Sleepy Manatee enviro

I was snorkelling in about 10 feet of water and saw a bright shape below me, i dived down and saw a white manatee on the bottom,it looked dead and s**t the life out of me, i went back and reported it and was told it was sleeping, It seems that they drop to the bottom to sleep and every 5-20 mins drift to the surface and take a gulp of air before drifting slowly back down to the bottom, after this i saw a few more but did find it spooky to see, We went to one of the clear water springs and there was a manatee sleeping in the protected area i watched as it came up for air and went back to sleep,after an hour it had drifted closer to the rope so i stayed there and waited for it to surface for air,the wide angle gave a good view of its habitat ,This is one of my favorite images from the trip there

Nikon D3+16-35F4 VR (17mm) in an EWA Marine housing
AV Mode 1/800@ F7.1 -2/3 centre weighted ISO800

Dave

I really like this Dave, the wide angle gives the sense that you are looking through the mask and there's plenty of depth of field. I'd love to see these one day.

Very brilliant and I like the deep colors Dave,
the reflection on the water surface is superb
Must have been a strong experience for you

Bertl

I can see why you like it ,a very impressive image .
They are a real spectacle .

A cracking shot what a sight to see must have been great for you

Hi DC, hard to think we were talking about this the other week and here you are, posting.

Love these gentle giants and a corker of an image, highlighting the habitat/environment, as expected, very well.

BTW, are they still suffering from bad cuts and even death through the props of the boats or has that began to stop?

TFS
Steve

Another very cool shot. The reflection fron the surface adds a lot of drama.

I think your new toy has paid back it's investment already The tory gives the image some extra context. Awesome looking creature.


Calum

Another cracker. Agree the reflection gives it depth.
Love it
Pete

Lovely tender moment captured,love the composition

Steve
Over 450 died this winter mainly due to hypothermia, Its been a long cold winter here and they also dont eat during the winter as they lie up in the springs and there isnt any food there, The problem with boats is still a major problem,not the props with just cut them but people going too fast and the manatees suffer from internal injuries from the front of the boat,saying that the numbers are on the up so some positive news
Dave

really cool perspective - DOF great, colors great, and not a nit from me..

Sandy r

This is superb, Dave, good colours too!

A great shot - makes me feel I'm there watching.

Tim

Hi Dave

Another 'stunner'

David

Great shot , are they prop marks down the flank ?.

Bob.

Absolutely stunning, Dave.

Tremendous!

Craig..

A stonking shot Dave