Southern Tides all about the water
October 2023
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CONTENTS
Southern T Ides Crew
Vol. 9, Issue 2 October 2023
PUBLISHER/EDITOR Amy Thurman amy@southerntidesmagazine.com ASSISTANT EDITOR Neva Parsons neva@southerntidesmagazine.com
7 Editor's Note 9 Tales from a Boating Nerd
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Brandyn Bradford
11 Taste of the Tides
CONSULTING NATURALIST John "Crawfish" Crawford subtropicalnaturalist@gmail.com
12 Bats!
THE BITTER END COLUMNIST Captain J. Gary "Gator" Hill theoriginalcaptaingator@gmail.com
17 Record Kite Roost 19 The Riverkeeper Report
THE RIVERKEEPER REPORT Meaghan Gerard meaghan@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org
20 Birding T-shirt Art Contest
TALES FROM A BOATING NERD Cynthia Lamb cynthia.l.lamb48@gmail.com
20 Fish Art Contest
Contributors
21 What's Going On ... (Events)
Nick Riccio, Jr. Wildlife Photographer
22 The Bitter End
Emily Ferrall GADNR Wildlife Resources Division Brian Romm GADNR Wildlife Resources Division J. Scott Altenbach GADNR Wildlife Resources Division Rick Lavender GADNR Wildlife Resources Division
Copyright © 2015-2023 All content herein is copyright protected and may not be reproduced in whole or part without express written permission. Southern Tides is a free magazine, published monthly, and can be found at multiple locations throughout coastal Georgia. (912) 484-3611 info@southerntidesmagazine.com Read the Digital Version at: www.SouthernTidesMagazine.com Visit us on social media: www.issuu.com/SouthernTidesMagazine.com Facebook.com/southern-tides-magazine Southern Tides Magazine is printed by Walton Press, Monroe, Ga. Letters to the Editor: We love hearing from you! Questions, comments, ideas, or whatever you'd like to share, please do! Send your thoughts to any of our email addresses listed above.
Top: Rafinesque bat. Photo by Emily Ferrall, GADNR Center: Kite in flight. Photo by Brian Mitchell, GADNR Bottom: Dolphin about to jump. Photo by Amy Thurman
About the Cover:
An evening bat, one of the 11 species that can be found on the Georgia coast. For more, check out the article that starts on page 12: Bats! Photo by Brian Romm, GADNR
Issue 98
OctoBER 2023
Southern Tides Magazine
5
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Editor's Note "A
bat on the cover? What was she thinking?” If that’s what crossed your mind when you picked up this issue, I’m happy to share why! There are three primary reasons I opted to put a bat on the cover. First and foremost because bats so often get a bad rap and I hoped to provide a little enlightenment that might change how they’re perceived. Yes, they’re nocturnal. Yes, they often roost upside down. Yes, their likenesses make great Halloween decorations. But bats also serve a critical role in our coastal ecology. I am absolutely certain you would no longer care to live here if bats weren’t at work every night helping to keep the bug and insect populations down! There are simple things you can do to help them – see the list on page 14, at the end of the article “Bats!” that begins on page 12. The second reason I put a bat on the cover is because they’re just so darned cute! Look at that face! If my German shepherd were a bat, that’s exactly what he’d look like! Bats just aren’t that scary – they’re mammals like us, many have faces that resemble dogs, they’re unlikely to bite unless provoked, and they tend to avoid humans as much as possible. Also, many bats will be hibernating soon as temps drop and bugs die off. The third reason? I wanted to stir things up a bit to see if y’all are paying attention! I’m only half kidding. While I don’t want to play up the “spooky” rep of these miniature insectivores, the last week of October is International Bat Week, so I can’t help but think this was the perfect cover for the October issue. To learn more interesting bat facts and about the 11 species that can be found in our coastal region, check out the article. And speaking of temps dropping. I’m certain many of you have begun mourning the end of summer. Shorts and flip flops, summer tans, and lazy days on the beach or the boat will soon be packed away until spring. But take heart: there’s still so much to do and love about fall in our coastal region! For starters, it’s now possible to spend time outside without feeling as if you’ve walked into a sauna while wearing a parka. For another, this is a great time of year for fishing and shrimping. For other ideas, check out the list to the right. One final note: we may have some good news about the future of Southern Tides. Check back next month to learn more. Hope you enjoy this issue and are having a lovely fall! See you out there!
