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  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A manatee warms its belly in strong sun rays while rolling upside down on a cold winter day. Another manatee rises and one rests in the warm blue freshwater springs. A fish, bream, Lepomis spp., is present in the sunlight. Rainbows are reflected on the sand in this peaceful, tranquil and undisturbed scene in the natural warm water. Horizontal orientation with blue water, rainbow sun rays and reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee Warming In The Light-CGrant.tif
  • A young manatee swims into the heart of the warm freshwater springs during a cool winter day. Florida manatees come to Three Sisters Springs during the cooler months to rest and stay warm. This split-level image shows both land and underwater views. Taken in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee
    Little_Manatee_Swims_into_Warm_Sprin...tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Manatees rest on a cold winter day in the warm waters of the springs. One has a deep tail injury. Fish, bream, Lepomis spp., are present. The manatees tolerate the fish attention as it is the price to pay for sharing the warm waters. Bream target dermis and dead skin on the manatee. Horizontal orientation. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-148.tif
  • A Manatee seeks the warmest water it can during this cold winter day. Florida manatees come to Three Sisters Springs during the cooler months to rest and stay warm. This split-level image shows both land and underwater views. Taken in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee
    Adult_Manatee_Swims_into_Three_Siste...tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother manatee rests with twin female calves in the warm springs on a cold and blustery winter day. One calf is resting on top of mom. Twins are rare and these are not documented but evidence suggests they are twins and not a calf plus an adoptee. Bundled up kayakers observe in the distance. Rare series. Horizontal orientation split image.. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-105-3.tif
  • A manatee swims over the warm Big Sister spring at Three Sisters Springs towards the shallow sunlit areas that rim the spring. Mangrove snapper (Lutjanus griseus) and white mullet (Mugil curema also seek warmth and minerals from Florida's underwater aquifer bubbling up. The round marks on the manatee's back are from barnacles shed earlier in the season. The big spring is rimmed with manatees, resting and socializing. Florida manatees come to Three Sisters Springs during the cooler months to rest and stay warm. Taken in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee
    Manatee_Swims_Over_Spring_Towards_Wa...tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A series of manatees gathering near the warm springs during the bitter cold period of early January 2010. A few adult manatee with boat propeller scars and one with tail lacerations rest and try to stay warm with many other manatees around the warm blue freshwater of the natural springheads. Three other manatee are surfacing for a breath. Manatee need these natural warm springs to survive cold weather, like today. Horizontal orientation with blue water and many manatees with reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1084.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A series of manatees gathering near the warm springs during the bitter cold period of early January 2010. An adult manatee has substantial tail scars and lacerations. It is trying to stay warm in the blue freshwater natural springs. The manatee appears to be kicking up some sand and most likely foraging or digging with its snout. Horizontal orientation with blue water. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-54.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A series of manatees gathering near the warm springs during the bitter cold period of early January 2010. An adult manatee with propeller scar injuries and deep tail lacerations rests and tries to stay warm along with other manatees around the warm blue freshwater of the springheads. An Atlantic needlefish, Strongylura marina swims near the top of the photograph. Vertical orientation with blue water. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-81.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A series of manatees gathering near the warm springs during the bitter cold period of early January 2010. An adult manatee has substantial tail scars and lacerations. It is trying to stay warm in the blue freshwater natural springs.There are fish, bream, Lepomis spp. present. Vertical orientation with blue water. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-53.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A series of manatees gathering near the warm springs during the bitter cold period of early January 2010. Two skinny adult manatees rest as one takes a breath in the warm shallow blue spring water lit by strong warming sun rays. Another manatee forages in the background surrounded by fish, bream, Lepomis spp. Manatees need these natural warm springs to survive cold weather, like today. Horizontal orientation with blue water and strong warming sun rays with reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-27.tif
  • A manatee swims over the warm Big Sister spring at Three Sisters Springs. Mangrove snapper (Lutjanus griseus) also seek warmth and minerals from Florida's underwater aquifer bubbling up. Natural sunlight highlights the scene. The round marks on the manatee's back are from barnacles shed earlier in the season. The big spring is rimmed with manatees, resting and socializing. Florida manatees come to Three Sisters Springs during the cooler months to rest and stay warm. Taken in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee
