Manatee

Manatees are large, fully aquatic air breathing mammal that are wonderfully graceful and mezmerizing to watch as they seem to glide effortlessly in their natural habitat of rivers, shallow lakes, estuaries, saltwater marsh and coastal areas. Weighing up to 1,300 pounds Manatees, also known as sea cows are mostly herbivores and eat more than sixty kinds of fresh and saltwater plants. At the time this image was captured it was estimated by state park officials there were approximately 800 adult and baby manatees visiting the lagoon. Thoughout the day Manatees swim into and out of the lagoon seeking its warm water and leave to feed.

Manatee at Blue Spring State Park, Florida

 

Location Details

Access points for best viewing of Manatees are from the half mile boardwalk and several platforms constructed along the banks of a lagoon within Blue Spring State Park. During cold winter months (Mid-November through March) when large numbers of Manatees migrate to the warmer lagoon it is best to plan a rather long wait of up to an hour or more on the roadway in a vehicle line before being able to enter the park’s gate and the limited parking spaces.

Sony A7 IV - Focal Length 49 mm - Shutter Speed 1 /160 Sec - Aperture f/5.0 - ISO 100