Amy Thurman Editor in Chief
amy@southerntidesmagazine.com
Issue 98
My pup, Remington, shares similar features with this evening bat with their big ears, long canines, and cute snouts! Bat photo by Brian Romm, GADNR Wildlife Resources Division Here’s a list of things to enjoy as the weather cools: • Fishing (of course) and take along a beginner • Oyster harvesting • Viewing the fall foliage from your kayak • Plant native species plants to encourage pollinators • Sailing (the wind will be back soon!) • Build/intall a bat house on your property • Boat improvement projects (yes, some of us enjoy that) • Plant fall/winter vegetables • Throw a cast net for your dinner • Yard sales – go to them, or clean out and host your own • Have a costume party for Halloween • Add a coastal dish to your Thanksgiving tradition • Host an oyster roast • Make gifts for those on your Christmas list using shells, driftwood, etc. • Host a cornhole or horseshoes tournament • Make some time for volunteering in your community • Flounder gigging! • Set up a native species aquarium • Plant fall bulbs for lovely spring flowers • Hike through a WMA or nature preserve and enjoy the fall colors • Enjoy cool fall evenings around a fire pit with family and friends • Learn something new – a new skill, craft, language, etc. Slow down and make time for things you enjoy and things that matter!
OctoBER 2023
Southern Tides Magazine
7
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Tales from a Boating Nerd By Cynthia Lamb, Executive Officer
A
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A THREE HOUR TOUR? UNLIKELY
boat captain and his first mate (especially the captain and first mate) ran a tour business out of the Ala Wai have known this? Even in 1964, the Yacht Harbor Marina in Honolulu, imminent arrival of a hurricane would Hawaii. Their boat was a twin diesel, 36have been forecast and thus known to foot Wheeler Express Cruiser. Normal the public. In 1960, the world's first cruising speed on the Wheeler was 12 weather satellite, the polar-orbiting knots with a max speed of TIROS I, was successfully 14 knots. The capacity of launched from the Air the vessel was two crew Force Missile Test Center and six passengers. at Cape Canaveral, Fla. On the day of what In 1963, TIROS III was became their fateful trip launched with automatic back in 1964, they were picture transmission carrying five paying capability, and began passengers and a large providing continuous amount of luggage. The cloud images to over boat supposedly hit some 100 nations. Does this “rough weather” and got mean that nobody aboard blown off course, ending checked the weather up hundreds of miles forecast before leaving the away, shipwrecked on marina? Not likely. an uncharted desert isle. Regardless of how According to Wikipedia, clueless everyone would the group was eventually A Wheeler model similar to the boat used in the popular 60s TV show, have been, there is no rescued fifteen years after Gilligan's Island. record of a hurricane being reported missing. Image ©Wheeler Yachts coming anywhere near All were accounted Hawaii in 1964. for, although one of the survivors (the actress) looked Even given the incompetence of the captain and crew, significantly changed. this leaves us with two possible conclusions. First is that the So, what really happened all those years ago? passenger(s) who brought lots of luggage (the movie star For this to have been purely an ‘accident’ or boating being one) had to ‘disappear’ and the captain was in on it. misadventure, we need to make some assumptions. The first The other passengers were just cover, becoming collateral assumption is that the business offered an unusual tour. damage. For any boat to get caught so unaware as this one, they had The other conclusion is that Sherwood Schwartz made it to be very far out to sea when the weather hit. Most boat all up. tours stay close to the coast the whole time. Theoretically, I kind of like the first conclusion better. This could be a the tour should have taken them no further than 20 miles great true crime podcast. What do you think? from the marina (12 knots or 13.8 mph for 1.5 hours) and probably no further offshore than half a mile. What was the Stay safe and have fun out there. boat doing so far out? (By the way, you can see about three miles across the ocean if your eye is about a foot above the Cynthia is a resident of Saint ocean.) Simons Island where she lives with Second, to get that far off course the “rough weather” her husband Jerry. She spends as had to be the equivalent of at least a Category 1 hurricane much time on the water as she can with winds averaging 85 mph. While hurricanes are relatively fit into her schedule and is a selfrare events in the Hawaiian Islands, records show that proclaimed Boating Nerd. strong windstorms have struck all major islands in the You can reach her at: Hawaiian Island chain since the beginning of history. The Cynthia.L.Lamb48@gmail.com first officially recognized hurricane in Hawaiian waters was Hurricane Hiki in August 1950. If a hurricane was coming, wouldn’t everyone aboard Issue 98
OctoBER 2023
Southern Tides Magazine
9
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Taste of the Tides CRAB STUFFED SHRIMP BY AMY THURMAN
This combination of two coastal favorites, crab and shrimp, is always a treat! Great as an appetizer or even as a light meal when paired with a salad. As always, support your local seafood markets or catch it yourself!