    Manatee_and_Snapper_Swim_Over_Big_Si...tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A series of manatees gathering near the warm springs during the bitter cold period of early January 2010. A mother and her calf, both with many boat propeller scar injuries, rest and try to stay warm other manatees around the warm blue freshwater of the springheads. Vertical orientation with blue water. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-136.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A series of manatees gathering near the warm springs during the bitter cold period of early January 2010. Many manatees gather and try and stay warm around the warm blue freshwater of the natural springheads. One of the male manatees is floating with warm sun rays on his back. Manatees need these natural warm springs to survive cold weather, like today. Horizontal orientation with blue water and many manatees with reflection and warming sun rays. Some fish, bream, Lepomis spp. are visible in the background. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-603.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A manatee swims by submerged tree roots into the warm area near a freshwater springhead. Rainbow light rays add to the tranquil scene. Fish, bream, Lepomis spp. are present. Horizontal orientation with rainbow sun rays, blue water and reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-460.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. An adult male rests on its back upside down while warming near a blue springhead. Many bream, Lepomis spp. are present. The manatee tolerates the bream attention as it is the price to pay for sharing the warm waters. Bream target dermis and dead skin on the manatees Another adult rests in the background near the spring. Tranquil and undisturbed natural scene. Horizontal orientation with blue water, submerged tree roots and rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-462.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A series of manatees gathering near the warm springs during the bitter cold period of early January 2010. An adult manatee with boat propeller scars and tail lacerations rests in the foreground and tries to stay warm with many other manatees around the warm blue freshwater of the springheads. Another manatee is surfacing for a breath. Horizontal orientation with blue water and many manatees with reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-82.tif
  • It is very touching to observe a mother manatee nuzzling with her calf in the warm, safe, springfed freshwaters during the cooler months. Florida manatees come to Three Sisters Springs during the cooler months to rest and stay warm. Taken in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee
    Momma_and_Baby_Manatee_in_Sunlight-2...tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A series of manatees gathering near the warm springs during the bitter cold period of early January 2010. A mother and her calf, both with many boat propeller scar injuries, rest and try to stay warm with many other manatees around the warm blue freshwater of the springheads. Horizontal orientation with blue water and many manatees. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-137-2.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A series of manatees gathering near the warm springs during the bitter cold period of early January 2010. An adult manatee with a few scar injuries rests and tries to stay warm around the warm blue freshwater of the springheads. This adult manatee has comparatively few scars. Vertical orientation with blue water and warming rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-63.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. An adult manatee swims in the blue water of a freshwater sprighead. There are propeller scars on its body. The manatee is joined by mangrove snapper, Lutjanus griseus, and bream, Lepomis spp. Horizontal orientation, blue water and soft sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-539.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A series of manatees gathering near the warm springs during the bitter cold period of early January 2010. Many manatees gather and try and stay warm around the warm blue freshwater of the natural springheads. One of the manatees is surfacing for a breath. Manatees need these natural warm springs to survive cold weather, like today. Horizontal orientation with blue water and many manatees with reflection and warming sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-74.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A documented orphan male manatee calf floats above a warm blue freshwater springhead. He appears quite rotund as he has been observed nursing off more than one female. An Atlantic needlefish, Strongylura marina, swims next to him. Other manatee rest in the background. An undisturbed scene with manatees warming by natural warm water springs that they need to survive. Horizontal orientation with blue water and rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-614.tif
  • A young manatee calf has its mother resting near the submerged cypress tree roots in the crystal clear water at Three Sisters Springs, It is fall, prior to the cooling of the winter season in Florida.These two manatees are early arrivals to the springs before the multitude of other manatees arrive for the winter warming season. Mother manatee sometimes bring their calves to the wintering sites early to familiarize their little ones with all the nooks and crannies. Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, IUCN Endangered but proposed downlisting to Threatened by USFWS for 2017: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22106/0.
    Manatee_Mother_and_Calf_in_the_Sprin...tif
  • An adult male manatee warms by a blue freshwater spring during winter time in Florida. Manatees need warm water sources to survive winter cold snaps and this manatee seems quite comfortable and contented. Trichechus manatus latirostris, the Florida manatee.
    Contented_manatee_blue_spring-1.tif
  • An adult male manatee warms by a blue freshwater spring during winter time in Florida. Manatees need warm water sources to survive winter cold snaps and this manatee seemes quite comfortable. Manatees have wonderful buoyancy skills and along with the spring outflow can achieve engaging water positions. Trichechus manatus latirostris, the Florida manatee.
