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Hi all,
Today we went on a boat trip to La Perouse Pinnacle to do an outer island bird survey. After the survey we were allowed some down time to get into the water and snorkel the great reef structure that surrounds the pinnacle. Three of us, Kathryn, Laura, and myself entered the water. After snorkeling around for a while and taking some photos with Kathryn's underwater camera we decided to swim closer to the pinnacle to investigate further. All of the sudden, seemingly out of no where a Grey Reef Shark was upon us. Known for their aggression towards divers and territorial nature all eyes where on the shark. Kathryn, the photographer was able to keep her cool long enough to get some close up photos of the shark. Close enough in fact that some shots cannot hold the whole fish in the frame. Being only a small 4 footer this is pretty close. Although it was small and not posturing we still tried to give the shark some distance. It was not having that. It seemed more curious of us then annoyed and followed closely upon our flippers as we back kicked, attempting to keep our flippers between us and the shark. This must have only last a minute or two before it gave up and swam away. Photos will be posted as soon as Kathryn works on the contrast and tint a little. Needless to say we were all excited and remain so, at least for a little while.

Other than this life on Tern Island has been passing quickly and routinely. The Albatross chicks are starting to lose their down and look a little more like the adults that care for them. We had our first Tristram's Storm Petrel fledge for the year. And we had to remove a Bulwar's Storm Petrel out from under the sink last night. Unfortunately we believe it is back. Removing the Petrel nightly might quickly become another chore. The Sooty Terns, all 75,000 pairs of them, are in various stages of nesting, and while some are still pairing up we expect chicks to be hatching soon. The racket these birds emit is numbing and ear plugs are a necessity while working in the colonies. As always the work is fun and challenging but maintaining a remote field site that is only 6 feet above sea level is a challenge. Everything that can rust will, and maintenance is an ongoing chore. But it is worth it.

Missing you all, hope all are doing well.

Aloha ~Tim.