Drip by Drip
by AnnaJo Vahle
Title
Drip by Drip
Artist
AnnaJo Vahle
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
Since Teeny and others guessed the subject of my last close-up photo of a manatee, I thought to submit another that is a little easier to understand. This one shows you that it is lying on it's back in the water. It is drinking water dripping from a boat. This is in the Indian River in Florida. It is brackish water. It is actually a lagoon, which means that it starts and ends in the ocean.
It is unknown whether fresh water is essential for manatees' survival. But they do like it. Manatees can be found in rivers and springs as well as congregating at fresh water drainage pipes. Some people attract manatees to their docks by letting them drink water from ordinary garden hoses. This is illegal and endangers the mammals because it brings them to areas of high boat traffic.
Although manatees are found in fresh, brackish, or salt water, they don't drink salt water. Research suggests that manatees in salt water can go without drinking fresh water for extended periods. On average, they must return to fresh water every one to two weeks to drink. Their intake of water occurs while eating aquatic plants as well as actively drinking. This may explain why manatees can go so easily from freshwater to marine environments. It also means that people do not need to give manatees water from hoses. Manatees can take care of their own fresh water needs.
I am likely to post some other interesting shots of them. I find them fascinating.
Third place in the Manatees Contest 4/30/21
First place in FAVORITE MANATEE PORTRAITS 5/22/21
Uploaded
June 27th, 2014
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Viewed 935 Times - Last Visitor from Cupertino, CA on 04/25/2024 at 12:55 AM
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Comments (18)
Sarah Irland
Congratulations, AnnaJo, on your Win in the Sustainable Living Contest for this wonderful photograph!
Sarah Irland
Congratulations, Annajo, on your Win in the Manatee Contest for this wonderful photograph! Voted.
Renee McDaniel
Not pretty animals are they?!! I cant really distinguish a face. I love their gentle nature.
AnnaJo Vahle replied:
Hahahah...I understand, Renee. The water drops are falling into his mouth. That is his tongue in the middle of his face. You cant see the eyes from this angle.
Rosalie Scanlon
Wow, excellent capture, it's hard to get an image of a Manatee, especially like this. L/F
AnnaJo Vahle replied:
Thank you very much, Rosalie. I was hanging off a dock to get it. Nearly fell on top of her.
Jim Fitzpatrick
Awesome capture and great timing! fv
AnnaJo Vahle replied:
Thank you very much, Jim. I was fortunate that the manatee alowed me so close.
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