Groundhog Day

Have you heard?

Have they proclaimed his findings?

Did he see it?

How much longer? 

It’s here!

February 2, 2011…

The day we northerners hope for gloomy weather…

The morning we awake and pensively wait for the news…

Punxatawny Phil saw it?

What about Buckeye Chuck?

Manatees

One of my very favorite animals is the Manatee, also known as a sea cow. Their scientific name is Trichechus manatus latirostris. These gentle giants are herbivores and are on the endangered species list with less than 3,200 individuals as of early 2002.

These aquatic mammals must surface for air every three - five minutes. The full grown adults weigh approximately 1,000 pounds and grows to a length of about 10 feet. The average female reproduces once every two - three years. This slow reproductive rate coupled with the encroachment of humans on their natural habitat threaten its survival.

Threats to the Manatee*

1. Extensive development of coastal lands which affects manatee feeding grounds.
   
2. Irresponsible recreational and commercial boating practices.
3. Poor water quality from civic, industrial, commercial, and agricultural affluent.
4. Alteration of wetlands for dredge and fill operations; chanalization of rivers, streams, and other changes to fresh-waterflow.

* Source: Manatee Observation and Education Center

The Columbus Zoo is one of the few manatee rehabilitation facilities in the US. The Manatee Coast Exhibit is one of the zoo's most popular. Currently, I believe the zoo has four juveniles they are rehabilitating. Most of them have scars on their back from boat propellers.

Manatee Coast
Columbus Zoo & Aquarium

Fort Pierce, Florida is a popular manatee destination during the winter months, typically December - March. The manatees congregate in Moore's Creek to keep warm when surrounding waters drop below 62 degrees. The Fort Pierce Utilities Authority operates a power plant near the Manatee Observation and Education Center and uses water from Moore's creek to cool the pipes in the power plant. As the water leaves the plant and back into the creek, it is 7 degrees warmer than the surrounding water. When the weather becomes warmer, the manatees travel out of the creek and will visit the rest of the year to drink fresh water.

On my latest trip to Fort Pierce, we were down at the marina for the farmers market when Melanie spotted a pod of manatees. This was so exciting for me and I tried to get some good shots of them when they surfaced.

Fort Pierce, Florida

Please visit the Manatee Observation and Education Center for ways you can help these wonderful creatures.

Please join me at Mosaic Monday, Blue Monday, Outdoor Wednesdays, and Watery Wednesdays.

I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane

Hello Friends!

I'm going to be gone for a few days. I'm leaving on a jet plane, but I DO know when I'll be back again...unless I win the lottery. I'm flying to Orlando this afternoon and will spend the next few days in Fort Pierce, Florida. I am visiting family and can't wait to see everyone.


I will miss all of you very much while I'm gone. I promise to take lots of pictures of palm trees, and waves, and food.....

I hear the neighborhood watch commander hasn't been seen in a while. I worry that a gator got him. Of course, it could be that he found himself some hot young chick and has retired his post. I'll try to investigate while I'm there.

I hope you all have a wonderful rest of the week and a glorious weekend!


I will be linking to Outdoor Wednesday.

Neighborhood Security

Last March, I visited family in Florida. It was a wonderful week full of eating, talking, and soaking up the sunshine. My Aunts Cheryl and Marilyn put me up at their apartment. I noticed when I awoke the first morning that someone in the apartment had an alarm clock that crows like a rooster, cute.

A day or so later, I decided to go out in the courtyard and get some sun on my otherwise ghostly white skin. I sat there, eyes closed, soaking up the warm sunshine and breathing in the fresh spring air....until....the neighborhood watch commander came to investigate. He slid up behind me ever so quietly and asked in a clear voice, Cock-a-doodle-doo!?!

Just behind my chair stood this gorgeous gentleman who makes it his business to keep a watchful eye on the entire neighborhood. He made daily appearances in the courtyard and when you couldn't see him, you'd hear him down the street interrogating anyone he came upon.

Of course, maintaining peace and tranquility in an entire neighborhood is a huge undertaking for just one watchman, so he enlists the services of these fine feathered specimen.

I am planning another trip to Florida for this fall. I better make sure all my credentials are in order.

Linking to Outdoor Wednesdays

Lions, and Tigers, and Bears, Oh My!

Lions

and tigers

and bears, oh my!

As a resident of central Ohio, I am blessed to have the country’s #1 zoo just a short drive away. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is situated on 90 acres and is home to more than 700 species of wildlife. The zoo is laid out by geographical regions of the world.

If you are not from Ohio, you are probably still aware of our wonderful zoo through personal TV appearances by the zoo’s director emeritus, Jack Hanna. Jack, incidentally, is currently in the news for using pepper spray to ward off a charging bear cub.

Come along with me as we go on safari at the zoo.

Here are some babies with their mamas.

Just hangin'

Lunch time for the baby manatees

who are being rehabilitated
after some unfortunate boating encounters.

The Polar Bear Exhibit is the newest addition
LOOK AT THAT FACE!

Twin girls who love to play.
The exhibit provides multiple vantage points,
including a tunnel that runs below the exhibit...

so you can get up close and personal.

Celebrate Independence

Whether you…

Go to a ballgame…

Enjoy a picnic…

Explore wildlife…or

Bask under the sun at the beach ~ enjoy!

Happy Fourth of July!