Catching Up

I've been back for a week now, and I'm still trying to catch up on email and get myself back into a working mode. I didn't see as many green turtles as I would have liked in Tortuguero. In fact, I saw more leatherbacks than greens, and I also saw my first hawksbill. It was just too early in the season for green turtles, and they were starting to pick up as I left. The RAs can continue collecting samples for me, and I plan to go back. But first I need to work on writing a proposal and getting permits to collect leaf samples. Some photo highlights for all of you. I'm trying to cut down on my typing because I've been having carpal tunnel-like problems in my right hand.

A view of the island looking south, which extends a total of 18 miles. The station is further north on the island where it is much thinner and you can see both the river and the ocean from the middle.

The welcome sign.

The building where I stayed at the field station. Much cushier than a hut in Senegal.


The dining room.

Green turtle track--not fresh.


Leatherback hatchling.


Battle scars. Note: turtles have claws.


A boy in the village found this crazy beatle and let me take pictures for a tip.


Purple grasshopper. I didn't get a picture of the wings, but they are a brilliant red/orange.


Canal tour wildlife.


Sunrise on the beach.


Beach vegetation.


Pelicans.


Beach morning glory.


Were they fishing for turtles???


I mostly took pictures of plants, so I had to put another in here.

Bread fruit tree.