INGREDIENTS
1 pound Wild Georgia Shrimp, peeled 1 cup crab meat ¼ cup onion, diced ¼ cup celery, diced 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs 1 stick salted butter at room temp ¼ tsp ground red pepper (or to taste)
DIRECTIONS • Preheat oven to 400°. Grease baking sheet or line with parchment paper. • Butterfly shrimp, cutting along center of inside curve, being careful not to cut all the way through. Place on baking sheet with tails pointing up and allow at least a half-inch of space between shrimp. • Lightly sauté onion and celery in one tablespoon of butter until just softened. • Mix crab meat, vegetables, breadcrumbs and remainder of butter together. • Sprinkle red pepper over mixture, then mix that in as well. • Place heaping tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture onto butterflied shrimp. Tails will curl over mixture during the cooking process. (Any remaining stuffing can be shaped into patties and baked as well.) • Place baking sheet on middle oven rack and bake 15 – 20 minutes, depending on size of shrimp. • Serve hot. No dipping sauce required.
Submit your recipe along with photo to amy@southerntidesmagazine.com. Issue 98
OctoBER 2023
Southern Tides Magazine
11
BATS!
Bats often get a bad rap, largely thanks to horror fiction books and movies. But in reality, these flying mammals are innocuous, not to mention cute as buttons! They also serve a valuable service to humans in dining on many of the bugs and insects that frustrate us. Below is some interesting bat trivia and on the following pages, learn about the species that can be found here on the Georgia coast.
Not just creepy Halloween decorations!
Special thanks to Emily Ferrall GADNR Wildlife Resources Division.
Bat Facts • Georgia is home to 16 different species of bats – 11 can be found on the Georgia coast • All of Georgia’s bats eat only insects • A single small bat can consume more than 1,000 mosquito-sized insects in an hour • Bats are the only true flying mammals • There are over 1,400 species of bats worldwide • Most of Georgia’s bats breed in the fall and delay fertilization until it warms up in spring • Most Georgia bats have only one bat pup each year, but some regularly have twins • Bat pups can weigh up to one-third of their mother’s body weight • Some bat species can live over 40 years in the wild • Most bats can fly at speeds up to 60 mph • Bat wings are made of skin and can heal small wounds in as little as two weeks • Only some of Georgia’s bats use caves and many are active year-round • Georgia’s bats have an average length of two inches and a wingspan of 10 inches • All of Georgia’s bats use echolocation to find food and navigate at night • Bats are not blind and can see as well as humans • It is estimated that less than 1% of bats have rabies • Bats are important food for animals like owls and snakes • Georgia’s bats can eat from half, to nearly their body weight in insects in one night • It is estimated that bats may contribute $23 billion/year in natural pest control • Most of Georgia’s bat species are declining from things like habitat loss and disease • Bat numbers have declined by 90% in N. GA caves affected by white-nose syndrome • Recent surveys suggest around 10-20% of Georgia’s bridges are occupied by bats To learn more about Georgia bat species, visit:
georgiawildlife.com/georgiabats 12 Southern Tides Magazine
OctoBER 2023
Issue 98
Rafinesque's Big-Eared Bat
Big Brown Bat
Fun fact: When roosting, this bat's long ears curl against the side of the head like ram horns. Conservation status: Rare in Georgia
Fun fact: One of the most common in Ga. If you find a bat in your house it's probably this one!
