Manatees Redux

We have had warmer temperatures this last week and yesterday after returning to the marina from a less than successful fishing trip we were surprised to see our manatee buddy from the other day back with 5 or six of his friends. Our buddy was easily recognized by the scars on his body and cut tail, but his friends did not seemed to be as marked up as he was which is probably a good sign.

Once again the inappropriate watering of the animals below

These guys would vie for getting the stream of water directed their way as best they could even rolling over like a dog would to get attention. There were a total of six animals that I saw and a variety of sizes although no young ones.

Our neighbor is a skindiver and has enjoyed going to an area called "the horseshoe" which is an area nearby that was dredged out for fill and has become a good place to fish from shore and dive. On his last dive he was fortunate enough to swim with a manatee and its youngster for some time without alarming them.....even allowing him to "pet" the young one. Unfortunately, his wife wasn't able to get a picture.

These guys just kind of jostled for position to get at the water stream

Needless to say these animals brought quite a crowd to the marina and docks. Do you suppose the manatees are watching them as much as we watch the manatees?