Hello! I’ve been busy observing manatees this unique January 2016! I say unique because it’s sometimes been sunny and mild, other times very cold and extremely windy. That is a peak time for manatees to seek refuge! After a very warm December, January has turned out to be rather cold and the weather quite volatile. Despite any obstacles I have been in the water to chronicle the lives of our beloved sirenians – as I do every January, although this January it is harder to encounter decent underwater photographic conditions. In these seven examples I have succeeded in different aspects of photographing what I’m interested in and trying new things. There is a “Challenge on Nature Photography” going on right now across Facebook. Usually folks nominate a new person each day. I was nominated, so instead of posting new images for seven days on Facebook, I’m putting seven here and linking to #challengeonnaturephotography.
Without further ado – here’s seven examples of what me and the manatees have been up to this month:
#1 – Mother and Calf Display Affection and Bask In Sun Rays. Wed. January 20th.
Due to cold weather and large numbers of manatees, Three Sisters Springs has been closed sometimes, but open others.
I have planned to be in the water for the springs’ open times and even though the rather wild weather has stirred up the water a lot, I’ve still found some windows of opportunity. The mother and calf above were a joy to encounter and the warming natural sunlight felt nice for me too!
#2 – Over/Under of Manatee Entering the Warm Back Springs at Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River, Florida. Wed., Jan. 20th.
My seven photographic selections are weighted towards over/under also known as split-level photographs. These are some of the hardest images to successfully execute, but when they work the view both under and above water portions tell a compelling story and the natural dramatic lighting is very striking!
#3 – Four Manatees Find Favorite Spots in the Sunlight to Rest and Warm Up! Three Sisters Springs, Wed. Jan. 20th.
Even though there just may have been a short interval the back springs were open to snorkelers, I have found my time there very productive and fascinating! Manatees never cease to amaze me with their resourceful creativeness and curiosity!
#4 – Manatee Poses Over the Warm Big Sister Spring. Wed. Jan. 13th.
Some days have been clearer than others. Wednesday, January 13th was a bit cloudy with sediment in the water column. Still, the springs always change and there were pockets of nice water with very interactive manatees.
#5 – Dramatic Sun Rays Pierce the Crystal Water of Three Sisters Springs as a Manatee Moves Towards Its Fav. Spot! Mon. Jan. 11th.
The sunlight dancing on the spring’s sandy bottom mesmerizes me every time. I try to catch the light when the natural world’s dramatic play is at its very bright crescendo!
#6 – Sometimes Simplicity Speaks Volumes as Does This Manatee Sporting a Red Algae Coat in Soft Dramatic Light. Thurs. Jan. 7th.
I continue to delight in simple, single manatee images. The communication displayed in the photograph above tells me there is wise intelligence there we haven’t yet begun to understand.
#7 – Pick a Bright Spot in the Springs! The Warm Sunlight’s Where It’s At! Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River, Florida. Thurs. Jan. 7th.
It never ceases to amaze me how the manatees know exactly where they want to warm up at Three Sisters Springs! What a delight it is to hang-back and take in the lovely wide view!
So there it is! Seven images all, so far, this January. I have more too!
Thanks to everyone on Facebook who has posted for the #challengeonnaturephotography. It has been most interesting seeing all the variety from all over the world! I hope my contribution is well-received. I think the manatees would like the seven images I picked from their recent excursions!
Best, Carol