Corynorhinus rafinesquii 3.5 - 4 inches long 10- to 12-inch wingspan These rarely seen bats live in wooded areas near water, primarily eat moths and butterflies, and females give birth to one pup in late May to early June.
Eptesicus fuscus 4 - 5 inches long 12- to 16-inch wingspan Will roost anywhere from hollow trees to man-made structures, the brown bat catches & eats insects in flight, often flying slow, in a straight path. Females have 1 - 2 young.
Photo by J. Scott Altenbach, GADNR
Photo by Emily Ferrall, GADNR
Southeastern Bat
Evening Bat
Myotis austroriparius 1.7 - 4 inches long 9- to 10.5-inch wingspan Yellow-gray to gray-brown, these bats forage over streams and mostly live on mosquitoes and flies. They usually give birth to twins, though young mortality rate is high.
Nycticeius humeralis 3.4 inches long on average 11-inch wingspan Sometimes confused with brown bats due to color, evening bats are smaller. They live in forests and rarely enter caves. Live on flying insects including flying ants and Japanese beetles.
Fun fact: Often roosts in bridges and culverts.
Fun fact: Will move into bat houses!
Conservation status: Ga. species of concern
Photo by J. Scott Altenbach, GADNR
Photo by Emily Ferrall, GADNR
Tri-colored Bat
Brazilian Free-tailed Bat
Perimyotis subflavus 1.75 inches long 8- to 10-inch wingspan The tri-color bat has yellowish fur, pink arms and black wings. They eat small flying insects and also usually give birth to twins.
Tadarida brasiliensis 3.5 - 4.5 inches long 11- to 14-inch wingspan These large bats mostly live in caves or other structures (sometimes called house bats) and are found year-round in Georgia. They mate in spring and females have one pup per year.
Fun fact: This little guy is one of the smallest bats in North America! Conservation status: Ga. species of concern, FWS proposed endangered
Fun fact: Fastest bat in the world, clocked in at 99 mph! Also, largest bat colony in the world is this species, in San Antonio, Texas.
Photo by Emily Ferrall, GADNR
Photo by Emily Ferrall, GADNR Issue 98
OctoBER 2023
Southern Tides Magazine
13
Silver-haired Bat
Eastern Red Bat
Lasionycteris noctivagans 3.5 -4.5 inches long 10.6- to 12.2-inch wingspan Uncommon in Ga. except during migration. These bats live in forests and grasslands and are usually solitary. They have one to two pups and live four to 12 years.
Lasiurus borealis 4.3 inches long on average 13-inch wingspan Usually roosts near water, under leaves in trees or on the ground, never in caves. Often seen hunting around street lamps. Females have one to four pups in early June.
Fun fact: Named for silver tips on the dark fur of their backs and bellies.
Fun fact: Stays warm in winter by using its tail as a blanket.
Photo by J. Scott Altenbach, GADNR
Photo by Brian Romm, GADNR
Hoary Bat
Northern Yellow Bat
Lasiurus cinereus 5 - 6 inches long 16.9-inch average wingspan Their dark body fur is frosted white and they have a yellow throat patch. Live in tree foliage and dine primarily on moths. Most widespread bat species in U.S. Short lifespan of 2.1 years.
Lasiurus intermedius 3.5 - 5.5 inches long 14- to 16-inch wingspan This tree bat is partial to roosting in Spanish moss or palm fronds and they do not fully hibernate, sometimes feeding through the winter. Females have 2 - 4 pups. Fun fact: They prefer the coastal plain.
Fun fact: Only native mammal in Hawaii.