    Contented_manatee_blue_spring_stands.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A manatee is respectfully observed by my friend Meredith while snorkeling. It is a profound experience to encounter these charismatic marine mammals in their natural springs winter home. The warm blue freshwaters of Three Sisters Springs are a winter haven for manatees Taken at Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Respectful_Observation_Manatee-1327.tif
  • A manatee pauses while it basks in the warm Florida sun rays. Manatees enjoy the warm freshwater springs during the fall and winter.  This image is from November 2017. The Gulf of Mexico and other waterways get too cold for manatees during this time. This is a peek at an undisturbed, natural behavior while this manatee winters in the freshwater springs. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. IUCN Red List: Endangered. USFWS implemented downlisting to Threatened 2017: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22106/0.
    Manatee with Sun on its Back_.tif
  • Another recent image from the 2017/2018 winter season. Manatee calves stay with their mothers for nearly two years and this calf is big enough to be near weaning. They learn everything from mom. Barnacles indicate this pair is a recent arrival to the freshwater springs. The barnacles will fall off in the fresh water environment and become food for anhinga and various other creatures. This is a peek at an undisturbed, natural behavior while this manatee winters in the clrat blue freshwater springs. Spring outflow and natural lighting sometimes blend in a lovely blue scene like this. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. IUCN Red List: Endangered. USFWS implemented downlisting to Threatened 2017: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22106/0. Taken under USFWS SUP Permit
    Manatee Mother and Calf Swim Over Bi...tif
  • A very little manatee calf lit by winter rainbows is an irrestible combination! Manatees inhabit shallow waters all along Florida's costal and intracostal waterways. Being very curious creatures they investigate their environment often while floating and exercising their prehensile snout, as this manatee is doing. This is a peek at an undisturbed, natural behavior while this manatee winters in the freshwater springs. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. IUCN Red List: Endangered. USFWS implemented downlisting to Threatened 2017: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22106/0. Taken under USFWS SUP Permit
    Precious Manatee Calf Lit by Rainbow...tif
  • An adult male manatee warms by a blue freshwater spring during winter time in Florida. Manatees need warm water sources to survive winter cold snaps and this manatee seemes quite comfortable basking in Florida sunlight. Trichechus manatus latirostris, the Florida manatee.
    Manatee_blue_spring_water.tif
  • Another recent image from the 2017/2018 winter season. Manatee calves stay with their mothers for nearly two years and this calf is big enough to be near weaning. They learn everything from mom. Barnacles indicate this pair is a recent arrival to the freshwater springs. The barnacles will fall off in the fresh water environment and become food for anhinga and various other creatures. This is a peek at an undisturbed, natural behavior while this manatee winters in the clrat blue freshwater springs. Spring outflow and natural lighting sometimes blend in a lovely blue scene like this. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. IUCN Red List: Endangered. USFWS implemented downlisting to Threatened 2017: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22106/0. Taken under USFWS SUP Permit
    Curious Calf Rests with Manatee Moth...tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Series depicting closeness of mother and calf. A calf rises for a breath while next to its mother near a warm blue spring on a cold winter day. Fish, bream, Lepomis spp., and a mangrove snapper, Lutjanus griseus, are present around the young animal. The manatees tolerate the bream attention as it is the price to pay for sharing the warm waters. Bream target dermis and dead skin on the manatees. Horizontal orientation with blue water and reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-692.tif
  • Another recent image from the 2017/2018 winter season. Several early season manatees frolic in the warm spring outflow. There is a young calf peering out. Barnacles indicate a recent arrival to the freshwater springs. The barnacles will fall off in the fresh water environment and become food for anhinga and various other creatures. This is a peek at an undisturbed, natural behavior while this manatee winters in the clrat blue freshwater springs. Spring outflow and natural lighting sometimes blend in a lovely blue scene like this. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. IUCN Red List: Endangered. USFWS implemented downlisting to Threatened 2017: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22106/0. Taken under USFWS SUP Permit
    Several Manatees Enjoy the Springs_.tif
  • Another recent image from the 2017/2018 winter season. Manatee calves stay with their mothers for nearly two years and this calf is big enough to be near weaning. They learn everything from her, including the best times to surface for a breath. Being very curious creatures they investigate their environment. Barnacles indicate this pair is a recent arrival to the freshwater springs. The barnacles will fall off in the fresh water environment and become food for anhinga and various other creatures. This is a peek at an undisturbed, natural behavior while this manatee winters in the freshwater springs. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. IUCN Red List: Endangered. USFWS implemented downlisting to Threatened 2017: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22106/0. Taken under USFWS SUP Permit
    Manatee Mother and Older Calf in the...tif
