March 8: Island Exploration
Twenty-five mile per hour winds and scattered squalls began the day, but it soon changed to a sunny, though “chilly” 68 degrees as we left to explore the coastal mangroves. The hunt for endangered key deer was interrupted by the calls of a pair of ospreys and the distractions of dwarf red and black mangroves.
The diversity of plant life encountered even on small topical islands is beyond imagination, even that of Dr. Skean who enthusiastically identified every leaf, twig, and bark. Several poisonous species, most notably poisonwood, kept everyone alert.
The class paused frequently to examine species that were described by students prior to the trip and re-exmined as they were encountered in the field. Adam Luck describes one species of mangrove that is widespread along the Big Pine Key coastline.
The new moon offered up exceptionally low tides and the tide pools revealed secrets new to everyone. The north winds blew in scores of Portugueses Men ‘O War, jellyfish-like critters that pack a mean sting, that kept us wary as we waded these coastal pools.
Bahia Honda State Park offered some unique opportunities for students to examine dune and transition species. Noted for its silver plams, other species from sea grape to gumbo limbo characterize the seaside trail, often revealing colorful tropical butterflies as well.
And how could any trip be complete without a key deer sighting, the endangered, diminutive dwarf species of deer found only on or near Big Pine Key…
The change to Daylight Savings Time - springing us ahead - ended the day a bit prematurely after a night of grilling five-alarm burgers and viewing slide shows of the day’s explorations. An early morning awaits us with a 70-mile boat trip to the Dry Tortugas, leaving before dawn…
A Day at the Beach