Conservation status: Ga. species of concern Photo by Emily Ferrall, GADNR
Photo by Emily Ferrall, GADNR
Seminole Bat
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Lasiurus seminolus 4.25 to 4.5 inches long 11- to 13-inch wingspan Mahogany-colored fur with silver tips. Often roosts alone in tall trees and feeds in early evenings, while in flight. Females have 1 - 4 young in May/June.
Many species of bats are struggling due to white-nose syndrome and loss of habitat. Here is a list of some things you can do to help bats:
• Put up bat houses to provide roosting spots • Plant native plants, especially those that attract nocturnal insects • Leave snags (dead trees) standing, when it is safe to do so • Provide fresh drinking water • Keep cats inside
Fun fact: Often confused with Eastern red bat - can only be distinguished when captured and closely examined. Photo by Emily Ferrall, GADNR
14 Southern Tides Magazine
OctoBER 2023
Issue 98
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Record Kite Roost By Rick Lavender Communications and Outreach Specialist GADNR Wildlife Resources Division Swallow-tail roosting at the site. Photo by Tim Keyes, GADNR
F
rom their graceful, swivel-tailed flights to vivid blackand-white markings, swallow-tailed kites are must-see raptors. Which makes the recent discovery of the largest swallowtail roost documented in Georgia even more eyecatching. Following up on a satellite-tagged kite, GADNR wildlife technician Andy Day found the roost in early August along the Altamaha River, south of Glennville. A count by helicopter totaled 612 kites. Wildlife biologist Tim Keyes first visited the roost by boat. “It was like a swirling kettles of kites,” he said. Each year about 150-200 pairs of swallow-tailed kites nest in Georgia. Most of these birds, a species of conservation concern in the State Wildlife Action Plan, nest on the lower stretches of the Satilla and Altamaha rivers. Some nests are scattered along other South Georgia rivers. In late summer, after nesting and before the kites migrate to South America, the birds gather in roosts at night and feed by day on insects over fields and other open areas. In southeast Georgia, the foraging can involve large groups. The Altamaha roost, which is on private land in tall trees along drainages and the river, feeds in “some of those big foraging aggregations that people like to see,” Keyes said. It’s unknown if the roost is primarily made up of kites that nested in Georgia and South Carolina, or if it includes numerous kites from Florida. During the post-breeding season, some swallowtails fly north for a brief time before migrating south. Nocturnal roosts in Florida can number more than 2,000 kites. It’s unclear how long the roost has been there. “Gathering sites can shift,” Keyes said. “This was a river stretch where we’ve had clusters of roosting kites before.” What is clear is that as of early August the roost had more swallow-tailed kites in one place than all of the kites counted in an entire day of aerial roost surveys on the Savannah, Ogeechee, Altamaha and Satilla Rivers. “Even combining the river systems,” Keyes said of those late-July surveys from 2009-2011, “we never had 600-plus birds total. Our highest one-day count across all the rivers was under 500 birds.” Issue 98
Swallow-tailed kites in the U.S. migrate from the Southeast to South America each fall. But the journey requires preparation. From late July into August, areas buzzing with insects – such as pastures and newly mown hayfields in south Georgia – can draw flocks or aggregations of swallow-tailed kites, sometimes 50 or more and often including Mississippi kites. The aerobatic black-and-white swallowtails spend mornings filling up on June beetles (often called June bugs), dragonflies and other insects, most caught and eaten in flight, before winging it south for the winter.
These high-contract birds are very eye-catching. Photo by Nick Riccio, Jr. OctoBER 2023
Southern Tides Magazine
17
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Riverkeeper Report Compiled by Brandyn Bradford
Editorial Assistant
Reviewed by Meaghan Gerard
Ogeechee Riverkeeper
J
oin St. Marys Riverkeeper’s biggest fundraising event of the year! On October 21st from 6:30p-10:00p at Sugar Pointe Estate, there will be live music from Firewater Tent Revival, an outstanding silent auction and raffle, a delicious Lowcountry Boil, door prizes and MORE! Funds raised will support St. Marys Riverkeeper’s education and outreach programs, water quality monitoring, and advocacy efforts. As development explodes throughout the St. Marys River watershed, the need to regularly test water quality grows in urgency. Without the support of our members and sponsors, our beautiful blackwater river would be vulnerable to pollution and degradation. Don’t miss this opportunity to TOAST to a Great Blue Heron, healthy and thriving St. Marys River. For more information visit by Christian T. www.stmarysriverkeeper.org/lowcountryboil/2023 Scott. Winner of Wildlife category, 2022.
