Hello, my name is Barbara Muren, Network Manager at Snively Elementary in Winter Haven, FL. I am also a Teacher Consultant with the Florida Geographic Alliance. The purpose of this site is to provide information about the project and a place to communicate Live from the Field with the students at Snively Elementary. The subjects we will be focusing on are science, geography, math, music, and technology. From August 27th to Sept. 2nd, I will post pictures and keep a journal of the daily activities aboard the research sailboat, Silurian. This is all possible through a generous grant given by National Geographic Education Foundation in support of the Earthwatch Education Fellowship Program and a grant from the National Geographic Education Foundation to promote geographic literacy through field research, technology, and collaboration. Thank You, also, to Polk County School Board, my principal, Dr. Joann McKinney, and all the teachers and students at Snively Elementary for their ongoing support. Especially Ms. Lambeth, thank you for making it possible to video conference.
Where are the Hebrides?
The Hebrides are a group of inner and outer islands off the west coast of Scotland. This link www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk is a great description of the Hebrides and also includes a map. * Use this United Kingdom Map to find Tobermory, Isle of Mull, an inner island of the Hebridean Sea. It is our rendezvous point for this project. For a real cool view, use your Google Earth program and fly to Tobermory.
What specific Whales and Dolphins are we researching?
The focus of our research includes the harbor porpoise, minke whale, bottlenose dolphin, grey and common seals and basking sharks. * Check out: HWDT for great descriptions and images.
Why are we collecting data on the Hebridean cetaceans?
The information will identify particular areas of importance or "hotspots" for cetaceans. This will provide an effective conservation strategy, the conservation of marine environment. Results: economic and social benefits to the whole region and protected areas for the cetaceans. * Check out: HWDT
Is there a specific time to do this research?
This project has expeditions running from mid April till the end of September. Moreover, the community members of the area are thoroughly involved with the research. Even visitors can fill out an online form of their exciting sightings. * Check out: HWDT
Today is 4/7/2025 · Did you know...that in Scotland... a lake is called a 'loch' and a strait is called a 'firth' and a sound is called 'kyle'?

Thursday, August 31, 2006

Day 5 - Leaving Loch Tarbert Jurar


Going out of Loch Tarbert Jurar (N side of Jurar)and sailed out toward Colonsay - where we saw the Minke Whales and porpoises for about 2 hours. We left the inside of Colonsay and headed for the Garvellachs. Continued North to the Sound of Kerrara just off of Oban. We are at Lat 56 degrees 22.62N Lon 005 degrees 30.00 W. It's a beautiful night. We had a great day! Rain was intermitant. Mostly at the very last few minutes of our sighting duties for the day.

Being in the dinghy. After we'd been watching the whales for about an hour or so Laura decided it would be a good opportunity to take some photographs for the photo id library. It took Sarah and Karen less than a second to ask if they could join Laura and Peter in the dinghy. Within minutes the dinghy was in amongst the manx shearwater and other feeding birds. Then one whale came up on starboard, then another. They surrounded the boat as they all fed heartily. At one point one whale came up inches away from the boat - we could feel the boat move as the whale surfaced. We couldn't get the camera to work but we have some fantastic views - it really felt like we were right amongst them. You could smell the fish as the whales feed and the manx shearwater were diving beneath the boat to feed at the same time.

It was amazing watching the dinghy go out into the water. I was standing with Hilda at the bow watching the whales and the dinghy and then suddenly a whale soared up at the back of the dinghy. Sarah and Karen with Skipper Peter and scientist Laura were looking towards the front of the dinghy so didn't see it but certainly felt the impact. Those of us on the yacht just watched as the minke whale leapt out of the water to catch more fish showing its throat grooves. An unforgettable and indescribable moment! Take a look at one of the books on whales to see an example of a whales throat grooves.

We will be heading back to Tobermory tomorrow - anchor there, clean up the boat.

posted by barefootin' @ Thursday, August 31, 2006   0 comments

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