant a chance for reflection on all the things I have done and learnt as well as more thinking about what is the nature of science. I had a session with Elise learning more about using Excel and have produced a couple of quick graphs about some of the things I found.

As well as all the species and science I am learning about, Tapuae Marine reserve is a beautiful place to be as the view back to Moturoa Island shows.