  • A Florida manatee peers out at the viewer. It is still covered by red algae that has not disappeared yet due to a warm winter so far. The natural curiosity of this intriguing marine mammal is evident. Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, IUCN Endangered but proposed downlisting to Threatened by USFWS for 2017: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22106/0
    Manatee_with_Red_Algae-1363.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A manatee swims over Big Sister Spring attracting a school of Mangrove snapper, Lutjanus griseus, in its wake. These warm blue freshwaters of Three Sisters Springs are a winter haven for manatees and various fish. Taken at Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_Fish_Spring-1739.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The escort female is in the foreground being rammed by another curious female manatee. It made the newborn calf dislodge from the escort female's back. The mother manatee turns around to help as she has been guiding away a curious male manatee. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters lit with rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-142.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The escort female pushes the newborn male calf up to the surface to breathe while she takes a breath. The mother manatee is guiding a curious male manatee away on the right. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-135.tif
  • A family with child in one of the kayaks explores the natural freshwater springs on a cool winter day. Horizontal orientation split image. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-11.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A curious manatee floats and looks out at the viewer. It is a cool winter day but this manatee is staying warm in the freshwater springs. Vertical orientation with blue water. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-111-2.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. An adult female manatee rises for a breath near a warm blue spring on a cold winter day. Fish, bream, Lepomis spp., are in the background. Horizontal orientation with blue water and soft sunlight. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-517.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother manatee nurses twin female calves at the same time in the warm springs on a cold winter day. Twins are rare and these are not documented but evidence suggests they are twins and not a calf plus an adoptee. Mother nursed both calves for over three minutes straight. Rare series and rare behavior. Vertical orientation with blue freshwater from the springhead. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1031.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother manatee nurses twin female calves at the same time in the warm springs on a cold winter day. Twins are rare and these are not documented but evidence suggests they are twins and not a calf plus an adoptee. More manatee rest by the warm blue freshwater springhead. The other calf that is surfacing appears to have sores, possibly from cold stress or a virus. Rare series and rare behavior. Horizontal orientation with blue water and reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1030.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother manatee nurses twin female calves at the same time in the warm springs on a cold winter day. Twins are rare and these are not documented but evidence suggests they are twins and not a calf plus an adoptee. More manatee rest by the warm blue freshwater springhead. Another calf is surfacing. Rare series and rare behavior. Horizontal orientation with blue water and reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1029.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother manatee nurses twin female calves at the same time in the warm springs on a cold winter day. The mother is surfacing to breathe but continuing to nurse. Twins are rare and these are not documented but evidence suggests they are twins and not a calf plus an adoptee. Rare series. Horizontal orientation with blue water and reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1028.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother manatee navigates with twin female calves in the warm springs on a cold winter day. Twins are rare and these are not documented but evidence suggests they are twins and not a calf plus an adoptee. The threesome swims over blue freshwater springheads. Other manatee rest in the background. Rare series. Horizontal orientation with reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-133-2.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother manatee navigates with twin female calves in the warm springs on a cold winter day. Twins are rare and these are not documented but evidence suggests they are twins and not a calf plus an adoptee. The threesome swims over a blue freshwater springhead. Other manatee rest in the background. Rare series. Horizontal orientation with reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-132-3.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is on its mother's back as she swims near me, apparently to block other curious manatee from the infant. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-079.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is laying between its mother and the escort female on their backs. The mother and escort female are flanked on either side by the curious other female manatee and curious male manatee.  The manatees are in front of the sanctuary because the water level is too shallow inside the sanctuary on this morning and there may be less room to escape curious manatee inside the sanctuary at this time. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-038.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is laying between its mother and the escort female on their backs. The mother and escort female are flanked on their right by the curious male manatee in the foreground.  