The continuing sagas of the Blue Heron Bridge

[mntlblok]

Here's another video I tried a while back. Was reminded of it this past weekend when I ran across another one of these bizarre critters. Haven't gotten around to editing the more recent video of that (larger) one. I took a bunch of photos, as well, but there's nothing about the photo that would make anyone think there was a creature involved. YouTube - Little crab.wmv

Kevin

YouTube - decorator crab.wmv Saturday's decorator crab. Don't know whether it's worth bothering with video with my Rebel 550D. Didn't edit out the aggravation of having to constantly refocus by taking a still during the video-ing - just in case someone is considering purchasing such a camera due to its video capability (or lack thereof) under water. Also, I can barely make out what is showing in the LCD screen whilst video-ing - even with the readers in the dive mask. Still, this creature boggles my mind.

Kevin

 

[scubajim 1]

Hope to see some of you at the night dive Friday...I'm going to do the mirror wreck then the channel wall to the debris field...gives you a great overview of all the wildlife.

 

[guyharrisonphoto]

Who is putting on the night dive this Friday??

I would like to sign up!!!

 

[jet126]

Two shops are sponsoring Night Dives on Friday the 18th: Force E and Deep Six. Both are free but you must register in advance. Force E requires you stop in the shop to check in and get your parking pass.

 

[jet126]

I just heard from KP, who was visiting last week and took those beautiful photos of the mama and baby daddy seahorse. He works at a big aquarium up north. After consulting with his fellow marine biologists and aquarists who work with seahorses a lot more than he does, here is what he wrote today:

We can never tell for sure when a male is pregnant. He could just be advertising to get pregnant by puffing up his pouch. Their gestation lasts around three weeks (depending on species), but there isn’t a way to tell how far along his pregnancy would be.

Huh! Learn something new every day. Well ... I for one am still hoping that Baby Daddy is "for real." reggers:

 

[scubajim 1]

Just another way we guys use to get the girls...I'll be looking forward to seeing him this weekend.
Thanks for the update...he sure does look like he is in the family way.

 

[Shcubasteve]

Night dive tomorrow in my spiffy new 7mm! Cant wait for the full moon too

 

[scubajim 1]

Schubasteve...you should be studying for IDC but thanks for getting the night dive together

 

[guyharrisonphoto]

My wife and I have been at the bridge five times now during the day. We are going to do our first nignt dive here (my wife's first night dive ever!) tomorrow night.

So far, we have spent our time under the bridge and among the pilings. We were wondering, though, where are good areas to locate seahorses, or octupus, or stargazers. We have not really explored the surrounding sandy areas yet, or under the anchored boats, or the "wreck" wherever that is.

What do you recommend. Are there any veterans going that would not mind us following along in some of these areas?

Thanks

 

[jet126]

My wife and I have been at the bridge five times now during the day. We are going to do our first nignt dive here (my wife's first night dive ever!) tomorrow night.

So far, we have spent our time under the bridge and among the pilings. We were wondering, though, where are good areas to locate seahorses, or octupus, or stargazers. We have not really explored the surrounding sandy areas yet, or under the anchored boats, or the "wreck" wherever that is.

What do you recommend. Are there any veterans going that would not mind us following along in some of these areas?

Thanks

I have seen seahorses everywhere: all over the dive site - all different colors and sizes - both day and night. You just have to look carefully as they are masters at turning themselves just right so they blend in with their surroundings.

I only know of 3 places for the stargazers. But I haven't seen one since last summer. Maybe they are seasonal?

The octopus are every where. I counted nine (yes, nine!) on one night dive. I see them almost every time I dive the bridge.

A note of caution regarding night dives. Don't shine your light directly on the barracuda. They don't like that and have been known to hit.

And if you have already dived the bridge 5x you probably already know this: the best way to find things is to let them come to you. Every dive seems to "feature" a certain animal - you just have to go with whatever it is that dive.

Sorry I will not be there tomorrow night. Hopefully another troll will be able to guide you.