WDCS Autumn Survey - Packing up
The mice living in the old 'bicycle shed' at the Wildlife centre in Spey Bay are no doubt looking forward to having some of the survey equipment stored back in their home. (For those that missed the beginning of the survey, we started by evicting ten mice from one kit bag.) And yesterday, despite deteriorating weather, the team managed to complete half a day's survey and then made a nice track inshore which took them (and the film crew they had with them) close to some bottlenose dolphins that came over to say hello.
The film crew was from the BBC TV programme Countryfile, who had come to cover the survey and the presence of the dolphins (who are never camera shy) will hopefully make some compelling TV and help support our call for their better protection.
The WDCS Science Director is now back safely in his warm and dry office (for a little while anyway) and would like to thank the BBC Wildlife Fund for funding these four surveys; Pine for stepping up to lead this latest one (which was hard work); the summer volunteers from the Spey Bay centre (David, Jenny, Cath and Bea for staying on to help conduct the survey); the new winter volunteers for also taking part; the crew of the Wildlife Centre for joining in (especially Alice for inspired logistical and training support) and otherwise hosting us; Jim for coming to join us (I'm glad you got to see your dolphins in the end); Simon for continued technical support; one Kevin for his support and encouragement and another Kevin's for providing a roof over our heads. (Sorry if I forgot anyone and I would be happy to amend this as necessary. )
What this should show is that this is a huge team effort and only works when many people pull together.
You can find the story of the August survey here (it was less cold but more wet).
And finally, here are those dolphins that showed up for the final survey day and so they could make their point for the TV cameras.
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But kudos to the people who did their best to save him.