The manatees are in front of the sanctuary because the water level is too shallow inside the sanctuary on this morning and there may be less room to escape curious manatee inside the sanctuary at this time. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-034.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Series depicting closeness of mother and calf. A calf floats close to his mother near a warm blue spring on a cold winter day. Fish, bream, Lepomis spp., and a mangrove snapper, Lutjanus griseus, are presentl. Horizontal orientation with blue water and reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-694.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A manatee calf rubs its flippers together while floating in the warm blue freshwater springs. The young manatee's snout and whiskers are prominent while lit by rainbow sun rays. Calves often have this bumpy, itchy skin which they eventually grow out of. Horizontal orientation. with blue water, reflection and warming sun rays on a cold winter day. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-519.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Series depicting closeness of mother and calf. A calf nudges its mother and vocalizes to her while floating near a warm blue spring on a cold winter day. Fish, bream, Lepomis spp., and a mangrove snapper, Lutjanus griseus are present near the young animal. Horizontal orientation with blue water and reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-514.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Series depicting closeness of mother and calf. A calf nudges its mother with its flipper while floating next to her near a warm blue spring on a cold winter day. Fish, bream, Lepomis spp., and a mangrove snapper, Lutjanus griseus, are present around the young animal. The manatees tolerate the bream attention as it is the price to pay for sharing the warm waters. Bream target dermis and dead skin on the manatees. Horizontal orientation with blue water and reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-189.tif
  • Two manatees know exactly where the warmest place in the freshwater springs is on this January winter day. Florida manatees come to Three Sisters Springs during the cooler months to rest and stay warm. This split-level image shows both land and underwater views. Taken in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee
    Two_Manatees_Seek_Warmest_Spots-1364.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The escort female keeps the newborn male calf next to her near the surface. The mother manatee is guiding a curious male manatee away from the infant on the right, below. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-129.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A curious manatee floats and looks out at the viewer. The snout, nostrils and whiskers are prominent. It is a cool winter day but this manatee is staying warm in the freshwater springs. Another manatee rests below. Vertical orientation with blue water and reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-103-4.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother manatee visits the submerged tree roots with twin female calves in the warm springs on a cold winter day. Rubbing or chewing on tree roots could be investigation, or it could be scraping of certain root covers for a snack as there is little to eat near the freshwater springs. Twins are rare and these are not documented but evidence suggests they are twins and not a calf plus an adoptee. Rare series. Horizontal orientation, reflection and blue water. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1027.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is laying between its mother and the escort female on their backs, while being lifted to the surface. The mother and escort female are flanked on their right by the curious male manatee in the foreground and on the far left by the curious other female manatee.  The manatees are in front of the sanctuary because the water level is too shallow inside the sanctuary on this morning and there may be less room to escape curious manatee inside the sanctuary at this time. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-029.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn is perched on his new mother's back with an escort female on his left.. It is thought this escort female is a relative, attentive friend or a hopeful adoptive mother. Another curious manatee's snout is just visible entering the frame on the right. This is the first view I had of the newborn manatee, about an hour after sunrise. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters with sun rays. Out in front of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-002.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Series depicting closeness of mother and calf. A calf floats close to its mother near a warm blue spring on a cold winter day. Fish, bream, Lepomis spp., are present around the young animal. Horizontal orientation with blue water and reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-695.tif
  • A Florida manatee rests in the warm spring water enhanced by direct sunshine near Big Sister Spring. It is the middle of the winter season when manatees come to the freshwater springs to stay warm. To the far left underwater markers are set to delineate manatee only resting areas. The public boardwalk that recently opened, invites land visitors to observe manatees while staying warm and dry. As of 2015 the boardwalk is operated by the City of Crystal River but is still part of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, IUCN Endangered but proposed downlisting to Threatened by USFWS for 2017: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22106/0. Nikon d7200 1/125 f13 Tokina 10-17 at 10mm ISO 320 Subal Underwater Housing, Subal 8" dome port, natural light. Post-processing is normal listed actions that are not "beyond".