Issue 98
O
geechee Riverkeeper’s annual Oyster Roast is back this fall! Join us on November 2nd, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Isle of Hope Marina, 50 W Bluff Dr, Savannah, for a fun night with freshly steamed all-you-can-eat oysters, delicious barbecue and sides from Barnes Restaurant, a silent auction, and music provided by DJ Phivestar. Your purchase of a ticket will include access to unlimited beer and wine. PLUS, you don’t want to miss out on the exclusive Ogeechee Riverkeeper ale from Moon River Brewing! Most importantly, funds raised will support the crucial work of ORK. Tickets are available now at www. ogeecheeriverkeeper.org/events/oyster-roast-23 Melvin has you covered for oysters! Photo by John Anderson
OctoBER 2023
Southern Tides Magazine
19
Art Contests for Kids FISH ART CONTEST
BIRDING T-SHIRT ART CONTEST
Sixth grader Minakshi Chilagani ( Johns Creek) was selected as the Third Place National Winner in 4-6th Grade group.
2023 Best Artwork by Birder Green Heron by Aligail Moeller, age16, Homeschool, Adairsville
H
ey, kids! Do you enjoy nature as well as creating artwork? Georgia’s 18th annual Youth Birding Competition invites resident children and teens to celebrate birds through a T-shirt art contest. Many famous ornithologists were bird artists when they were young, so perhaps you can be the next John James Audubon, Roger Tory Peterson or David Allen Sibley! A winner will be picked from each of four age divisions: primary (pre-K-second grades), elementary (third-fifth), middle school (sixth-eighth) and high school. One winner will be awarded the grand prize: Their artwork will appear on the 2024 Youth Birding Competition T-shirt and they’ll receive a $100 Amazon gift card. The three other first-place winners will each receive a $60 Amazon gift card. New this year, runners-up in each age division will be awarded a $40 Amazon gift card. Entering is easy. Participants must draw or paint a native Georgia bird that has not been previously featured on a Youth Birding Competition T-shirt (more details at georgiawildlife.com/ybctshirtartcontest). Artwork must be flat (not 3D) and may be created on paper or canvas. To enter the contest, email a full-frame JPG photo of the artwork from a camera or smartphone by Feb. 1, 2024, to linda.may@dnr.ga.gov. Be sure to provide the participant’s name, school, age, grade level, city, phone number and e-mail address, and the species name of the bird depicted in the artwork. The illustrated bird must be a wild species that is native to Georgia. Artwork of exotic or domesticated species (such as European starlings, pigeons, yellow ducks, peacocks and parrots) will be disqualified. Draw or paint the bird’s features as accurately as possible. A simple background that provides habitat context is good to include, but make sure the bird stands out well and is the focus of the artwork. Also keep in mind that deep, contrasting colors scan best for a T-shirt. Only one entry per person is allowed, and it must be the youth’s original artwork. Participation in the Youth Birding Competition, scheduled for April 2024, is encouraged but not required to submit artwork for the T-shirt Art Contest. For more information on the T-shirt Art Contest, visit georgiawildlife.com/ybctshirtartcontest. You can also contact art contest coordinator Linda May at (706) 319-0211 or linda.may@dnr.ga.gov. 20 Southern Tides Magazine
OctoBER 2023
G
o Draw a Fish Georgia! The Fish Art Contest for 2023-24 is officially underway. Using art and writing, creators and administrators of this international contest hope it can ignite children’s imaginations and inspire them to discover more about fish and fishing. The program is free to enter and open to youth in kindergarten through grade 12 anywhere in the world. To enter, participants select a fish species of their choice and create an original, hand-created illustration. Participants 4th grade and older will also submit a brief piece of creative writing or an essay pertaining to their chosen species to showcase what they have learned. Youth can win prizes such as gift cards, merchandise from sponsors, and international recognition. Take note, there also are many additional specialty award categories for 2024, including the Guy Harvey Shark Award, the Invader Crusader Award and the Go Fish Georgia Award. These additional contest opportunities may have different species and/or entry requirements. More info about