( ALI 0 Introductory nocturnal studies
1 hr +
Concepts/topics
Nocturnal
behaviour
Change in
diversity
Skills
Observing
Recording
Questioning
Attitudes
Self-reliance
Curiosity
Appreciation of
need for safety
Interest in natural
environments
FROM PROJECT REEF ED
© Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
Aim
• To find out what a cay is like at night.
You will need
• Sandshoes
• Torch
• Hand lens (optional)
Do this activity after you have walked around the cay in daylight.
WARNING
• On many islands, the Queensland Department of Geographic
Information has left star pegs. These are small, often inconspicuous,
sharp pieces of metal which stick out of the sand and can severely
damage your feet. Wear shoes.
• In summer, turtles come up on to the beach to lay eggs. Don't shine
your torches into their eyes as they will return to the sea and may not
lay for another year consult information on turtle watching.
What to do
1. Walk around the cay at about 7.30 p.m. noting crabs, turtles, mutton-birds,
stingrays, sharks, sp,ders, luminous life, shells.
2. If it is the appropri:.te season, get up early, about 5.00 a.m., and find a mutton-
bird runway. Observe the mutton-bird take-off patterns.
i;
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• I .
Walk around the cay at night describing differences from the day
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Note these in the space below. Also make a sketch of what you think the cay looks like and where you are
camped.
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