A few photos from yesterday

[Tizeye]

While they counted overed 700 manatee in the spring over the weekend when the temp dropped close to freezing, I wasn't foolish enough to battle the crowds on a 3 day weekend!. Much milder upper 40's yesterday and official count 592. Temperature coming out of the spring at over 100 million gallons per day is a constant 72 degrees year round, and maintained for the short run to the river. That spring outlet shown in one of the photos is 10' deep which gives you an idea how clear the water is. Photographically, biggest challenge were surface reflection resulting in my rare use of a polarizing filter.

 

[Tizeye]

Also enjoying the warmth were the fish. Those tarpon were a long way inland with a fresh water spring as the St Johns River doesn't empty into the Atlantic for 145 miles.

 

[MickinMD ★]

This is a picture of our manatee, Chessie, who has been spending occasional time in the Chesapeake Bay since 1994.

[Razors Edge ★]

1 hour ago, Tizeye said:

Temperature coming out of the spring at over 100 million gallons per day is a constant 72 degrees year round, and maintained for the short run to the river.

I saw a travel show recently on how they like to hang out in places like that, but when the temp in the Gulf or elsewhere goes up, they head out there to feed for the day.  But if it is cooler, you can often find them in these warm pockets.

They are such curious (ie odd) creatures.

[maddmaxx ★]

Just wait till they post "so long and thanks for all the fish".

[JerrySTL ★]

12 minutes ago, maddmaxx said:

Just wait till they post "so long and thanks for all the fish".

Probably around 2042.

[Parr8hed]

Awesome pics.  Thanks for posting.