July 3rd on Eastern

On Friday, we went over to Eastern. Greg had to check the seeps for dead and/or sick ducks (we found two dead). So, I went to help Greg (you can imagine what a tremendous help I am at this sort of thing). And Louis came with us to beach comb. Louis found his first glass ball. The glass balls from the old Japanese fishing vessels are THE thing to find here (other than the note in the bottle, which Louis found on his first day - show off!)

On our way over to Eastern, we were accompanied by a school of Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins!

Of course, the birds were still there! It's so different being around birds that don't fly away as soon as they see people.

Here is a grey-backed tern with it's egg in the background.

Yes, that's it's nest, right there on the old runway!!

This is a red-footed booby and a brown noddy. Just sittin' there on this old tree.

It is really hot on Eastern Island, so when we were done with our "work", we jumped in and snorkeled around the pier. These little cleaner fish actually were nibbling on Louis!

Louis (and Jack and Sam) enjoy picking up and playing with the sea cucumbers. Did you know they squirt out this gooey, sticky substance as a defense. Louis found out all about it!

Back at Charlie, watching a movie, this Gecko hangs out with Greg.

This field of birds on Sand Island are all stretching out their wings. A cool breeze must have just come up. They are all young chicks that will fly away in the next few weeks. It's really funny watching them try to take their first flights, very much like a baby taking it's first steps.

O.K. is this the cutest thing? It is a white tern chick.