On our way to the mangrove lagoon on Conception Island (see previous blog), we were dinghying along at 15-20 mph when we noticed something in the water pacing us as we went toward shore. We assumed it was a small dolphin until the creature got to shore, took an abrupt right-hand turn, and started cruising the shallows right in the breakers at the shoreline. It was a shark, about four-feet long. Chris noted that it seemed to know exactly where it wanted to go, with the way it shot in to the beach and immediately started hunting, as if it were on a schedule. We tentatively identified it as a lemon shark, and while looking online later, noted that the young of this species follow regular routes, which certainly seemed to be what this one was doing. They also like to hang out in and around mangrove lagoons, which this one was. It’s always nice to see this stuff for yourself, besides just reading about it. Lemon sharks also give birth to live young in mangrove lagoons—online you can find pictures of birthing, as well as adorable newborn sharks—so we’ll have to keep an eye out for that. The only unsettling part of the experience—we didn’t realize that sharks moved quite that fast.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Interesting Observation
On our way to the mangrove lagoon on Conception Island (see previous blog), we were dinghying along at 15-20 mph when we noticed something in the water pacing us as we went toward shore. We assumed it was a small dolphin until the creature got to shore, took an abrupt right-hand turn, and started cruising the shallows right in the breakers at the shoreline. It was a shark, about four-feet long. Chris noted that it seemed to know exactly where it wanted to go, with the way it shot in to the beach and immediately started hunting, as if it were on a schedule. We tentatively identified it as a lemon shark, and while looking online later, noted that the young of this species follow regular routes, which certainly seemed to be what this one was doing. They also like to hang out in and around mangrove lagoons, which this one was. It’s always nice to see this stuff for yourself, besides just reading about it. Lemon sharks also give birth to live young in mangrove lagoons—online you can find pictures of birthing, as well as adorable newborn sharks—so we’ll have to keep an eye out for that. The only unsettling part of the experience—we didn’t realize that sharks moved quite that fast.
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Wow! Are you sure that shark hadn't learned to follow dinghys to shore and terrorize landing sailors?
ReplyDeleteGreat news about the book, can we vote?
Adorable? sharks? Only you guys would have that outlook. Stay away from those guys. They might bite!
ReplyDeleteIt's real interesting reading about this - I'm studying and overview course in marine ecology right now so am very jealous of the on-hand experience.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Chris, will keep an eye out for the winner in May. Thinking of you guys yesterday as we drove over the Cape Cod Canal. I'll bring the laptop to Mom's tomorrow to keep her up to date. She'll be delighted to know you're keeping company with sharks!
ReplyDeleteA 4ft shark! That's smaller than I am! I love it! Not sure I want to see how fast they really move, I was afraid of the water after I saw Jaws as a kiddo... How fun!!!
ReplyDeleteAnne & Chris,
ReplyDeleteEllen and I are also looking forward to your return up North, although our area pales in comparison to the beautiful places you've been to! I've gone back and read all of your blogs!
Dianne