Interesting Wildlife Action Shots

Zephyrhills, Florida   (high 79, low 60)

We did a little exploring yesterday, or rather re-visiting some places we’ve been before. 

I got some interesting photos, I thought I’d share.

We went to Big Bend Power plant in Apollo Beach.

The power plant uses sea water which comes out very warm.  The warm water attracts Manatees in the winter months.

Many years ago the plant built a visitor center so that people could come to watch the manatee.  It has become extremely popular and we normally visit it every year.

Due to the unusually warm winter we’re having here in Florida, there weren't as many Manatee as usual.  I certainly didn’t get as good of photos as I have from the Florida springs.

There were lots of Tarpon swimming around under the boardwalk.

Lots of Mullet too.

Normally we’ve seen spotted leopard rays, but we didn’t see any this year.

However….we did see a dog that was left in a hot car. 

The windows and sunroof were down, but the dog was panting.  We notified a ranger there and by the time we drove back by, the owners were with the dog.  I don’t know what people are thinking.  It was 82 degrees yesterday and inside that car there was no breeze.  I know because I stuck my hand inside to feel how hot it was.

This is the second time we’ve seen this lately.  In the Keys we also reported a dog that was left in a car on a warm day.  If it’s 70 degrees outside, it’s too hot to leave a dog in a car.

When we reported the one in the Keys, we were told the dog would be removed from the car and taken into custody.  I assume they would break a window to remove the dog.  I wonder what the owners thought when they came out to find a broken window and a missing dog.  Sorry dog owners…but if you leave your dog in a hot car and I see it…I will report you.  There were signs all over the parking lot warning you not to leave valuables in your vehicle.  What is more valuable than your pet?

Okay…rant over….

I love this dead tree.

White Ibis

 

Osprey

 

I initially thought this was a pair of Osprey on their nest.  After watching a few minutes, they started calling and then a third Osprey came flying in.

 

He didn’t stay long.  I then assumed that this was a pair and one of them was a youngster they were raising.

I kept watching and snapping photos until this happened.

I guess I know what was going on now.

It was kind of interesting to be able to photograph.  Osprey porn!