A Madhouse of Manatees

Traveled to Citrus County today for some guests of Wild Florida and the viewing of manatees at King's Bay.
The internet weather hacks had a 40% chance of rain, and that was worrysome. But they turned out to be wrong again. Clear, with scattered clouds, light wind around 8 mph, and in the lower 60's.

We paddled over to Jurassic Spring first, and noticed right away the water clarity was excellent. About six swimmers inside the roped area along with maybe four manatees.
Left there and headed around Pete's Pier towards Shatz Is. for a break, plant id session, and equipment adjustment. I pointed out the numerous Brazilian Peppers that lined the shore, and the invasive nature of this exotic species.

After watching some idiot motor boat manuevering in the canal, we paddled up towards Gator Hole, spotting upwards of a dozen manatees along the way. Another half dozen at the Hole. Continued up to Idiot's Delight.
In passing some residents seated along the seawall, I asked them how the circus was today, and they replied 'same as always'.

Boats to the left of us, boats to the right of us, it was boats everywhere. Not many swimmers on the outside at Idiots Delight sanctuary, so that meant only one thing, they were ALL up inside Three Sisters. We headed up into the chasm, I mean channel, and had to wait while a cow and calf exited. No wonder, it looked like a Guiness record attempt inside to see how many scubas, and snorkelers could fit inside the area. Paddle skills were at their highest level of performance while running the obstacle course of human bodies.
And though it was the most people I've seen up inside, there were also more manatees inside the area than I've ever seen before. Eight individuals resting in the northern section, six in the middle section, and up to eight more just swimming back and forth among the southern area and the middle section. All the while the swimmers/scubas were splashing about. And this on a very warm day.

Back on the outside, we noticed the manatees were packed inside Idiots sanctuary like sardines. Again, odd it being such a warm day, so it must have been some cold stressed animals staying close to the warmer water.

From there until we reached the bay, we must have counted another 20+ individul manatees. Ball park figure so far around 50+, not counting what was inside the sanctuary (25-35+).
Made a detour to a hidden cove to see if the dolphin were hunting mullet. They weren't there, though we did see a multi jumper mullet.

Back at Hunter's Springs Park, it was some what crowded with new arrivals getting ready to launch on their own excursion to see the manatees.

Over all, a crowded day for boats, though not the worst I've seen, and more manatees counted yet, than in the past.

Other wildlife sighted included: immature bald eagle, cormorants, pelicans, osprey, kingfishers, mullet, mangrove snappers, needle fish, many species of ducks, and lots of vultures.

February is quickly giving way to March, and not too many more trips south to see the over wintering manatee. Going next Sunday, come along!

Manatees of Citrus County

Yesterday (2/15) we had a kayak/manatee viewing trip at King's Bay in Crystal River. I was leading 6 people in 5 kayaks. Launching from Hunter Springs park, we made our way around Pete's Pier into a head wind of about 12 mph. Just enough to cause some waves and spray over the bow. The day was sunny, with air temps in the mid to upper 50's, perfect paddling weather.
Stopped at Shatz Island for a leg stretch and part two of the lesson on navigating in wind, and a look at the bay. Saw our first manatee exiting the canal into the bay. Several swim/harass boats were leaving as well. But there were more to come.

Made it along the canal under the bridge and saw several more heading out to the bay. Stopping at Gator Hole, had about 6 individual manatees including cow and juvenile, lazing about breathing and moving slowly.
Its always an anxious moment heading further up the canal to Three Sisters/Idiot's Delight, as you don't know how many swim/harass boats are going to be there.
Approximately 6 more manatees along the way before rounding the bend to take in the Idiot's corner. Low and behold, we sight a USFWS boat tied up next to another boat at the santuary ropes. Approximately 15 swimmers in the water, and some filming going on.

We staged for a few minutes and then made a deliberate insertion through the pipes, avoiding bodies in the water and up into the rocky canal of Three Sisters.
It was ooh and ahh for the visitors from north of the border as they spied the spring area for the first time. I had to break the news that all the white sand they were appreciating, was more un-natural due to the affects of human feet, nutrients causing algal growth, and the lack of re-growth.
The water temp was nice and warm to the touch, with only about 4 people in the water back in the springs. No manatees were present here, being chased out earlier by swimmers.

After a pause of about 15 minutes with some picture taking, it back out through the gauntlet of bodies, and drifting over the dozen or so manatees in the main canal/channel.

After being nearly hit by an incompetent fedaral employee with lack of seamanship skills in motor boat backing, we made it safely out of the area and down the canal. Only one other blip, in telling a speeding boat in the canal, the same one that had been doing business with the USFWS boat earlier, to slow down to idle speed, we saw at least a half dozen more manatees before hitting the bridge area.

Then it was a nice tail wind at our backs, helping to push us along around 5 mph, round the corner of Pete's Pier and a semi-straight shot back to Hunter's Park. We were out around two hours, and saw upwards of 40 manatees. All in all, a good day for observing the over wintering manatees.

At the launch site, I spoke with some visitors from Ohio about their canoe registration decals and the lack of service or amenities that they receive for paying $22 every three years. After loading the kayaks on the trailer, it was off to a Heritage Village area eatery called The Highlander.
Owned and operated by a Scottish family, with great soup, and sandwiches.

We're going back next Sunday, 2/21....

See you on the water!!