April 17

Not much.

However, we have an excellent wildlife specialist on board who gives briefings each morning on what we might have seen. Occasionally, he mentions a “spotting” from the previous day. And, participants of dubious veracity comment on the dark spots on the distant horizon that may be whales. But, we have seen a few creatures and learned about some that we have not yet seen. It is comforting to know that we’re near the continental shelf where currents stir up food and that we’re on a whale migration path. As we near Cape Verde, the specialist is optimistic.

Among our sightings:

   -We have seen pelagic birds, including some gams of Albatross. Most of our readers surely know this, but…did you know that pelagic birds can fly continuously at sea? Their brains are constructed so that half can sleep while the other can tend to flying. (like dolphins and whales). They can land on ships or islands, but don’t have to do so. Recall that South Sea boat people would sometimes take birds on board and then release them at critical times and watch their direction of flight. That would show where land existed since they flew to land. It would be a good trick to give them pelagic birds that would fly around and never look for an island. What if Noah released a pelagic bird?

    -The whales we have not yet seen could be traveling in pods, gams, herds or schools. Dolphins, which we have seen, were grouped in pods.

   -We have seen several turtles, although no bales or clutches yet; only individuals. They eat jellyfish, which we’ve seen. However, we have not yet seen a smack, swarm or bloom. And, did you know that some turtle flesh can be poisonous as a result of eating (smacking on?) too many jellyfish.

   -We continue to see glides of flying fish. It’s more fun when we see Red footed Boobies diving for them, but they provide some variety.

Our specialist continues to be enthusiastic and optimistic.