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Also, we have spotted over 60 manatees heading South. The manatees have been very affected by all this cold also. They cannot survive well in waters below 68F. Here are a few pictures I took from our balcony.....Just a little information on these sweet marine mamals:
The Florida Manatee, Florida's state marine mammal, is a large aquatic relative of the elephant. They are grayish brown in color and have thick, wrinkled skin on which there is often a growth of algae. Their front flippers help them steer or sometimes crawl through shallow water. They also have powerful flat tails that help propel them through the water. Despite their small eyes and lack of outer ears, manatees are thought to see and hear quite well.
They are gentle giants, that seem to have no fear, nor aggression towards people. They swim in shallow waters, near the surface and are endangered because they often are injured by boats and their props.
Arvid and I usually do our walks along the river and we have been fortunate to spot the manatees and we have been even luckier to have been able to touch them. Their skin is quite rubbery and despite their huge appearance thay are vey gentle creatures....unfortunately due to the cold weather we have been having the manatees have been dying. Makes me very sad............JPG)
Even Brutus is enjoying the "show" from his favorite spot at the window...Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms
until next time...
