Mike came for a surprise visit on Wednesday night and was able to come with us on Thursday when we went to the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, MA to bleed crabs as a continuation of Allison's study. The crabs that we sorted a couple of weeks ago into barrels were taken to Woods Hole after some were bled for the pharmaceutical company (where they take up to 30% of the crab's blood). This time we took 10 cc of blood from the bled crabs and the unbled crabs to check their protein levels. Of course I forgot to bring my camera, but one of the interns there had one, so as soon as those pictures find their way back to me I'll post them with a better explanation of what we did.
For now, I have some general pictures of what a survey looks like:
This is a view from the boat with Stacey, headed out for the survey on Hogs Island...
This is Hogs Island...
This is Stacey setting up the quadrant, no crabs inside this time!
We're also trying out surveys at a new site that's near where the plovers and other endangered Cape Cod birds are nesting. This is one of the phalaropes...I'm not sure which...a sandpiper, but I don't know which one! I need to work on my birding skills.
While Mike was here, we went to Chatham Harbor to see the seals. I was able to get a few pictures but none too clear.
A harbor seal on its belly...
A gray seal...
Another gray seal heading out...
Well I'm off for now. It's rainy here today and a nor'easter ( :P ) is on its way, so we're having trouble getting our boat stuff done, but perhaps we'll be able to tag today if the weather clears up. Hopefully my next update will have pictures of the bleeding.
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