Trial by Fire

The group was greeted this beautiful morning with a hearty breakfast of hot fried eggs and fresh fruit, much needed fuel for the large amount of work that was to ensue. The day’s schedule was fairly clear to allow the groups to hone in on the final attack plan for the projects as they continue to discover what is working and what is likely to be accomplished in the small remainder of time.

The pair-bonding group (with help from different groups’ members) ventured out for another round of snorkeling. The plan was to collect last minute data on the difficult to spot and observe Chaetodon reticulatus (Reticulated Butterflyfish). With a successful trip, the group was able to begin writing their paper and crunching data. Their preliminary results seem to show statistical significance in pair-bonded behavior.

The UV group took a break from collecting fish to focus on getting some lab work and photographing finished up. With an almost cooperative sun and some late night hours, they were able to finish most of the UV pictures and prepare a decent amount of samples to use for testing after a night in the refrigerator. The preliminary data seems to be pointing to results that support the hypothesis. However, many more fish eyes still need to be dissected and prepared for testing.

The lizard group was able to start the third leg of their project. They began to observe the movement of different species in a 3D environment, such as the candlestick bushes around the island that the lizards are found in.

After a long day data crunching, observing, and lab work, many of the group decided to attend a traditional Tahitian performance at the “Tiki Village.” Much to their surprise (and to other’s dismay), all the females followed by all the males were invited on stage to participate in a traditional Tahitian dance. With much hip-shaking and leg-wiggling, everyone was thoroughly familiarized with the intricacies of traditional Tahitian dance. The show continued on with the story of a tribal marriage ceremony with many percussion and ukulele led songs and dances. The show took a turn for the amazing when the dancers broke out their flaming batons and did some truly impressive fire twirling.

With only a few days left, everyone is excited to see what else the island has to offer.

-Steve Honeck-