    Manatee_Rests_Near_Boardwalk-3309.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn manatee is next to an escort female that teamed with the calf's mother to keep him away and safe from other active curious manatees. It is thought this escort female is a relative, attentive friend or a hopeful adoptive mother. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters and strong rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-194.tif
  • A family with child in one of the kayaks explores the natural freshwater springs on a cool winter day. Horizontal orientation split image. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-14.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. An adult warms itself while floating in the blue spring freshwater. Vertical orientation with reflection. This manatee is undisturbed and peaceful in its natural winter home. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-312.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A curious manatee floats and looks out at the viewer. The snout, nostrils and whiskers are prominent. It is a cool winter day but this manatee is staying warm in the freshwater springs. Vertical orientation with blue water and reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-104-2.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother manatee rests with twin female calves in the warm springs on a cold winter day. One calf rests on top of mom. Twins are rare and these are not documented but evidence suggests they are twins and not a calf plus an adoptee. There are fish, bream, Lepomis spa. present. Bream are pecking on the manatees targeting dermis and dead skin. The irritating pecking is tolerated as that is the price to pay for sharing the warm spring waters. Rare series. Horizontal orientation, intimate scene. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-79.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is laying between its mother and the escort female on their backs, while being lifted to the surface. The mother and escort female are flanked on their right by the curious male manatee and on the far left by the curious other female manatee.  The manatees are in front of the sanctuary because the water level is too shallow inside the sanctuary on this morning and there may be less room to escape curious manatee inside the sanctuary at this time. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-025.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn is touching his snout on his new mother with the escort female partially out of the frame on our right. It is thought this escort female is a relative, attentive friend or a hopeful adoptive mother. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-012.tif
  • A young manatee forages near submerged cypress tree roots at Three Sisters Springs. The lovely spring run which acts as the manatee thrououghfare is pictured. It is fall, prior to the cooling of the winter season in Florida. This manatee is an early arrival and is familiar with where to forage before the hordes of manatees arrive. There is some early-season plant and grass material back in the usually barren freshwater warm springs. Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, IUCN Endangered but proposed downlisting to Threatened by USFWS for 2017: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22106/0.
    Manatee_Forages_Near_Spring_Run-0358.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Mother and calf are resting in the clear warm freshwater with patterned sunlight. Polite kayakers observe the scenic beauty on a cool winter day. Horizontal orientation split image with rainbow light reflection on the surface. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-124-2.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. An adult warms itself while floating in the blue spring freshwater. Vertical orientation with reflection. This manatee is undisturbed and peaceful in its natural winter home. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1004.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A group of manatees rest at the perimeter of the springs where the water can become a little cloudy. On this cold winter days it is a warm spot for manatees and fish, bream, Lepomis spp., that gather near the manatees. Horizontal orientation with reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-206.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother manatee navigates with twin female calves in the warm springs on a cold winter day. Twins are rare and these are not documented but evidence suggests they are twins and not a calf plus an adoptee. They swim in the warm blue spring water by submerged tree roots with another manatee and fish, bream, Lepomis spp. in the background. Rare series. Horizontal orientation with reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-192.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn is touching his new mother with his snout and the escort female is on our right. It is thought this escort female is a relative, attentive friend or a hopeful adoptive mother. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-016.tif
  • A young manatee knows exactly where the warmest place in the freshwater springs is on this January winter day. Florida manatees come to Three Sisters Springs during the cooler months to rest and stay warm. This split-level image has the spring below and blue sky with cypress and other trees above. Taken in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee
    Manatee_Rests_in_Sunlight-1387.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The escort female is in the foreground being rammed by another curious female manatee. It has made the newborn calf dislodge from the escort female's back. The mother manatee is starting to turn around to help as she is guiding away a curious male manatee. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-140.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is between the escort female, furthest away, and the mother. He is riding on their backs as they are trying to keep him away from other manatee. There is a curious male manatee in the foreground. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-123.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A Manatee Watch volunteer in a yellow kayak and flag patrols the waters where manatee gather to stay warm in the winter. A manatee swims safely underwater. Horizontal orientation split image with sun rays and shadows. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-64.tif
  • A family with dog in one of the kayaks explores the natural freshwater springs on a cool winter day. Horizontal orientation split image. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-19-3.tif