award categories and all requirement details found at fishart.org. Before you enter, be sure that you have completed the Georgia-specific entry form (wildlifeforever.org/home/fishart/fish-entry-forms/georgia-entry-forms/). Entries are due by Feb. 28, 2024, and can be submitted digitally or by mail to Chrystal Sherwood/Go Fish Education Center, 1255 Perry Parkway, Perry, GA 31069. More info about the Go Fish Georgia Award: This award was created to celebrate fish species found in Georgia waters which are commonly sought by anglers. The artwork is chosen based on how well the judges feel it represents the fish and/or fishing in Georgia. The artists who receive this award will have copies of their artwork on display, alongside state winners, at the Go Fish Education Center (gofisheducationcenter.com) in Perry, Georgia. The Fish Art Contest is supported by Title Sponsor Bass Pro Shops, the USDA Forest Service, The International Game Fish Association, The Guy Harvey Foundation, The National Fish Habitat Partnership and Western Native Trout Initiative, and Rapala. Complete information about the Fish Art Contest available at fishart.org. Issue 98
What's Going On ... OCTOBER Skidaway Marine Science Day UGA Marine Extension & Georgia Sea Grant October 14, 12 – 4 p.m. Marine science open house with guest organizations presenting a wide range of information. Visit: gacoast.uga.edu/event/skidaway-marine-science-day-3/ or email Cindy Lingebach, calingeb@uga.edu
Low Country Boil 2023 St. Marys Riverkeeper October 21, 6:30 - 10 p.m. Fundraising event to support SMRK’s education and outreach, water quality monitoring and advocacy efforts. There will be live music, food and drinks. (843) 906-6548 or emily@stmarysriverkeeper.org; www. stmarysriverkeeper.org/lowcountryboil2023
7th Annual Choosing to Lead Conference One Hundred Miles October 21, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Conference with keynote speaker, emphasizing equitability and conservation of natural resources. (203) 273-4246 or press@onehundredmiles.org www.onehundredmiles.org/conference
NOVEMBER
Coastal Georgia Tourism Conference UGA Marine Extension & Georgia Sea Grant November 3, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Attendees will network while learning about current issues impacting coastal tourism and hospitality sectors. gacoast.uga.edu/gatourism/
Naturalist 101: Ebenezer Creek Paddle One Hundred Miles November 5, 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. An interactive kayak trip down Ebenezer creek. (912) 264-4111 www.onehundredmiles.org/n101paddle Estuary Trawl UGA Marine Education Center & Aquarium November 7, 9 a.m. – noon Guests will enjoy time aboard R/V Sea Dawg while examining sea life. Must register. Visit: gacoast.uga.edu/event/estuary-trawl-4/2023-11-07/ or email Cindy Lingebach, calingeb@uga.edu
Marine Education Annual Conference Georgia Association of Marine Education November 10, at 3 p.m. - November 12, at 12 p.m. Conference for formal and informal educators sharing information on marine science. gamarine@gmail.com
2023 Oyster Roast Ogeechee Riverkeeper November 2, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Fundraising event with oysters, unlimited drinks and live music. (866) 942-6222 or info@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org www. ogeecheeriverkeeper.org/events/oyster-roast-23
Oyster Roast For A Reason UGA Marine Extension & Georgia Sea Grant November 18, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Fundraising event with live music and local roasted oysters. mared@uga.edu or (912) 598-2335 www.gacoast.uga.edu/oysterroast
Naturalist 101: The Plight of the Northern Right Whale One Hundred Miles November 2, at 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. via Zoom Scientist and veterinarian Dr. Michael J. Moore will discuss human effects on this declining whale species. (912) 264-4111 www.onehundredmiles.org/n101whalers
Evening @ Skidaway UGA Skidaway Institute of Oceanography November 28, 6:30 p.m. Scientist, Sara Rivero-Calle will talk about her work with miniature nano-satellites to study the ocean. (912) 598-2325 or mike.sullivan@skio.uga.edu
Issue 98
OctoBER 2023
Southern Tides Magazine
21
THE
Bitter End
RIDING THE STORM OUT By Captain J. Gary "Gator" Hill
A
