Key West Critters

Yep, Mark here again.  You already knew that, though, didn't you?

One of my favorite benefits of walking or biking is being able to watch the wildlife around you. I'll probably always think it's cool to see a Bald Eagle, a big Osprey or a Manatee.  Sometimes, you also get to see some more exotic animals, as well.  Here is a sample from the past few months.

A live Queen Conch.  It was in a fairly muddy area so we can't really see it's best  colors.            

   A Green Sea Turtle

An Octopus (notice him looking at me?)

     ...and of course, a Shark.  Nurse Sharks have an interesting chocolate coloring.

and a young Iguana.  They've got gorgeous color that first couple years

                                                                                                               

These are only cell phone pics so the quality isn't the greatest but I think they are worth sharing. Now I need some shots of the Ospreys, Rays and other critters....

Manatees!

After living here almost a year, I finally saw Manatees! Technically, a few months ago, I saw the outline of one as it swam under a cluster of tarpon but that doesn't count. We were out for a walk, along the Bight Marina outside Schooner Wharf,  and saw a mama and baby. 








Mark had to point them out to me. I walked right past thinking they were boat equipment.  You can see how much she blends into the bag hanging next to her.  The next night, we saw the mama in almost the same spot. Baby was probably close by. 

I'll have to start carrying my camera with the polarized lens again.