  • A family with children in a kayak explore the natural freshwater springs on a cool winter day. Horizontal orientation split image with blue spring water mixing with aqua. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-6.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A curious manatee floats and surfaces for a breath. Snout and whiskers are prominent. It is a cool winter day but this manatee is staying warm in the freshwater springs. Vertical orientation with blue water. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-106-3.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A curious manatee floats at the surface with reflection. It is a cool winter day but this manatee is staying warm in the freshwater springs. Vertical orientation with blue water. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-100.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A curious manatee floats, turning sideways and looks out at the viewer. The snout, nostrils and whiskers are prominent along with its deep black eye. It is a cool winter day but this manatee is staying warm in the freshwater springs. Vertical orientation with blue water and resting manatees in the background. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-97.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is on the right of the escort female She tries to keep the infant near the surface. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-084.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning.This adult female manatee partnered with a curious male manatee to attempt to take the infant away from its mother and escort female. This behavior is only noted as curiosity towards newborns as aggression cannot be assumed. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-105.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is on its mother's right side as she swims right near me, apparently to block other curious manatee from the infant. Note his gossamer torn umbilical cord, skin folds and other clues pointing to his newborn ID. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-082.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn is in between his mother and an escort female, with another curious manatee on the far left. It is thought this escort female is a relative, attentive friend or a hopeful adoptive mother. Note the newborn manatee's fetal folds. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-007.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother and calf surface for a breath on a cold winter day. They warm themselves in the natural freshwater springs. The calf appears to have some sort of sores, possibly from cold stress or a virus. Horizontal orientation split image with blue water. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-43.tif
  • What do manatees dream of? i would be it has to do with warm water, sun, abundant food and sometimes maybe little manatees? Here an adult manatee rests in warm Florida sunlight by a blue spring outflow. It is a rather bucolic scene. But what is wrong in this picture? Is there enough for this Florida manatee to eat so it will not starve like some unfortunate manatees did this past winter? Fortunately this adult manatee is healthy and well fed. The brown-green mats this photograph show the invasive Lyngbya algae that chokes out some of the manatee's food sources at freshwater sites all around the state. But something is being done about this. Currently there are very successful Lyngbya removal and eelgrass replanting efforts on the West Coast of Florida. And the East Coast manatees that make it this far inland have conservationists working hard here too. Just to the west of this spring in the left corner of this photograph is a roped off area of recently planted specially bred eelgrass that is protected in special cages. It is growing tall and will proliferate, joining other replanted areas around the spring run. That is a start but this Lyngbya will have to be removed also which entails cooperation of different agencies plus the communithy. The investment of time and money is worth every penny  and man-hour to ensure the Florida manatee's future. Trichechus manatus latirostris, the Florida manatee. Silver Glen Spring, Ocala National Forest, Florida. USA. November 30, 2021.
    Manatee Dreams.tif
  • Several manatees know exactly where the warmest place in the freshwater springs is on this January winter day. Florida manatees come to Three Sisters Springs during the cooler months to rest and stay warm. This split-level image shows both land and underwater views. Taken in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee
    Manatees_Gather_near_Big_Sister_Spri...tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The new manatee mother near the surface swims away from other manatees with the newborn calf on her snout. She was trying to keep him away from other curious manatees as a calf must bond with its mother soon after birth and not be separated. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters with sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-169.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The escort female keeps the newborn male calf next to her while she takes a breath. The mother manatee is guiding a curious male manatee away from the infant on the right. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-132.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A group of manatees rest at the perimeter of the springs where the water can become a little cloudy. On this cold winter days it is a warm spot for manatees. Horizontal orientation with sun, rainbow light and reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-244.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is on his mother's back, with escort female on his left. They are flanked on either side by the curious other female manatee and curious male manatee.  The manatees are in front of the sanctuary because the water level is too shallow inside the sanctuary on this morning and there may be less room to escape curious manatee inside the sanctuary at this time. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-042.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is on his mother's back, with escort female on his left. They are flanked on either side by the curious other female manatee and curious male manatee.  The manatees are in front of the sanctuary because the water level is too shallow inside the sanctuary on this morning and there may be less room to escape curious manatee inside the sanctuary at this time. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-040.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is laying between its mother and the escort female on their backs. The mother and escort female are flanked on either side by the curious other female manatee and curious male manatee in the foreground.  The manatees are in front of the sanctuary because the water level is too shallow inside the sanctuary on this morning and there may be less room to escape curious manatee inside the sanctuary at this time. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-036.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is laying between its mother and the escort female on their backs, while being lifted to the surface. The mother and escort female are flanked on their right by the curious male manatee and on the far left by the curious other female manatee.  The manatees are in front of the sanctuary because the water level is too shallow inside the sanctuary on this morning and there may be less room to escape curious manatee inside the sanctuary at this time. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-027.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A manatee calf rubs its flippers together while floating in the warm blue freshwater springs. The young manatee's snout and whiskers are prominent while lit by soft sun rays. Calves often have this bumpy skin which they eventually grow out of. Horizontal orientation. with blue water, reflection and warming sun rays on a cold winter day. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-689.tif
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