lthough early forecasts indicated an average hurricane season, we've already had 16 named storms and there are still nearly two months to go. We were lucky this time in that Hurricane Idalia dropped down to tropical storm strength, then veered away from us, though unfortunately the same can’t be said for the Florida Panhandle. For folks like me who work in the marine and eco-tourism businesses, even close calls can impact us. And in the days leading up to the event, I get lots of questions from tour guests concerning what dolphins do during hurricanes. The long and the short of it is, we’re not really sure. No one is out in a hurricane observing their behavior and I haven’t been able to find any studies on the topic. However, we can see clues in the days prior to a major weather event. Now bear in mind, I am NOT a marine biologist, but I did sleep at a Holiday Inn last night and have a Ph.D. from YouTube University. In the days leading up to a major storm, I’ve noticed there usually seems to be an increase in dolphins' feeding habits, and I’ve also noticed them being less social with the tour boat, as they become focused on food. These mammals consume about 4% to 6% of their body weight daily, and for creatures weighing 300 to 600 pounds that amounts to a lot of sushi. I’ve been researching what triggers these behavioral changes, and again, it’s still a bit of a puzzle in how they sense these things. Most research I’ve found has been conducted in open water on oceanic dolphins, whereas I deal with our coastal variety of Atlantic bottlenose, which means two different dynamics. One of the studies I read cites salinity changes as a possible trigger. As storms move in, fresh water in the form of heavy rain decreases salinity, thereby affecting the fish dolphins feed on. That doesn’t strike me as being a significant factor here though. What I do notice is that with increasing winds come muddier waters. Water visibility, as most fishermen will attest, changes fish movement and feeding habits. It only stands to reason that this could impact critters that feed on them. In this case the dolphins. Dolphins hunt with a combination of echolocation and sight; as water visibility declines so does their success rate, though I’m sure visibility has little effect on their sonar. On the other hand, as waves build in the days preceding storms, I also see an increase in their playfulness. Natural surfers that they are, I see them using the waves to both surf as well as make dynamic jumps. Guess they put the feeding on pause to catch a wave every now and then! 22 Southern Tides Magazine
OctoBER 2023
Photo by Captain J. Gary Hill
I’ve also noticed that prior to storms, there are fewer dolphins in areas that usually have high numbers, which is one of the many things that make me wonder. I can honestly say I’m out there with these guys more than most people are, running nearly a thousand dolphin/nature tours annually, and they continue to amaze me and puzzle me. Although dolphin research is extensive, finding it online can be challenging. But one of the things I’ve found concerns social behaviors changing in pods of dolphins that have suffered numeric losses. In the Bahamas, for example, when numbers have diminished in both the spotted Atlantic dolphin and the Atlantic bottlenose, aggressive behaviors between males have all but vanished. Many folks don’t realize how aggressive dolphins can be with one another, with males often fighting for both territory and females. Also, many dolphins aren’t real receptive to letting a stranger join their group. However, when their numbers shrink, they seem to make exceptions. As if they recognize the need to rebuild their ranks. Dolphins are incredible animals and I’m lucky I get to spend as much time with them as I do. There’s so much more I could write about my experiences and observations on these amazing creatures but time and space prevail. I do hope I’ve fueled your thirst for knowledge and that you'll spend a little time looking online for answers too! 'Til our wakes cross again, peace and love, and shrimp and grits. I'll see you on the water! Captain Gator has spent the past several decades truly living the salt life, from living on and racing sailboats, to being a paddle guide, to becoming a 100-ton master and working in the tour boat industry. A strong love of history and the water has shaped him into becoming one part educator, one part entertainer, and one part storyteller. When asked if he is a native, his reply is yes, by osmosis.
TheOriginalCaptainGator@gmail.com Issue 98
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