Refresh cacheDave Chidley - Manatees
I'm down south avoiding the London snow right now. (sorry to rub it in) Having a very relaxing time, but as always a photographer can't completely put the cameras away. One awesome experience was a snorkel trip in fresh water springs to swim with the Manatees. The mammals come into the warm springs during cold spells in the Gulf of Mexico. It was unforgettable and I had a heck of a time getting the water out of my camera!
 Close encounterMy wife and the young Manatee get close enough for a photo. |  dolphins2OK went out on a boat for a few hours yesterday and followed a few dolphins in the bay. So i thought I'd add in two dolphins into the mix for good measure. We had a great time seeing the creatures in the wild. |  EyeThis older Manatee was further out in the bay in water that wasn't crystal clear like the spring. It didn't matter she kept coming in too close for photos! |
 Propeller scarsThe gentle slow moving animals are often hit and injured or killed my passing boats. Most of the animals have some scars to record their meeting with boats. |  ScratchThere are rules for Manatee encounters, you must not pursue the animals but wait for them to initiate contact. They will swim towards quiet visitors and if you scratch them they will roll over and stay for awhile. Some avoid contact others play constantly. |  Up for airManatee breaks surface for a quick breath of air. |
 Young ManateeThis young Manatee came and played with the visitors for about an hour before he finally moved on. |
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Manatee
Re: Manatee
Thanks James, see you soon!
I dropped my 28-70 and Mark II N, the lens is in 3 pieces and my heart is broken.